Country star Gretchen Wilson reclaims her spotlight with a triumphant win on “The Masked Singer” after battling life-threatening health issues that nearly ended her career.
At a Glance
- Wilson won Season 13 of “The Masked Singer” as the character “Pearl” after a 2.5-year hiatus from public life
- The country star suffered severe COVID-19 complications including high blood pressure and asthma so severe she “couldn’t even do light housework”
- A shattered leg injury left her wheelchair-bound for eight months, compounding her health struggles
- The competition served as a personal test to determine if she could continue her music career
- Wilson is now collaborating with Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, and “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan on new projects
From Health Crisis to Triumphant Return
Gretchen Wilson’s recent victory on Season 13 of “The Masked Singer” as “Pearl” represents far more than just a reality TV win—it marks the rebirth of a country music career nearly destroyed by serious health complications. The “Redneck Woman” singer disappeared from public view approximately two and a half years ago without explanation, leaving fans wondering about her absence. Now, Wilson has revealed the harrowing health journey that forced her retreat from the spotlight and tested her will to continue performing.
Wilson contracted COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic, suffering severe complications that continued long after the initial infection. The virus left her with dangerously high blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and asthma that required extensive medical intervention. These symptoms were severe enough to make basic daily activities dangerous for the country star, who found herself unable to manage even routine tasks.
A Difficult Recovery Journey
Compounding Wilson’s respiratory struggles, she also suffered a devastating leg injury that left her wheelchair-bound for eight months. Rather than publicize her struggles, Wilson chose to handle her health battles privately. She worked diligently with medical professionals to manage her conditions through medication and lifestyle changes, including the use of inhalers and beta blockers that now help her perform despite ongoing health challenges.
The country singer candidly acknowledges that her decision to join “The Masked Singer” went beyond entertainment—it served as a personal test to determine if her career could continue. She approached the competition with uncertainty about her physical capabilities and vocal prowess after years of health struggles. The show offered a controlled environment to assess whether she could still perform at a professional level.
Unexpected Victory and Career Revival
Wilson entered the competition with modest expectations, viewing it primarily as an opportunity to gauge her capabilities rather than a path to victory. The physical demands of performing while wearing the elaborate “Pearl” costume presented additional challenges for the singer, who was still managing her ongoing health conditions. Despite these obstacles, Wilson’s performances consistently impressed the judges and audience throughout the season.
Her eventual win came as a genuine shock to Wilson, who had anticipated another contestant would claim the title. The victory has reinvigorated her confidence and reignited her musical ambitions. Wilson now plans to incorporate elements of her Pearl character into future performances, embracing a new chapter in her career that blends her established country persona with newfound confidence.
New Collaborations and Future Projects
Building on the momentum from her “Masked Singer” triumph, Wilson has secured several high-profile collaborations that signal her full return to the country music scene. She’s currently working with “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan on undisclosed projects, potentially bringing her authentic country voice to the popular franchise. Additionally, Wilson has partnered with industry heavyweights Blake Shelton and Keith Urban on separate ventures.
Wilson’s comeback coincides with what she identifies as a resurgence in traditional country music. She notes that mainstream artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone have recently ventured into country territory, potentially drawing new audiences to the genre. For Wilson, this revival reaffirms the enduring appeal of her authentic “Redneck Woman” persona and suggests that her distinctively traditional country voice remains relevant in today’s evolving musical landscape.
