In a thrilling culmination to Season 13 of The Masked Singer, country music star Gretchen Wilson was unmasked as the winner — a reveal that left judges and audiences both surprised and delighted. Disguised as the stunning Goldfish, Wilson wowed viewers each week with her powerhouse vocals, emotional depth, and commanding stage presence.
The Big Reveal: Goldfish Takes the Crown
After weeks of intense speculation, vocal clues, and dazzling performances, the final episode of Season 13 aired on May 8, 2025, revealing that the golden-scaled siren who captured the hearts of fans and judges alike was none other than Gretchen Wilson, the Grammy-winning singer best known for her 2004 hit Redneck Woman.
Performing hits like “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar and “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence, Wilson disguised her distinctive voice with strategic musicality and a theatrical flair that kept fans guessing.
The final showdown was a tightly contested battle, but the Goldfish’s final performance — an emotional rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” — sealed the deal.
“This experience reminded me how much I love to perform, and how freeing it can be when no one’s judging you based on who you are — just on what they hear,” Wilson said after the unmasking.
The Power of Disguise
Season 13’s theme, “New Horizons,” encouraged contestants to push boundaries and step outside their comfort zones. And Gretchen Wilson embraced that challenge fully. Wearing an elaborate Goldfish costume — complete with shimmering scales, oversized expressive eyes, and flowing fins — she was transformed each week into a mysterious, aquatic diva.
This costume helped her mask not just her identity but also her Southern roots, allowing her to sing across genres — from power ballads to alternative rock. The judges, including Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, and Nicole Scherzinger, frequently commented on how versatile and powerful Goldfish’s voice was.
Many suspected she might be a pop artist or Broadway star due to her vocal range. Guesses ranged from Carrie Underwood to Sara Bareilles, but few connected the voice to the country scene until the final few episodes.
Gretchen’s Career: A Country Star’s Comeback
Gretchen Wilson shot to fame with her chart-topping hit Redneck Woman and quickly became one of country music’s most recognizable voices in the mid-2000s. Known for her bold attitude, relatable lyrics, and powerhouse voice, she carved out a space for strong, unapologetic women in the country music scene.
Though she stepped back from the spotlight in the late 2010s to focus on raising her daughter and managing her label, her appearance on The Masked Singer marks a triumphant return.
“This show gave me a chance to reconnect with music on my own terms,” she shared in a post-show interview. “I didn’t have to be Gretchen Wilson the brand — I could just be a singer.”
Runner-Up: Seal Revealed as “Gumball”
Runner-up honors went to another powerhouse singer: Seal, who was hidden beneath the cheerful and colorful Gumball costume. His soulful performances, including his own hit Kiss from a Rose, as well as covers of John Legend’s “All of Me” and Harry Styles’ “As It Was”, kept fans guessing for weeks.
The judges suspected that Gumball had a deep, seasoned voice, and their guesses included everyone from Ne-Yo to Usher. When Seal finally removed the mask, the audience roared with approval.
Seal praised the experience for reigniting his love of live performance and called it “the most joyful thing I’ve done in years.”
Behind the Scenes: Why The Masked Singer Still Works
The Masked Singer continues to be a ratings juggernaut because it combines three irresistible elements:
Celebrity mystery – Who doesn’t love guessing which famous voice is hidden behind a mask?
Wild costumes – Each season brings more elaborate and imaginative disguises.
Emotional storytelling – Contestants often share personal reasons for participating, creating genuine emotional connections with audiences.
For Wilson, the show was an opportunity to rediscover herself artistically. For viewers, it was a chance to witness a seasoned artist in a completely new light.
What’s Next for Gretchen Wilson?
Following the finale, Gretchen hinted at new music on the horizon. “This experience gave me the push I needed,” she said. “I’ve got some songs I’ve been working on, and I’m ready to share them soon.”
Fans are hoping for a tour or at least a studio album in the near future. Industry insiders suggest that Wilson’s resurgence on The Masked Singer could lead to crossover projects or high-profile collaborations.
Season 13 of The Masked Singer will be remembered not just for its talent, but for its heart. Gretchen Wilson’s journey from anonymity behind the Goldfish mask to winning the title reminds us all of the transformative power of music — and how important it is to take creative risks.
In Wilson’s own words: “Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is what reminds you of who you really are.”
