The Masked Singer s Goldfish Breaks Free as the Winner of Season 11
Michael Becker / FOX
Season 11 of The Masked Singer concluded with a thrilling finale and an unforgettable celebrity reveal.
After a fierce competition between Goldfish and Gumball, Goldfish emerged as the winner and surprised everyone by unveiling herself as Vanessa Hudgens.
Hudgens, 35, described her time on the show as "the most incredible thing ever." She eagerly anticipated the moment to reveal her identity and jokingly tell judge Rita Ora why they can't hang out - "Because I can't lie!"
Reflecting on her journey in the competition, Hudgens fought back tears as she expressed gratitude for all that it has brought into her life.
"I never imagined that doing what I love would bring me so much freedom. It's been a long time since I've felt this kind of joy, and I truly love it with all my heart," she expressed. "It fills my soul completely.
Before her final song, a cover of Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know," Hudgens took a moment to thank her biggest fan. "Mom, I love you. Thank you for always supporting me, taking me to my dance classes and singing lessons," she expressed gratefully. "I finally feel like a winner in my singing journey."
Hudgens emerged victorious over Gumball, who turned out to be Friday Night Lights actor Scott Porter. The two had previously worked together in the movie Bandslam, where Hudgens had bested Porter in a music competition. "It's like history repeating itself!" he exclaimed to the audience with a chuckle.
Since the show premiered in 2019, Hudgens has been a popular guess among fans. While she managed to keep the panelists guessing throughout season 11, her supporters had suspected all along that the former Disney star was the one behind the mask.
Goldfish shared during the season premiere that when they initially began, they quickly gained attention. However, this sudden success made them feel as if they were constantly under scrutiny, with everyone watching and expecting things from them. They faced a dilemma of whether to stick to the familiar and safe path or to explore more challenging and risky endeavors.
The Masked Singer s Goldfish Breaks Free as the Winner of Season 11
Many experts analyzing Hudgens’ career believe that the mention of “edgier waters” is a nod to her role in the 2012 movie Spring Breakers. In the film, she portrayed a wild college student who goes on a spring break trip to Florida with her buddies, played by Ashley Benson, Selena Gomez, and Rachel Korine.
Goldfish revealed during Transformers Night that her love life had become a topic of public discussion. She expressed the challenges of dating in Hollywood, mentioning that she hadn't always been lucky in love. It can be tough to move on when you constantly come across your exes everywhere, with even chance encounters turning into viral TikToks.
Fans of Hudgens may remember a memorable moment at an Oscars afterparty in 2023. The High School Musical star ran into her ex-boyfriend Austin Butler, 32, as captured in a viral clip. Hudgens walked by Butler without making eye contact, while onlookers screamed his name.
On Queen Night, Goldfish discovered a significant clue about her identity. She shared, "I was about to debut in my dream role when I received devastating news the night before. I lost my biggest supporter." Despite feeling paralyzed by the news, she found solace in the thought that no one else in the world enjoyed watching her perform as much as her supporter did.
The Masked Singer s Goldfish Breaks Free as the Winner of Season 11
Michael Becker from FOX made a touching mention during a recent event. It was a touching tribute to Vanessa Hudgens' father, Greg, who passed away in January 2016. Greg lost his battle with cancer just a day before Vanessa was scheduled to play Rizzo in Fox's Grease: Live. Vanessa shared the sad news shortly before the show and performed in honor of her father's memory.
Last night, my daddy, Greg, passed away from stage 4 cancer. I am very sad to share this news. I want to thank everyone who prayed for him. Tonight, I will be doing the show in his honor.
Editor's P/S:
The Masked Singer's Season 11 finale was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in the thrilling reveal of Vanessa Hudgens as the victorious Goldfish. Hudgens' performance throughout the season showcased her versatility and passion for music, culminating in a captivating rendition of "You Oughta Know." Her heartfelt gratitude towards her mother and the memory of her father added a poignant touch to her triumph.
The article delves into the personal challenges Hudgens faced in the spotlight, including the scrutiny she experienced after achieving early success. Her candid reflections on her love life and the difficulties of navigating relationships in Hollywood resonated with many viewers. The mention of her father's passing and her dedication to performing in his honor added a layer of depth to her character, demonstrating her strength and resilience. Hudgens' victory on The Masked Singer not only showcased her talent but also provided a platform for her to share her experiences and inspire others.