How did Vanessa Hudgens’ father die? 'Goldfish' mask on 'The Masked Singer' leaves judges in tears
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Vanessa Hudgens experienced a heartbreaking loss in 2016 when her father, Gregory Hudgens, passed away from stage 4 cancer. The timing of his passing was particularly emotional, as Vanessa was preparing to take on the role of Rizzo in the live television production of Grease Live! Despite the immense grief she was undoubtedly feeling, Vanessa took to Twitter to share the news with her fans, expressing her deep sadness at her father's passing from stage 4 cancer.
Goldfish's emotional performance on 'The Masked Singer' Season 11 struck a chord with the audience as she shared a story about losing someone dear to her heart. As she recounted her personal experience, the panelists were visibly moved, with tears welling up in their eyes. Amidst the heartfelt moment, judge Rita Ora was the first one to voice her suspicion that the singer behind the mask could indeed be Vanessa Hudgens, aligning with the clues provided.
“I think if it’s this person, it was her father, sadly. He passed away hours before she did one of my favorite live versions of ‘Grease,'” Ora said. “And she bravely still went out and was incredible, that’s why I’m getting so emotional," she added. “When I was first getting into music and I came over here stateside, this person was really nice to me from the get-go. And she’s such an incredible human," Ora further shared discreetly about Hudgens.
'The Masked Singer' Season 11: Clues for Goldfish mask
In her revealing clue package, Goldfish cleverly quipped, "It’s o-fish-al, you finally caught me in the Masked Singer net." Reflecting on her sudden rise to fame, she likened it to living in a fishbowl, feeling overwhelmed by the constant attention. Despite the spotlight, she felt suffocated and sought to break free from the constraints of fame.
Acknowledging the "eyes and expectations" placed upon her, Goldfish expressed her desire to explore "deeper, darker, edgier waters" in her career, signaling a departure from her previous image or sound. In the clue package, she was depicted posing for cameras but then fleeing from the spotlight, indicating her longing for freedom.
Despite the uncertainty, Goldfish embraced the challenge and was willing to take risks. "I had big decisions to make. I could play it safe, or dive into deeper, darker, edgier waters. So I took the plunge," she stated. She emphasized swimming against the current and breaking the mold, expressing her enjoyment in keeping people guessing. This willingness to venture into the unknown brought her to the Masked Singer stage.
Is Vanessa Hudgens under the Goldfish mask?
The speculation that Vanessa Hudgens might be under the Goldfish mask stems from several clues and observations made during the show, as well as Vanessa's own career trajectory and characteristics.
Firstly, fans and viewers have noted that the singing voice of Goldfish bears a striking resemblance to Vanessa Hudgens' voice. This observation is based on the quality and style of Goldfish's singing performances, which seem reminiscent of Vanessa's past musical projects. Secondly, clues provided by Goldfish in the show's clue packages align with Vanessa's career and personal life.
For instance, Goldfish mentioned feeling like she was living in a fishbowl due to sudden fame, which mirrors Vanessa's experience of rising to superstardom with Disney Channel's High School Musical franchise. Goldfish's mention of wanting to explore "deeper, darker, edgier waters" in her career could also be interpreted as a reference to Vanessa's transition to more mature roles after her Disney days.
Additionally, Goldfish's clue package featured imagery related to Christmas and a white house in a snow globe, which fans speculate could be nods to Vanessa's involvement in the 2019 Netflix movie "The Knight Before Christmas," where she starred alongside actor Josh Whitehouse.
The new episodes of 'The Masked Singer' Season 11 drop on Wednesdays at 8 pm ET on FOX.