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Gretchen Wilson clinched the Golden Mask trophy on May 7, 2025, crowned winner of The Masked Singer Season 13. The country music icon performed as Pearl, defeating Andy Grammer who finished second as Boogie Woogie. Wilson’s emotional rendition of “I’ll Stand by You” proved decisive in the season finale.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Winner: Gretchen Wilson as Pearl, crowned with the Golden Mask trophy
- Runner-up: Andy Grammer as Boogie Woogie, multi-platinum recording artist
- Final Performance: Pearl sang “I’ll Stand by You” by The Pretenders for victory
- Health Journey: Wilson overcame wheelchair recovery from shattered leg injuries before competing
Pearl’s Triumphant Reveal Shocks Judges
The Season 13 finale brought together four finalists for a two-hour face-off. Mad Scientist Monster (Brian Kelley) was eliminated first. Coral (Meg Donnelly) followed as second runner-up. This left Pearl and Boogie Woogie for the final showdown under the bright stage lights.
Robin Thicke correctly identified Pearl as Gretchen Wilson, though other judges offered different guesses. Ken Jeong suggested Ann Wilson. Rita Ora picked Natalie Maines from the Chicks. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg named Trisha Yearwood. The reveal shocked all four panelists with genuine surprise.
Masked Singer finale crowns Gretchen Wilson as Pearl winner, Andy Grammer finishes second
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The Battle of the Ballads
Boogie Woogie performed first with “Love the Hell Out of You” by Lewis Capaldi, delivering an emotional rendition. Then Pearl took the stage for her final performance, belting out the powerful ballad “I’ll Stand by You” by The Pretenders. The performance proved decisive with judging.
Spectators noted Pearl’s versatility and raw vocal power throughout the season. Critics highlighted that her range and ability to handle both upbeat and balladic material set her apart from her competitors. The emotional depth of her final song sealed her victory.
From Wheelchair to Golden Mask Trophy
Gretchen Wilson’s journey to the stage was remarkable. The “Redneck Woman” pioneer had been recovering from severe injuries. According to Variety, “I was in a wheelchair for about eight months,” Wilson revealed. She had shattered both leg bones, her left leg, and her ankle in a serious accident.
| Category | Details |
| Final Song | “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders |
| Trophy Won | Golden Mask trophy |
| Season | Season 13, aired May 7, 2025 |
| Recovery Timeline | Only one year removed from walking boot when she began competing |
“It was a real chance for me to be able to prove to myself whether I’ve still got it. If I should be thinking about the next 10 years professionally, or the next 10 years in retirement.”
— Gretchen Wilson, after winning The Masked Singer Season 13
Andy Grammer’s Strong Second Place Finish
Andy Grammer, the “Honey, I’m Good” singer, captured second place as Boogie Woogie. The multi-platinum artist had judges guessing wildly throughout the competition. McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed Ryan Tedder. Thicke thought it might be Daniel Powter. Ken Jeong selected Ed Sheeran. Rita Ora named Darren Criss.
Grammer’s journey also connected emotionally on the show. According to Variety, he shared that his neighbor once told him “your voice sucks, give up the dream.” But as a father, Grammer pushed through rejection. His final performance showcased the resilience he wanted to teach his children about never giving up on dreams.
Why Did This Season Captivate Millions of Fans?
The Masked Singer Season 13 delivered unexpected reveals and genuine emotional storytelling. Wilson’s comeback narrative resonated deeply with audiences. Each celebrity shared personal struggles, health battles, and redemption arcs. The finale proved that The Masked Singer transcended simple singing competitions into genuine human stories.
Judges Nick Cannon, Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora provided enthusiastic reactions throughout the finale. The two-hour event featured retrospectives of all four finalists’ performances from earlier rounds. Fans praised the emotional depth and vocal quality displayed by both Wilson and Grammer in particular.
Sources
- Variety – Season 13 Finale Recap with exclusive Wilson interview
- NBC News – Pearl’s reveal and judge reactions coverage
- Billboard – Runner-up Grammer exit interview and commentary
