American Idol season 11 winner Phillip Phillips was revealed to be the performer behind the Pugcasso mask on the “Two-Hour Season Finale” of THE MASKED SINGER, which aired on Wednesday, April 1st. This marked Phillips’ second major television singing competition.

Phillips' Journey to the Mask

Following his elimination, Phillips spoke with PauseRewind entertainment reporter Kevin Zelman about his experience on the show and what led to his decision to participate. He explained that he had been approached about joining the show a few years earlier, but the timing didn’t feel right.

This time, however, Phillips was eager for a new challenge. He emphasized that his son’s love for dressing up in costumes – including Spider-Man and Darth Vader – was a key factor. “This connection made The Masked Singer a perfect fit for a fun television venture,” Phillips stated.

Family Connection and Hidden Clues

Phillips shared that his son quickly began to suspect his identity, pointing out clues that suggested he was Pugcasso. Phillips playfully deflected these suspicions with a laugh, keeping the secret intact. He also noted his son’s fascination with the costumes themselves, making the experience even more enjoyable for the family.

Interestingly, Phillips’ father-in-law discovered a meaningful detail within the costume: patches that honored the name of their grandson, Patch.

Comparing 'Idol' and 'Masked Singer'

Phillips contrasted his experience on The Masked Singer with his time on American Idol, highlighting the significantly reduced pressure. He recalled the intense pressure he felt during Idol as a young artist striving to launch a music career.

“There was no pressure to show your face every week,” Phillips explained. “I felt a sense of freedom.”

Other Reveals from the Finale

Also unmasked during the finale were Normani from Fifth Harmony and Kylie Cantrell from Disney’s “The Descendants.” Normani shared that her grandmother’s love for the show inspired her to participate. “This is one of her favorite shows…so I’m like, 'Okay, this would be a really, really dope and full circle of me to actually be under the mask,’” she told Zelman.

Kylie Cantrall described how wearing the costume gave her a sense of empowerment. “Every time I put the costume on I would kind of step into this more fierce version of myself…it gave me a lot of courage.”

New Music and Tour Dates

Phillips released his new single, “Homesick,” on April 1st, coinciding with the finale. The single is part of an upcoming EP scheduled for release later this year, and he has also announced upcoming tour dates.

The finale of The Masked Singer celebrated music, mystery, and family. The show provides a unique platform for artists to showcase their talents and connect with audiences in a new way.