She may be “Good as Gold,” but Scheana Shay won’t be taking home the Golden Mask trophy on season 13 of The Masked Singer.
The Vanderpump Rules alum, 39, made her debut as Bat during the Voices of Olympus night on the Fox singing competition, which aired Wednesday, March 5. She competed against Boogie Woogie, Griffin, Space Ranger, and Pearl.
Performing Sabrina Carpenter’s hit “Espresso,” Shay prompted judges Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Rita Ora, and Robin Thicke to speculate that she might be Real Housewives stars Bethenny Frankel, Larsa Pippen, or Lisa Rinna.
“Everyone they guessed me as was a compliment, and [they’re] all people I’m either fans or friends of, so I loved the guesses,” Shay tells.
“If I would’ve made it onto the second episode, I feel like they might’ve guessed me because there were more clues in that package that I felt like were so obvious.”
Every Winner of The Masked Singer: See Which Celebrities Took the Trophy
The “Good as Gold” singer, who shares her 3-year-old daughter Summer Moon with husband Brock Davies, ultimately received the fewest votes from the judges and studio audience and was unmasked at the end of the March 5 episode.
Though Shay has been on Bravo since 2013, participating in a competition show was a completely new experience. “It was a first for me,” she says.
“I’m like, ‘Wait, how many viewers do we have?’ It’s a lot. It’s more than VPR. So that was a little intimidating, but also, I’m in a mask, and if people want to say whatever they do, I’m used to that. I had fun.”
Shay reflects on her initial hesitations about joining The Masked Singer, how her daughter perceives her fame, and whether she’ll play a role in season 2 of The Valley.
Is Summer Moon a fan of The Masked Singer?
I’ve watched this season with her, and it’s such a fun show for kids. I didn’t bring her to set, though I wanted to. If I had made it further, I might have.
But then I thought, what if she tells her friends at school? Since it was around Halloween, I figured people would just think, “Oh, yeah. Mommy dressed up as a bat.”
I’m excited for her to watch the episode with our friends and family tonight and see me unmasked. She’ll be thrilled.
Scheana Shay (Photo: Shutterstock)
Does she understand that you’re on TV and famous?
Yes and no. For example, when we’re at Disneyland, and someone asks for a photo, sometimes she jumps in too.
Other times, she’ll ask, “Mommy, do you know them?” or “Why did they ask for a picture?” I explain, “Honey, you know how you watch Mommy on TV and how you’re on TV too?” She says, “Yeah.”
And I tell her, “Other people watch that show too.” Her reaction is always, “What?” I don’t think she fully grasps it yet, but she understands a little more each time.
Do you have any guesses for the remaining contestants?
No, I am terrible at this! Every episode I watch, I have no clue. When Vanessa Hudgens won, my sister immediately said, “Oh, Vanessa Hudgens. High School Musical.” Meanwhile, I was just thinking, “Wow, she has an incredible voice.”
Backstage, I remember hearing Griffin perform and thinking, “Who is this man? He’s so good.” I’m just as excited as everyone else to see the reveals because I truly have no idea. I’d be a terrible judge on that show.
You mentioned in your clue package that you feel misunderstood and have been villainized on reality TV. What do you think people don’t know about you?
Honestly, a lot. Just as bats are misunderstood creatures, I feel the same way. I share everything in my book [My Good Side]. It’s scary being that open and vulnerable—literally a full open book with 17 chapters.
People might think they know me, but reading my book might change their perspective. That’s exactly why I wanted to write it.
The judges thought you could be a Real Housewives star. Would you ever consider joining the franchise now that Vanderpump Rules has been rebooted?
I’d never say never. I’m not sure if it’s the right fit for me yet, but maybe eventually. I did make the tiniest cameo on Beverly Hills last night, so who knows? I love being part of the Bravo universe and hope to stay in it for a long time.
