The Masked Singer Season 13: Is Nessy the Rock Legend Edwin McCain?
Season 13 of The Masked Singer debuted on February 12, 2025, and after an exciting nine-episode journey, the season has concluded with a thrilling finale for all three groups. The Group C finals aired on April 9, where Nessy emerged as a standout performer, showcasing a strong affinity for rock music throughout the season.
Nessy’s song choices and unique vocal style, coupled with an intriguing array of clues, suggest a compelling theory about his true identity—he may very well be the renowned rock artist, Edwin McCain. Notably, McCain opened for REO Speedwagon, aligning perfectly with Nessy’s statement about having performed alongside the band during his clues.
Additionally, popular artists Justin Bieber and Charlie Puth have covered McCain’s emotional ballad “I’ll Be,”which adds significance to a prop used by Nessy—a boombox inscribed with the names “Justin & Puth.”This connection opens the door to exploring more evidence supporting the Edwin McCain theory.
Unpacking the Clues: Is Nessy Really Edwin McCain?
Nessy’s initial performance featured ‘Roxanne’ by The Police, adhering to a Carnival Night theme. In the clue package, he shared an intriguing revelation:
“Becoming Nessy just makes sense. I, too, am a gentle giant.”
A notable detail from his clue was a belt buckle adorned with a deer, which aligns with McCain’s ownership of Nomad Land Management, a company dedicated to sustainable land management. This nature-themed clue further strengthens the connection. There was also a memorable scene where Nessy emerged from a lake clutching a card emblazoned with red lips—potentially a nod to McCain’s song “The Kiss.”
Moreover, Nessy showcased a radio featuring a star, reminiscent of McCain’s track “Radio Star.”At the conclusion of his performance, when Nick Cannon inquired about the impact of The Masked Singer on him, Nessy reflected:
“I took a lot of time off to be with my family, but then being able to come on here and be invited back into the limelight. .. it really feels good.”
This remark correlates with McCain’s own hiatus to focus on family, including his wife and their three children. On the subsequent night dubbed Boy Band Night, Nessy performed ‘Tearin’ Up My Heart’ by NSYNC, delivering another clue as he noted his rivalry with NSYNC for TRL spots—a connection, as both McCain and the boy band have appeared on the same platform.
In another intriguing hint, Nessy was seen munching from a popcorn box, cleverly alluding to McCain’s song “Popcorn Box.”He also mentioned an AARP card, further supporting the Edwin theory since McCain, now 55, might qualify for senior perks.
Nessy highlighted that he is known for his love songs, connecting directly to McCain’s most beloved tracks, including “I’ll Be”and “I Could Not Ask for More.”
The Group C finale, themed Decades Night, featured Nessy delivering REO Speedwagon’s ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling.’ A compelling moment was when he remarked about opening for the legendary band:
“I even got to open up for ’em. Their music taught me how to put lyrics to the feelings of love, something I became known for in my own career.”
This quote is significant, as McCain did indeed have the opportunity to open for REO Speedwagon. Additionally, Nessy’s gesture of tossing a bouquet of red roses may reference his album, “Misguided Roses.”During the episode, a boombox displaying the names Bieber and Puth again confirmed his identity, recalling their covers of McCain’s “I’ll Be.”
Also featured in the same episode was a statement from Bret Michaels:
“Right now, I just want to tell you I have rocked out with this person many times: Nessy. And I just need you to know this: You don’t get this one, I’ll be shocked,”
This could indicate the performances both Bret and Edwin shared, particularly at the 2024 Parti-Gras Birthday Concert. Despite numerous guesses from The Masked Singer panelists, including names like Daryl Hall, Pat Monahan, and Darius Rucker, the possibility of Nessy being Edwin McCain has gone largely unconsidered, even with abundant clues leading to this conclusion.
Catch new episodes of The Masked Singer Season 13 every Wednesday at 8 PM ET on FOX, as the excitement continues to unfold!