Who is Gretchen Wilson? Career explored as singer marks her triumph in 'The Masked Singer'

Gretchen Wilson is an American country music singer. Her rise to fame in the American country music scene is a tale of both remarkable talent and enduring relevance. Hailing from Pocahontas, Illinois, Wilson’s blue-collar upbringing infused her music with authenticity and grit, setting her apart in an industry often dominated by polished images and commercial appeal.

Wilson took to the stage for The Masked Singer in season 13, which took place in 2025, as “Pearl”. Her victory on the show made her a hot topic on the internet.

Gretchen Wilson's career and journey to victory

In 2004 Wilson’s breakthrough came with the release of “Redneck Woman”, a defiant and unapologetic anthem that put her roots in the spotlight. The single which saw huge success took off on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and also hit No. 22 on the Hot 100 putting her in the national spotlight. Also, it was the first number-one hit for a female country artist in two years.

Wilson’s 2nd studio release All Jacked Up (2005) saw her chart success continue as it debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and the Country Albums chart. The title track broke records as the best for a female country artist at the time. But her 3rd album One of the Boys (2007) saw a change. While it did top the Country chart, it didn’t live up to the commercial success of her previous releases which in turn presented the issues of sustainability of early success in a competitive industry.

Despite some commercial setbacks with later singles like "Don't Do Me No Good" and "The Earrings Song," Wilson remained artistically active. In 2013, she put out Right on Time which saw her go more into the Southern rock arena along with a covers album Under the Covers, and a festive release Christmas in My Heart.

Wilson has gone beyond what was recorded to display her versatility in live performance which in turn has seen her break into different genres. Notably, she joined forces with rock legends like Nancy Wilson, Alice in Chains, and Heart to perform classics such as “Barracuda,” showcasing her powerful vocal range and ability to command the stage among rock veterans.

From her breakout in the early 2000s to her recent win on national television, Gretchen Wilson’s career is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and raw talent. Whether belting out country anthems, performing rock classics, or captivating television audiences in disguise, Wilson continues to defy expectations and solidify her place in American music culture.

Gomala Devi is a journalist at Primetimer. 

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering and has over three years of experience as a content writer.

Gomala was drawn to writing after reading the Harry Potter series, and she developed an interest in fashion and pop culture at the same time.
She loves exploring the newest developments in the lifestyle space and crafting interesting opinion pieces. She references official websites, interviews, and social media to ensure that her work is factually sound.

In her spare time, she loves to read books and play chess.