Country star Gretchen Wilson has been revealed as the winner of The Masked Singer Season 13. Performing under the glittery Pearl costume, Wilson outlasted fellow finalists Mad Scientist Monster (Brian Kelley), Coral (Meg Donnelly), and Boogie Woogie (Andy Grammer). The finale aired on Wednesday, May 7. Wilson took home the Golden Mask Trophy and stunned fans with her versatility and transformation.
Wilson, 51, opened up about the physical challenge of competing. “It meant the world, obviously,” she told Us Weekly. “It’s grueling. It’s a hard schedule... a lot of work.” Dancing was especially hard. “I’ve never been known to be good at that!” she said. That challenge was heightened by a serious leg injury she suffered before filming.
Gretchen Wilson Doubles Down On Her Struggles
“I destroyed my left leg, and I was in a wheelchair for eight months with a cast,” she shared. Wilson had only been out of a medical boot for six months when she started filming The Masked Singer. The physical demands of the show were daunting. She questioned whether she could even handle the costume boots, manage the stairs on set, or carry the extra weight while performing. Despite her concerns, she kept pushing herself. Each day she completed gave her more confidence. Eventually, she began to believe she could make it to the end.
For Wilson, the show was more than just a competition. It was an opportunity to step away from the “Redneck Woman” persona that defined her early career. She picked songs from across genres. Everything from Whitney Houston to Blue Öyster Cult in order to show her range and challenge expectations.
'The Masked Singer' Reveals Season 13 Winner After 1 Contestant Gives the Season's 'Best Vocal': 'I Am Floored!' https://t.co/0Z4sTYMk3m
— People (@people) May 8, 2025
She wanted to remind people that her talents go far beyond singing. Wilson is deeply involved in every part of her music. She writes, produces, and plays instruments on her records. Her goal was to show that she’s not just a performer, but a complete artist.
Beyond her creative work, Wilson also wanted to shift how people see her personally. She acknowledged that fans often associate her with a rowdy, tough image rooted in her early hits. But she stressed there’s much more to who she is. Over the years, she’s grown, evolved, and developed layers that people don’t always see. Through her performances on the show, she hoped to reveal more of that depth.
Gretchen Wilson: The Power of the Pearl Costume
Wearing the shimmering Pearl costume allowed Gretchen Wilson to explore a new side of herself. The character helped her express traits like grace, patience, and quiet strength. Parts of her personality that don’t often take center stage. Wilson explained that while she does possess those qualities, Pearl made it easier to show a softer, more playful energy. Stepping into the role felt like transforming into someone entirely different—almost like becoming a goddess version of herself, far removed from her usual image.
'I was stunned': Grammy winner [spoiler] reflects on winning 'The Masked Singer' https://t.co/6JFhWC0ygg pic.twitter.com/d2oKt3LklD
— Gold Derby (@GoldDerby) May 8, 2025
Fans won’t have to wait long to see more from Wilson. She’s currently re-recording her debut album, Here for the Party, and plans to release the updated version by late June. This new take will feature guest artists on every track, although she’s holding off on naming them until final details are confirmed.
A Real-Life Look at Touring
Wilson is also appearing in a new reality series called The Road, produced by Blake Shelton. The show follows rising artists as they tour across the country with Keith Urban. According to Wilson, it offers a raw look at life on tour. Where sleep happens on a moving bus, not in a cozy bed. She emphasized that this is the real experience of life on the road, not a glamorized version.Serving as the group’s “tour manager,” Wilson takes on a mentor role. She focuses on preparing the artists mentally, helping them stay grounded, and encouraging self-care as they face the challenges of performing night after night. The Masked Singer Season 13 is now available to stream on Hulu.
