'The Masked Singer' winner revealed: See who was under Pearl's costume
The reality singing competition, which spices up a well-worn format by putting its contestants in elaborate disguises, entered its final episode of the year with just four candidates left.
Pearl, Boogie Woogie, Mad Scientist and Coral, all nicknames for the costumes the celebrities don for their performances, duked it out in one final showdown − the winner nabbing the Golden Mask trophy and being forced to reveal themselves.
'The Masked Singer' winner Vanessa Hudgens reveals if she plans on returning to music
Pearl ultimately reigned triumphant, impressing judges with a rendition of "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree." Judges and viewers alike are kept in the dark on the identities of the masked singers, given clues on what (usually mid-profile) name they might be and tasked with recognizing their voice sight unseen.
Pear turned out to be country star Gretchen Wilson, an early-2000s staple, whose song "Redneck Woman" became an anthem.
Wilson, who stumped almost all the judges (aside from Robin Thicke), said after her win that she had done the show to build confidence after a difficult couple of years.
"I've had a rough couple of years," she said. "I was injured, I was in a wheelchair and there was a moment where I didn't think I'd ever get back to this place. I worked really hard, I prayed really hard, and I got so far."
"This opportunity has really proven to me that there's nothing I can't do," she continued.
After Wilson's win, the other finalists also demasked. Boogie Woogie was singer Andy Grammer, Coral was "Zombies" actress Meg Donnelly and Mad Scientist was former Florida Georgia Line member Brian Kelley.
Other masked stars this season included Flavor Flav, James Van Der Beek and Candace Cameron Bure.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Pearl on 'The Masked Singer?' See the winner reveal
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