The twelfth season of The Masked Singer brought a whirlwind of surprises and emotions. One of the most talked-about reveals was the unmasking of Royal Knight as none other than actress, singer, and author Jana Kramer. This season, filled with intricate costumes, compelling performances, and nostalgic themes, has once again captivated audiences worldwide.

The Royal Knight’s Reveal

On a special Thursday night episode of The Masked Singer, themed around Thanksgiving and the beloved Peanuts characters, Royal Knight was the first to be unmasked. The show’s panelists, including Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke, and Rita Ora, had been guessing various celebrities. However, it was Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg who correctly identified Jana Kramer behind the mask, thanks to a crucial clue about her podcast.

A Bittersweet Journey

Jana Kramer admitted that she knew she wasn’t the best singer in the competition, but that didn’t deter her spirit. “I pretty much knew I wasn’t going to make it to the quarterfinals. I know I’m not the best singer. I was surprised how well I did. When I was hearing the other contestants singing, I was like, ‘I’m definitely not gonna make it all the way.’ But then I was just like, ‘Go out there and have fun. That’s exactly what I did,” she said.

Her performances, including a heartfelt rendition of “When I Look At You” by Miley Cyrus, dedicated to her husband, showcased her emotional depth and connection to the songs. Despite not advancing further, Jana Kramer took away a sense of accomplishment and joy from her time on the show.

Reflections on Her Career

The experience on The Masked Singer also gave Jana Kramer a chance to reflect on her career. She discussed how her role on “One Tree Hill” paved the way for her music career. “The only reason I got my record deal was because I was on ‘One Tree Hill.’ When I was on that show I was like, ‘Let me try to pursue music a little bit. It was interesting, because I hadn’t seen people do both. For a female at that time they were like, ‘You can’t do both. You’re an actress and country radio isn’t going to believe you if you continue to act, so you really need to stop acting.’ My label made me leave the last season of ‘One Tree Hill’ to do my radio tour. I gave up acting for a bit, but then I realized, I love acting.”

Rediscovering the Joy of Performing

One of the highlights of Jana Kramer’s journey on The Masked Singer was rediscovering her love for performing. The anonymity of the mask allowed her to let go of insecurities and just enjoy the moment. “For sure. When I’m doing shows and stuff, I judge myself and I know I’m being judged on stage. And then with The Masked Singer, I was like, I can just actually go out there and have a good time and not care what anyone thinks. And if I don’t hit a perfect note, that’s fine, because it’s all good. And I feel like I was better with singing with a mask on because I just didn’t have that insecurity,” she said.

Future Projects

As she continues to ride the high from her Masked Singer experience, Jana Kramer has exciting projects lined up. She revealed that she’s filming a couple of movies next year, though details are still under wraps. Additionally, fans can look forward to a new song she co-wrote with Lee Brice, Sarah Brice, and Jerrod Niemann titled “Heart Shift.”

A Newfound Appreciation for Miley Cyrus

One unexpected takeaway from Jana Kramer’s time on The Masked Singer was a newfound appreciation for Miley Cyrus. Performing “When I Look At You,” a song she was initially unfamiliar with, made her realize the range and talent of Cyrus. “I always knew Miley was a good singer, but when I was actually trying to sing one of her songs I was like, ‘Damn, this girl has range!’ I have so much more appreciation for her and her musical talent,” she admitted.

Jana Kramer’s journey on The Masked Singer as the Royal Knight was a testament to her resilience, talent, and passion for performing. It highlighted her ability to tackle new challenges with grace and reminded audiences of her multifaceted career. As she continues to explore new opportunities and connect with her fans, it’s clear that Jana Kramer is more than just a singer or an actress—she’s a true entertainer.