Who is The Ship on The Masked Singer? Paula Cole’s Surprising Reveal in Season 12

December 12, 2025 - By Aliza

Have you ever wondered what celebrity could be hiding inside a giant, singing pirate ship? The twelfth season of The Masked Singer delivered one of its most elaborate and surprising contestants with The Ship, leaving viewers guessing until the very end.

This season brought incredible performances and intricate costumes, but it was The Ship that truly captured the audience’s imagination. The journey of this mysterious vessel was filled with powerful vocals, cryptic clues, and a reveal that shocked everyone.

The Ship’s Stunning Costume Design

The Ship’s costume was a masterpiece of design and engineering. It appeared as a wooden pirate ship adorned with a luxurious gown, creating a striking and elegant silhouette on stage.

The face was cleverly designed to look like an old-world map, complete with a compass and an anchor, adding to the seafaring theme. The details were immaculate, from the two small sailboats serving as shoulder pads to the hairstyle crafted from carved wooden waves, topped with a ship’s wheel.

Remarkably, the costume was not just for show. The celebrity inside could step out of the main boat structure, allowing for dynamic and engaging performances that brought the character to life.

Performances That Captivated Audiences

The Ship delivered a series of powerful and emotional performances that showcased a versatile and seasoned vocalist. Each week, the audience was treated to a new side of this mysterious performer.

Week 1: “Pompeii” by Bastille

From the very first note, The Ship commanded the stage with a stunning rendition of Bastille’s “Pompeii.” The slowed-down arrangement highlighted the singer’s rich, soulful voice, immediately establishing her as a serious contender.

The performance was both grand and intimate, leaving the judges and viewers in awe of her vocal control and emotional depth. It was a powerful debut that set a high bar for the season.

Week 2: “Almost Paradise”

In the second week, The Ship revealed a more vulnerable side with a beautiful performance of “Almost Paradise.” The clue package spoke of high school memories and finding solace in music, which resonated deeply in her heartfelt delivery.

This performance demonstrated her ability to connect with a song on a personal level, turning a classic power ballad into a moment of genuine reflection and healing.

Week 3: “Because the Night” and Battle Royale

For her final solo performance, The Ship took on Patti Smith’s iconic “Because the Night.” It was a raw and passionate performance that showcased her rock-and-roll spirit.

Later, she faced off against the Buffalos in a dramatic Battle Royale, singing Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.” Despite a valiant effort, it was the end of the line for The Ship, but not before leaving a lasting impression.

The Clues That Led to the Reveal

The clues for The Ship were as intricate as the costume itself, painting a picture of a seasoned artist with a rich and complex history. Each clue was a breadcrumb leading to the final reveal.

Early clues mentioned that her career had “set sail at a rapid clip” with “massive hits,” but she eventually “lost control” and felt forgotten. This pointed to a star who had experienced the highs and lows of fame.

A significant clue was a Wanted poster with a $15,000 reward, a clever nod to the lyrics of a famous song. Other visual clues included a plane-shaped clock, a raven, and a photograph of John Wayne, all connecting to her discography and personal history.

Panel Guesses and Masked Ambassador

The panel of judges was initially stumped by The Ship, with early guesses including music legends like Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne, and Enya. The clues were broad enough to fit several iconic female artists.

The Masked Ambassador for The Ship was Jewel, the winner of Season 6 as the Queen of Hearts. Jewel shared that she had a long-standing relationship with the singer and that they had performed together at Lilith Fair, a major clue that narrowed down the possibilities.

As the weeks went on, the clues became more specific, leading to more accurate guesses. In the end, it was Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg who correctly identified The Ship, piecing together the clues to name the Grammy-winning artist under the mask.

Paula Cole Revealed – The Grammy Winner

The moment of truth arrived, and The Ship was unmasked to reveal none other than Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Paula Cole. The reveal was a delightful surprise, connecting all the dots that had been laid out through the clues.

Cole is best known for her iconic hits of the late 1990s, including “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” and “I Don’t Want to Wait,” which became the unforgettable theme song for the hit TV show Dawson’s Creek.

In 1998, she won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, solidifying her place in music history. Her appearance on The Masked Singer was a powerful reminder of her enduring talent and impact on a generation of music lovers.

Why Paula Participated in The Masked Singer

For a self-described introvert, participating in a show as extravagant as The Masked Singer was a bold step for Paula Cole. She revealed that she wanted to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a new creative challenge.

One of her primary motivations was to bring joy to her family, especially her elderly parents and her children. She also spoke about her appreciation for the costume and the team that brought The Ship to life, making the experience feel like a collaborative artistic endeavor.

Cole also shared her perspective on the competitive nature of the show, admitting she found the Battle Royale format challenging because she believes music should be a unifying force. Her journey was a testament to her love for music and her willingness to explore new horizons.

The Impact of The Ship’s Journey

The Ship’s journey on The Masked Singer was more than just a series of performances; it was a celebration of a remarkable artist’s career. For many viewers, it was a chance to rediscover the music of Paula Cole and appreciate her contributions to the industry.

Her connection to Jewel and the Lilith Fair era reminded audiences of a pivotal moment in music history when female artists were at the forefront. The intricate clues and stunning costume created a memorable character that will be remembered as one of the most creative in the show’s history.

From her powerful vocals to her heartfelt story, The Ship’s time on the show was a reminder that great music is timeless and that true artists continue to evolve and inspire.

FAQ

Q: Who is The Ship on The Masked Singer?

A: The Ship was revealed to be Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Paula Cole.

Q: What songs did The Ship perform?

A: The Ship performed “Pompeii” by Bastille, “Almost Paradise” by Mike Reno & Ann Wilson, and “Because the Night” by Patti Smith Group.

Q: What were the main clues about The Ship’s identity?

A: Key clues included references to her massive hits, losing control of her career, a $15,000 Wanted poster (a nod to her song lyrics), her history as a high school cheerleader, and connections to Dawson’s Creek and John Wayne.

Q: Why did Paula Cole participate in The Masked Singer?

A: Paula Cole participated to step out of her comfort zone, bring joy to her family, and embrace a new creative challenge. She was also drawn to the artistry of the costume.

Q: How did the panel guess Paula Cole?

A: While early guesses were varied, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg correctly identified Paula Cole by connecting the clues about her career, hit songs, and her association with Lilith Fair.

Q: What is Paula Cole’s most famous song?

A: Paula Cole is most famous for her hit songs “I Don’t Want to Wait,” which was the theme for Dawson’s Creek, and “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?”

Q: When was The Ship revealed?

A: The Ship was revealed on Season 12, Episode 3, during the Group A finals.

Q: Did Paula Cole win The Masked Singer?

A: No, Paula Cole was eliminated in the third episode of her group, finishing in 12th place overall.

Aliza

I’m Aliza, the founder of Urdu Novel Bank. I built this site because I love Urdu stories and want everyone to enjoy them. As an Urdu literature lover, I choose the best novels to share with you. Here you can find free Urdu novels in romance, mystery, thriller and more. Read online or download PDF chapters without signing up. I update the library often so you’ll always have new tales to explore. My goal is to bring Urdu literature to readers around the world.