Debbie Gibson’s Last-Minute ‘Masked Singer’ Appearance: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Debbie Gibson, the iconic singer behind “Lost In Your Eyes,” recently unveiled herself as the Night Owl on the February 22nd episode of The Masked Singer. Her stunning rendition of ABBA’s “Fernando” captivated audiences, but the story behind her appearance is even more surprising. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Debbie revealed the unbelievably short notice she received before stepping onto the stage.
“I didn’t know I was doing the show until about 16 hours before. I’m still shaking my head that this happened,” the 52-year-old singer shared. “I’d gotten calls about doing the show before, but I’ve been touring heavily in the last couple of years. Then, the phone rings as I’m sitting down on a plane from New York to Vegas on the 23rd, which happens to be the one-year anniversary of my mom’s passing. I truly believe my mom was still managing me from up above, saying, ‘Hey, here’s a fun gig for you.’ My manager asks, ‘Are you sitting down?’ I say, ‘Yeah.’ She’s like, ‘How would you like to be on The Masked Singer tomorrow?’”
The offer came with a caveat. “She’s like, ‘We’re not sure yet, but somebody might have to drop out due to illness.’” The uncertainty added to the whirlwind experience.
Debbie continued, “I arrived in Vegas, and the call came in: you’re on if you want to do it. So, I was driven to my house, quickly repacked, and then driven to LA. I arrived around 10 p.m. and was on set by 8 a.m. Tim, from the costume department, and I collaborated to put my fabulous Night Owl costume together. Then, I was learning ‘Fernando.’ It was utterly insane, like jumping out of an airplane. Although, I don’t actually want to ever jump out of an airplane. This was my version of that experience.”
The Night Owl costume was crucial for Debbie, as she wanted something that allowed her to move freely. She explained that she was drawn to the costume because it felt “eccentric, glamorous, and rock and roll.” She elaborated, “There was a badass element to that mirrored bodysuit, combined with the feathered cape and the metallic wings. I own one of Liberace’s glass mirrored pianos, and the costume reminded me of what Liberace would be if he were an owl. It felt very eccentric and rock’n’roll to me.”
Despite her fondness for the costume, Debbie admitted that it presented its own set of challenges. “As much as it would have been fun to go on and do more performances, I don’t think I could have sustained carrying this costume day after day because it was really heavy on the upper body,” she revealed to HollywoodLife. The weight and complexity of the Night Owl attire added another layer of intensity to her already rushed experience.
Debbie emphasized that The Masked Singer is “not for the faint of heart.” She playfully added that she would have “had to have a chiropractor on set for sure if I had been on for more weeks.” The demanding nature of the show, combined with the physical challenges of the costume, underscored the commitment required to participate.
One of the highlights of Debbie’s appearance was when Jenny McCarthy correctly guessed her identity. Debbie wasn’t surprised by this, stating, “I think my voice is super distinctive. For people who know me, they know. I think I’ve sounded pretty much the same since I was 15 years old. There have been varying degrees of my voice having more depth or more Broadway resonance, but it’s basically always me. So, I said from minute one, if anyone’s going to guess me, it’s going to be Jenny. I was not surprised, especially since she said her husband would disown her if she didn’t get me. I knew she’d know.”
With her time on The Masked Singer behind her, Debbie is eagerly looking forward to getting back on the road. “I’m going to Orlando and doing a show with Joey Fatone who, funny enough, is also a Masked Singer alum,” Debbie shared. “I’m also embarking on another tour encompassing, I think, 15 cities, and there will be a few more dates announced soon. Last year, I toured in support of my current album, The Body Remembers, and there was a great demand for more dates, which is lovely. I’m calling it The Body Remembers Encore tour. We just announced it. There’s something magical about this week for me. I don’t know what it is. This week is also the anniversary of my debut in Cabaret on Broadway 20 years ago, too. So, I’m getting ready to tour again, and I’m working on some TV movie projects and other exciting ventures.”
Debbie is dedicated to keeping her “creative juices flowing,” as she put it. “I’m just always trying to keep up with all the ideas. My album is on my own label. I released a holiday album this past winter and also did a holiday tour. I’ve been busy. It’s been an amazing, creative, and entrepreneurial time.” Fans can catch The Masked Singer season 9 airing Wednesdays on FOX to witness more surprising reveals and incredible performances. Debbie’s whirlwind experience serves as a testament to her adaptability and enduring passion for entertainment.
Beyond her immediate touring plans, Debbie Gibson remains a dynamic force in the entertainment industry. She is actively involved in developing new projects and exploring different creative avenues. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through her independent record label, which allows her to maintain creative control over her music and artistic vision. This independence empowers her to experiment with different genres and collaborate with other artists who inspire her.
Debbie’s recent foray into holiday music showcases her versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges. The holiday album and tour were a resounding success, further solidifying her connection with her fans and attracting new listeners. Her ability to seamlessly transition between pop, Broadway, and holiday genres is a testament to her talent and adaptability. This constant evolution keeps her career fresh and exciting, ensuring that she remains relevant in a constantly changing musical landscape.
Her involvement in TV movie projects highlights her interest in expanding her acting career. With her natural charisma and on-screen presence, Debbie is well-suited for various roles and genres. These projects offer her the opportunity to showcase her acting abilities and connect with a wider audience. Her dedication to her craft and her eagerness to explore new creative outlets ensures that she will continue to evolve and surprise her fans for years to come.
Debbie Gibson’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to her art. From her early days as a teenage pop sensation to her current status as a multifaceted entertainer, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire. Her last-minute appearance on “The Masked Singer” is just one example of her willingness to embrace challenges and seize opportunities, even when faced with incredibly tight deadlines. Her fans can look forward to seeing much more of Debbie Gibson as she continues to explore new creative territories and push the boundaries of her artistry.
In conclusion, Debbie Gibson’s spontaneous decision to participate in “The Masked Singer” underscores her adventurous spirit and her commitment to entertaining her fans. Her journey, from receiving a last-minute phone call to delivering a captivating performance as the Night Owl, is a testament to her professionalism, talent, and unwavering passion for music and performance. As she embarks on new tours, TV movie projects, and other creative endeavors, Debbie Gibson remains a vibrant and inspiring figure in the entertainment world, continuously reinventing herself and captivating audiences with her unique blend of talent, charisma, and resilience. Her legacy as a pop icon continues to evolve, solidifying her place as one of the most influential and enduring artists of her generation.