The Quarterfinals of 'The Masked Singer' Season 13: Unmasking Clues and Performances

On April 23, the highly anticipated quarterfinals of the 13th season of the popular singing competition series, The Masked Singer, aired on FOX, captivating audiences yet again. Originating in South Korea, this unique show has gained immense popularity for its format: celebrities perform songs while disguised in elaborate costumes and masks, which conceal their identities until they are eliminated from the competition. Each week, contestants provide an array of clues to help both the judges and the viewers decipher who might be behind the mask, enhancing the thrill of the guessing game.
This season introduces a new character, Detective Lucky Duck, who is set to assist the panelists in uncovering the identities of the masked singers. During this quarterfinal episode, various contestants showcased their vocal talents, including Boogie Woogie, Mad Scientist Monster, Nessy, Pearl, and Coral, each performing songs that would keep the audience at the edge of their seats.
One standout performance came from Pearl, who sang Your Love by The Outfield. To add to the intrigue, Pearls performance was accompanied by a series of intriguing clues that provided viewers with insights into her identity. Lets dive into the clues shared during her performances and the subsequent guesses from the panelists.
First Performance Clues:
- She presents a tough exterior, suggesting a strong personality.
- She holds up a baseball, hinting at possible connections to sports.
- Two cherries are displayed, possibly symbolizing a personal connection.
- She covers herself with a pink umbrella, which might hint at her style or brand.
- She indicates she faced challenges in breaking into the industry.
- While on the red carpet, she humorously mentions wearing something she found on sale.
Panel Guesses:
The panelists speculated on her identity, with guesses including Regina King, Shania Twain, and Joan Jett, showcasing the variety of celebrity possibilities.
Second Performance Clues:
- She reveals that she ran away from home before reaching high school.
- She has experience working in a bar.
- A crescent moon is shown, which may have additional significance.
- Numerous football-related clues are incorporated.
- She is described as a best seller, indicating she may be a published author.
Panel Guesses:
The panel now considers Joan Jett, Madonna, and Melissa Etheridge as possible identities for Pearl.
Third Performance Clues:
- She once shared a stage with the legendary Dolly Parton.
- A Christmas wreath is displayed during her performance.
- A golden figurine angel is shown, perhaps referencing something personal or symbolic.
- Strong arm imagery appears on a pair of cowboy boots, reinforcing the theme of strength.
- She has been quoted saying, As a strong woman, theres nothing I like more than making others feel strong too.
Panel Guesses:
This time, guesses narrowed to Sheryl Crow, Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Pickler, and Carrie Underwood.
Fourth Performance Clues:
- It's confirmed that she is not Shania Twain.
- She has a notable connection to Elvis Presley.
- She is a diamond record holder, indicating her success in the music industry.
Panel Guesses:
Faith Hill and Pat Benatar emerged as potential identities based on these clues.
Fifth Performance Clues:
- She has the experience of being a single mother.
- Gold earrings are shown, perhaps pointing to her personal style.
- She can hitch a trailer all by herself, showcasing her self-sufficiency.
- A cassette tape with Movie written on it is prominently displayed.
Panel Guesses:
Panelists speculated that this performance could point to Bonnie Tyler, Wynonna Judd, or Brandi Carlile.
Our Final Guess:
After analyzing Pearl's clues, our guess leans towards the talented Gretchen Wilson. Over the years, Wilson has spoken candidly about the struggles she faced while trying to make a name for herself in the music industry, including working as a bartender and dropping out of high school. Many of her red carpet outfits tend to be simple, and she is an avid baseball fan, even performing at the 2005 Super Bowl pregame show. Additionally, Wilson collaborated with Dolly Parton during the 2019 CMA Awards, making her a fitting candidate for Pearl's identity. Furthermore, her holiday album, Christmas in My Heart, released in 2013, may connect to the Christmas wreath clue provided.