Ashlee Simpson was crowned the winner of The Masked Singer Season 14 on Wednesday night, but the competition came down to the wire. Singer-songwriter Phillip Phillips, known for his 2012 hit “Home,” finished as the runner-up, unmasked as the Pugcasso. While Phillips joked about a potential setup, he ultimately extended congratulations to Simpson and reflected on the experience as a welcome change of pace.
The show, a popular Fox singing competition where celebrities perform in elaborate costumes, presented a unique challenge for Phillips, who is typically recognized for his acoustic guitar function. His appearance on the show, and his near-victory, marks a new chapter for the American Idol Season 11 champion, who says he almost didn’t participate at all. Phillips’ journey on The Masked Singer offered a glimpse into his willingness to step outside his comfort zone and embrace a different kind of performance.
A Different Kind of Stage
Phillips admitted to Gold Derby that he’d been approached about appearing on the show in the past, but the timing wasn’t right. “They’d asked me a couple years back… and it just wasn’t the right time,” he said. When the opportunity arose again, with a relatively open schedule, he decided to grab a chance. “I thought it could be worth doing — help create some other opportunities,” he explained. The appeal, he said, was the novelty of the experience. “It was just a totally new experience — wearing the costume, where it doesn’t matter who you are. It just matters how you sing and perform.”
Performing as Pugcasso presented a unique set of challenges. Phillips, known for his guitar-driven performances, found himself navigating the stage without his signature instrument. “It was fun, but it was actually kind of hard,” he said, describing the difficulty of moving in the bulky costume. “You’ve got these big feet on, and you can’t really see. I could only see through a tiny hole, so I was mostly looking through the mouth and kind of guessing where I was going.” He even had to practice the choreography, adjusting to the limitations of the costume. “Even the dance moves — I had to practice those a few times because the feet would get in the way.”
Embracing the Anonymity
The anonymity offered by the costume, Phillips suggested, allowed him to take risks he might not otherwise consider. “It definitely lets you try different things,” he said. “But physically, it’s harder than you’d think. You’re taking big steps, trying not to trip, trying to stay on rhythm — it’s a lot going on. But yeah, it lets you explore a different side of yourself for sure.” He similarly found amusement in watching the judges and fans attempt to guess his identity. “I would check a little bit,” he admitted, “Not too much — when I’m home, I try to be present with my kids and my wife. But I’d see some of the guesses, and they were pretty funny.”
Phillips was particularly amused by the guesses, recalling that some fans believed he was Anthony Ramos. “That’s what makes the show cool. You get to see who people think you sound like when they don’t know it’s you.” He playfully suggested that judge Jenny McCarthy-Walters “cheated” when she correctly identified him, adding with a laugh, “I think she cheated. I don’t know.”
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Despite not taking home the golden microphone, Phillips reflected on a career filled with memorable moments. When asked about a standout experience, he immediately pointed to touring with John Mayer and performing at Rock in Rio in front of an estimated 100,000 people. Footage from the performance showcases the energy of the crowd and Phillips’ connection with his audience. “Hearing that many people sing every word, not just the hits… that was one of the best moments of my life.”
Phillips is now focusing on new music, having recently released a song called “Homesick.” The song, he explained, is a reflection on the challenges of balancing a career with family life. “I love being a dad. Being away from my family is the hardest part of this job. After a couple days, I just desire to go home — change diapers, practice baseball with my kid. That’s what the song is about.”
Phillips’ appearance on The Masked Singer, while not resulting in a win, offered a fresh perspective on his artistry and a reminder of his versatility. He’s now channeling that energy into new music and, more importantly, spending time with his family. Fans can expect more new music from Phillips in the coming months, and he’ll likely continue to balance his career with the joys of fatherhood.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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