Amber Riley took home the Golden Mask trophy on November 30, becoming the first celebrity to win both “The Masked Singer” and “Dancing With the Stars.” For the decorated musician and Broadway actress, winning The Masked Singer is just further proof that her talents cover the full spectrum on stage. In 2013 she was crowned the winner of the 17th season of “DWTS”.
“I hope everyone felt my soul because I bare it here on this stage.”
“It was such an amazing experience to come out of here and be completely covered and let my talent speak for itself,” the Season 8 winner told audiences after she was unmasked on Nov. 30. “And the love that I want people to heal and feel what I’m saying. So I hope everyone felt my soul because I bare it here on this stage.”
Riley secured her win with powerful performances of Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory” and John Mayer’s “Gravity.” “You really are one of the best that our stage has ever honored,” said juror Nicole Scherzinger after the performances. In response, Riley told the judges, “It feels so amazing. I’m so excited.” She continued, “It just means a lot to be confirmed. I’ve been through a lot in this industry, and sometimes you forget who you are, and sometimes you need people to remind you.” Previously, she wowed the judges with award-winning performances of P!nk’s “Perfect,” “I Have Nothing ‘ by Whitney Houston and the Golden Girls theme song ‘Thank You For Being a Friend’.
Image source: FOX
As Mercedes Jones in her breakthrough acting role, “Glee,” from 2009 to 2015, Riley blew viewers away with her stunning vocals. In 2013, the talented actress and singer showcased her dancing skills on season 17 of Dancing With the Stars alongside dance partner Derek Hough, the show’s six-time champion. On November 26, 2013, Riley took home the Mirrorball trophy, becoming the first black woman to win the dance competition.
Following her historic victory, Riley enchanted audiences on Broadway as Dionne in Hair (2014), Effie White in Dreamgirls (2016-2017) and Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors (2019). Riley received a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her stage performances in Dreamgirls. In 2020 she also released her EP ‘Riley’ which earned her a Classic Brit Award for Album of the Year in 2018.
Concluding the final episode of The Masked Singer season 8, Riley left fans with a piece of advice: “Whatever you want in this life, go after it,” she said. “It may be tough, it may be a rocky journey, but at the end of this journey it will be absolutely and completely worth it, so keep going.”
Having sung, danced and acted her way to the top, there’s no telling what incredible talent Riley will fascinate us with next. See all of her performances from ‘The Masked Singer’ and the moment she was unmasked.