The Masked Singer: You Won't Believe the Sports Legend Revealed as the Royal Hen

A trailblazing athlete and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient was sent home during week four of The Masked Singer season 10. Find out the icon who was unmasked.

By Brett Malec Oct 19, 2023 1:04 AMTags
Watch: Olivia Culpo Does THIS Before Hitting Stage as Masked Singer UFO

Unfortunately, it wasn't game, set, match for the Royal Hen.

A true sports icon was sent home on The Masked Singer's Oct. 18 episode. After performing "Philadelphia Freedom" during Elton John night, the Royal Hen received the least amount of votes and was sent home.

As for which barrier-breaking athlete was behind the outlandish costume? It was none other than tennis legend Billie Jean King, who was the inspiration for John's 1975 song as she once played for the Philadelphia Freedoms professional tennis team.

"I am really lucky because he said, ‘I want to write you a song,' and I'm like ‘What? What?'" King said after the unmasking. "'That would be the greatest gift to the people of Philadelphia if you would do that.' If you go to Philadelphia, everybody is still playing it. It's their anthem."

Prior to the 79-year-old's reveal, viewers were given clues about her identity, including a nod to her history-making 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" victory over rival Bobby Riggs.

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Sports Nuts: Famous Fans

"For the first time ever, the Royal Hen is set to hold court," announced King's video package, a nod to her tennis background. "A true trailblazer, she is famous for championing equal opportunities for all and has made it her mission to be a voice for the voiceless. Her road to stardom was wrought with prejudice."

The final hint was that she received that Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.

Michael Becker/FOX/Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for WSF

Robin Thicke guessed Gloria Steinem, while Jenny McCarthy chose Rita Moreno and Nicole Scherzinger picked Dr. Ruth Westheimer. But once again, Ken Jeong was the only judge to correctly guess the celebrity underneath the mask and picked King.

After she removed her mask, King noted of her experience, "It was great but it is so hot. I'm sweating bullets!"

Keep reading to meet the whole cast and see who is still in the competition. The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox.

Anonymouse: Eliminated Pre-Premiere

During the season 10 kickoff special on Sept. 10, Demi Lovato was revealed as Anonymouse. However, she won't be competiting, it was a special one-time appearance.

"I wanted to be on your show," she told host Nick Cannon during the episode, "because it seemed so fun, and it has been so fun. And I get to sing, so its the best of both worlds."

Rubber Ducky: Eliminated Week 1

The Rubber Ducky was revealed as Black-ish actor Anthony Anderson on the Sept. 27 episode.

Diver: Eliminated Week 2

The Diver was exposed as Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval on Oct. 4.

Pickle: Eliminated Week 3

Michael Rapaport was unmasked as the Pickle on the Oct. 11 episode.

Royal Hen: Eliminated Week 4

Tennis legend Billie Jean King was revealed to be the Royal Hen on the Oct. 18 episode.

Hawk: Eliminated Week 5

Teen Wolf's Tyler Posey was unmasked as Hawk during Harry Potter week.

Hibiscus: Eliminated Week 6

Say hello to the Countess! The Real Housewives of New York City icon Luann de Lesseps was revealed as Hibiscus during week six.

Cuddle Monster: Eliminated Week 7

Cuddle Monster was a surprise addition to season 10 when he was introduced as a Wild Card contestant during week seven. However, his time on the show was short lived. During his elimination, it was revealed the giant star was none other than former NBA pro Metta World Peace.

S'more: Eliminated Week 8

During Disco Night, S'more was unmasked as Ashley Parker Angel from the hit 2000s boy band O-Town.

Tiki: Eliminated Week 9

Skid Row rocker and Gilmore Girls alum Sebastian Bach was sent home during week nine.

Huskey: Eliminated Week 9

"Pony" singer Ginuwine was revealed as Husky after being eliminated during Rock 'n' Roll week.

Anteater: Eliminated Week 10

Singer John Oates was revealed as Anteater during a double elimination.

Candelabra: Eliminated Week 10

Singer Keyshia Cole was revealed as Candelabra during a double elimination.

Sea Queen: Fourth Place

The royal was sent swimming home on the Dec. 20 finale after her unveiling as R&B and soul singer Macy Gray.

Gazelle: Third Place

The animal was unmasked as Pretty Little Liars star Janel Parrish. 

Donut: Runner-Up

The donut was revealed on the finale to be Smallville actor John Schneider.

Cow: Winner

The cow was the cream of the crop, with three-time Grammy winner Ne-Yo taking the trophy on season 10.  

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