Galaxy Girl has officially conquered the universe—or at least the stage of The Masked Singer.
During the highly anticipated Season 14 finale of the hit Fox reality series on April 1, the shimmering interstellar contestant was crowned the champion and unmasked as none other than pop star Ashlee Simpson Ross.
Simpson Ross outshone a formidable roster of finalists to secure the coveted Golden Mask trophy. American Idol victor Phillip Phillips, masquerading as Pugcasso, was named runner-up. Disney's Descendants star Kylie Cantrall took third place as Cat Witch, while former Fifth Harmony member Normani landed in fourth behind the Crane costume.
For the 41-year-old singer, the victory was about much more than a reality TV title; it was a profound moment of personal redemption. Moments before claiming her crown, Simpson Ross reflected on the infamous 2004 Saturday Night Live lip-syncing incident that temporarily derailed her skyrocketing career.
"I was publicly humiliated, called a fraud, a fake, it was devastating," Simpson Ross revealed during the episode. "I was so young, and I thought it would define me forever. From then on, I became cautious. Taking risks just wasn't my thing."
Her perspective shifted when one of her children stumbled upon her classic hits and couldn't believe it was actually her singing. The mother of three—who shares Jagger, 10, and Ziggy, 5, with husband Evan Ross, and Bronx, 17, with ex Pete Wentz—decided it was finally time to shed her fears and step back into the spotlight.
"I started saying 'yes' again," she explained. "Being here, I've been able to get back to that fearless performer I was all those years ago and I put my past behind me for good. Winning that Golden Mask trophy would show my kids that taking risks is always worth it and that their mom is and has always been a total rock star."
Her Masked Singer journey was quite literally a family affair. Her husband, Evan Ross, also competed earlier in the season, bringing the Stingray costume to life before his Week 10 elimination. To make the finale triumph even sweeter, Ashlee's older sister, Jessica Simpson, made a surprise appearance on stage to celebrate the milestone.
"I cannot be more proud," Jessica beamed alongside her sister. "This is the moment! How amazing, right?"
Simpson Ross's victory serves as the capstone to a wildly entertaining Season 14. The competition featured a diverse cast of characters, kicking off with the early eliminations of Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz (Googly Eyes) and reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley (The Croissants) in Week 1, followed closely by comedian Tiffany Haddish (Le Who Who) in Week 2.