Galaxy Girl takes the crown

The Masked Singer has a new winner, and this time the glittering disguise belonged to Ashlee Simpson Ross. The singer was revealed as Galaxy Girl during the Fox competition series' April 1 Season 14 finale and walked away with the show's Golden Mask trophy.

The result capped a season that had already featured a family connection on the way in. Ashlee's husband, Evan Ross, was unmasked earlier in the competition as Stingray during his week 10 elimination on March 18. Apparently one Ross family member making it to the end was enough for one season.

Who she beat

Ashlee finished ahead of a strong final group:

  • Normani came in fourth as Crane
  • Kylie Cantrall, star of Descendants, finished third as Cat Witch
  • Phillip Phillips, the American Idol winner, placed second as Pugcasso

A comeback with a very public backstory

Before the big reveal, Ashlee spoke candidly about how much the competition meant to her, especially given the career hit she took after the notorious 2004 Saturday Night Live lip-syncing scandal.

"I've been curious about doing The Masked Singer for years, and now that I'm in the finale, I can confidently say it's more transformative than I ever imagined," she said in a video message. Ashlee, who is 41, is mom to Jagger, 10, and Ziggy, 5, with Evan Ross, and also shares son Bronx, 17, with ex-husband Pete Wentz.

She added, "It's not always easy to put yourself out there. When I was young and reckless, I didn't think twice. I felt like the world was mine and then one moment changed everything."

Ashlee did not mince words about the fallout. "I was publicly humiliated," she said. "Called a fraud, a fake, it was devastating. I was so young, and I thought it would define me forever. From then on, I became cautious. Taking risks just wasn't my thing."

Why she said yes this time

After years focused on family, she said her reluctance faded when one of her children heard her old music and could not believe it was her.

"So, I started saying 'yes' again," she said. "Being here, I've been able to get back to that fearless performer I was all those years ago and I put my past behind me for good. But, for now, winning that Golden Mask trophy would show my kids that taking risks is always worth it and that their mom is and has always been a total rock star."

Moments before being crowned, Ashlee also told viewers, "I feel amazing, you guys. Oh my God, I have had the best journey here honestly. I've learned and I've grown so much in this experience. It's been beautiful."

And yes, Jessica Simpson was there to celebrate her younger sister on stage.

"I cannot be more proud," Jessica said. "This is the moment! How amazing, right?"