Billy Ray Cyrus was unmasked as Owl on The Masked Singer Season 14 after a Valentine’s-themed episode. Judges failed to guess the country star.
Billy Ray Cyrus was unmasked as Owl on The Masked Singer Season 14 [Photo: X]
The mystery surrounding Owl on The Masked Singer Season 14 has finally been solved. During the show’s Valentine’s-themed episode, the celebrity contestant behind the elaborate costume was revealed after landing in the bottom two.
Despite a series of career-spanning clues and standout performances, the panel of judges failed to identify the music star correctly, adding another surprise to this season’s string of dramatic unmaskings.
Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus was unmasked as Owl in a surprise reveal during the Valentine’s-themed episode. The Fox reality singing competition delivered another dramatic elimination, but none of the celebrity panellists guessed the country icon correctly.
Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg and Ken Jeong both predicted Ted Danson. Rita Ora chose Kurt Russell, while Robin Thicke guessed Dennis Quaid. All were wrong. Cyrus exited the competition after a battle performance against Stingray. While Stingray survived the sing-off, Owl’s journey ended with Cyrus stepping forward as the man behind the feathers.
Throughout the season, Owl dropped several personal hints about his life and career. In his first appearance, Cyrus referenced his early fame and public criticism, saying:
“When I took flight, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing my name. Folks even started following my look. Imagine that. But then there were also the comments. My biggest fear became people laughing at me, and not with me. Terrifying, right? But I didn’t listen. Instead, I focused on myself. On family. Eventually, life gave me the chance to do something so big that those haters were all eating their words. So, if folks are poking fun behind your back, just give them the bird and do your thing.”
The clue clearly pointed to his 1992 breakout hit “Achy Breaky Heart,” which turned him into a household name and pop culture figure.
In another clue package, he hinted at giving up baseball for music:
“I love America’s favourite pastime as much as anyone. But I’m no pro. Back in the day, I was a scrappy, right-handed slugger. Then one day, my heart was telling me something. This was not my path. So I turned in my glove. I knew there were other fields for me to play in. And guess what? I soared to success. Now that’s a lesson I try to teach my kids. Follow your heart, and no matter the field, you’ll always hit a grand slam.”
The baseball reference is tied to his early athletic dreams before choosing a music career.
Owl performed “White Wedding” by Billy Idol during the episode. Earlier in the season, he sang “Wild Thing” by the Troggs and “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers.
In the elimination round, Owl and Stingray faced off with their versions of “Love Is a Battlefield” by Pat Benatar. Stingray secured enough votes to stay in the competition, sending Owl home.
The Valentine’s-themed episode also celebrated romance, with Christina Perri opening the show with “A Thousand Years” from the Twilight saga. The show recreated scenes from the popular film franchise during the night.
With Cyrus revealed as Owl, the list of unmasked celebrities continues to grow this season. Other stars revealed in Season 14 include Teddi Mellencamp, Claudia Oshry, Taraji P. Henson, Tone Loc, Tiffany Haddish, Todd and Julie Chrisley, and David “Big Papi” Ortiz.
Remaining contestants include High Voltage, Pangolin, Eggplant, Galaxy Girl, Stingray, Cat Witch, Pugcasso, Snow Cone and Crane.
Season 14 introduced a new twist called “America’s Insider.” Singer and social media personality Kylie Cantrall appears in costume as Cat Witch, offering behind-the-scenes hints directly to viewers while keeping her identity hidden from the panel.
The show continues to feature themed episodes, including tributes to Star Trek, Clueless, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the Twilight Saga. Special nights will also honour Ozzy Osbourne and feature a “Fear Factor” crossover.
Billy Ray Cyrus’ exit marks one of the season’s biggest reveals so far. While the judges struggled to decode his clues, viewers now know that the Owl’s powerful vocals belonged to a country music legend who once made the world sing along to “Achy Breaky Heart.”
Season 14 of The Masked Singer airs on Fox with host Nick Cannon and panellists Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, Rita Ora and Robin Thicke.
