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"One of the Best": Amber Riley’s Win Had Nicole Scherzinger Calling Her the Greatest Masked Singer Ever
The Masked Singer season 8 winner Amber Riley, who was Harp, impressed panelist Nicole Scherzinger so much during her final performance that Nicole called the actress and singer “one of the best” contestants ever, and her comment is still true nearly three years later. The Masked Singer season 8 featured host Nick Cannon and panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Nicole. Amber took home the Golden Mask Trophy after her incredible run as Harp, while Wilson Phillips were the runners-up as Lambs.
Throughout The Masked Singer season 8, Amber dazzled the audience and the panelists with her extraordinary performances. However, only Nicole guessed her correctly. The other panelists’ final guesses for her identity were Yvette Nicole Brown (Robin), Jordin Sparks (Jenny), and Jennifer Hudson (Ken). When Amber was crowned the champion, she made history as the first person ever to win both The Masked Singer and Dancing With The Stars.
Nicole Gushed About Amber’s Talent
Nicole Was Blown Away By Amber
Amber received rave reviews from The Masked Singer panelists throughout the season, but it was after her finale performance of John Mayer’s “Gravity” that Nicole made her famous comment. She said, “You are anointed, Sis. Because when I watched you stand up there in your stillness, I was like, ‘That is the power of God in her right now.’ You are truly one of the best that has ever graced our stage. Thank you.” Nicole’s comments brought Amber to tears under her Harp mask.
What Amber Did To Impress Nicole & The Other Panelists
Amber’s Masked Singer Performances Were Spectacular
Throughout Amber’s time on The Masked Singer, all of her performances were exceptional, including “Perfect” by P!nk, “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston, “Thank You for Being a Friend” from The Golden Girls, “About Damn Time” by Lizzo, “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga, “Gravity” by John Mayer, and “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole. In fact, Nicole wasn’t the only one who raved about Amber’s talent. After Amber performed “The Edge of Glory” during the finale, Jenny declared, “Girl, you put every awards show to shame just then, because that was, by far, in all eight seasons, the best performance I have ever seen in a finale show ever.”
One of Amber’s most beautiful moments was when she sang “Everywhere You Look,” the theme song from Full House, during the TV Theme Song Night Battle Royale versus Daymond John’s Fortune Teller. Amber slowed down the usually upbeat song, and sang it as a ballad, causing Nick to say, “Wow! Full House just took us to the full church!”
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Ken was brought to tears, stating that the late Bob Saget, who played Danny Tanner on the classic sitcom, and who also competed as Squiggly Monster during The Masked Singer season 4, was somewhere up above smiling. The moment was made even more special because Bob’s TV daughter, Jodie Sweetin, who played Stephanie on Full House, was a special guest for the episode.
Amber won the Battle Royale, but her performance of “Everywhere You Look” transcended The Masked Singer. It was no longer just a silly guessing game show with celebrities hiding in outrageous costumes. Instead, Amber created a moving and meaningful moment on the stage with her gorgeous vocals and sincere emotion. Her performance was a gift, and her praise was much-deserved.
Amber May Be The Greatest Masked Singer Of All Time
Amber’s Voice Is Exceptional
As The Masked Singer season 8 winner, Amber had seven seasons of contestants before her and five seasons after to compete with for the title of the Greatest Masked Singer of All Time. This includes winners T-Pain (Monster, season 1); Wayne Brady (Fox, season 2); Kandi Burruss (Night Angel, season 3); LeAnn Rimes (Sun, season 4); Nick Lachey (Piglet, season 5); Jewel (Queen of Hearts, season 6); Teyana Taylor (Firefly, season 7); Bishop Briggs (Medusa, season 9); Ne-Yo (Cow, season 10); Vanessa Hudgens (Goldfish, season 11); Boyz II Men (Buffalos, season 12); and Gretchen Wilson (Pearl, season 13).
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These winners weren’t the only phenomenal Masked Singer competitors because so many other legendary performers have graced the show’s stage. However, Amber is still one of the greatest. The way that she poured so much emotion into all of her performances and stunned everyone with her vocal range and star quality earned her the praise of Nicole and the other panelists.
Amber’s performances brought The Masked Singer to a whole new level of excellence. As the magnificent Harp, she stole every show with her sensational performances. It was a showcase for her unrivaled talents, and a masterclass on how to captivate an audience. This is why Nicole was right, and Amber is still one of the best Masked Singer contestants ever.
The Masked Singer season 14 premieres in January 2026 on FOX.
Sources: MJS Big Blog/YouTube, MJS Big Blog/YouTube, MJS Big Blog/YouTube
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