In a surprising turn of events, the Masked Singer delivered another dramatic unmasking on its April 16 episode, revealing none other than Boy Meets World star Matthew Lawrence as the voice behind the camera-headed character Paparazzo.
The unmasking was a nostalgic surprise for fans of ’90s television and a full-circle moment for Lawrence himself, who admitted he had once vowed never to sing in front of an audience again. “Stage fright had me in a chokehold for years,” Lawrence confessed in his exit interview. “I bombed a Broadway audition so badly years ago — in front of people like Alec Baldwin and David Letterman — I ran off stage. I thought I was done with singing forever.”
But as fate would have it, The Masked Singer gave him a second chance.
Revealing Clues
View this post on Instagram
The night’s “Lucky 6” theme saw the final six contestants — Mad Scientist Monster, Nessy, Coral, Pearl, Boogie Woogie, and Paparazzo — vying for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Paparazzo’s emotional take on TLC’s “Unpretty” struck a personal chord. “It’s one of my favorite songs,” Matthew Lawrence shared after the unmasking. “But I had to check with my girlfriend first.” That girlfriend? TLC’s Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas. “I called her and T-Boz and asked, ‘Is it okay if I sing this?’ They were so supportive.”
Danielle Fishel (Topanga from Boy Meets World) appeared as Paparazzo’s “colossal clue,” prompting a flurry of guesses. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg correctly identified Lawrence, gaining another point toward the Golden Ear trophy.
Paparazzo’s Mask Comes Off
Credit: ew.com
When the time came for elimination, Paparazzo found himself heading back to the red carpet. But instead of defeat, Lawrence embraced the moment with gratitude.
“I went into this with major fear. I’m not a singer, I’m an actor,” he said post-reveal.
But there was a moment, during the Shrek Night performance, when I sang ‘Hallelujah’ — where I just… let go. I got lost in it. That feeling was magic. That’s something I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.
Lawrence, 45, also couldn’t help but poke fun at sibling rivalry. His older brother, Joey Lawrence, appeared on season 8 as Walrus but was eliminated early. “I didn’t do this to one-up him,” Matthew said with a laugh. “But yeah, I may have brought it up once or twice.”
As for Danielle Fishel’s surprise cameo? “I had no idea she was going to be there! I found out watching the playback. I’m calling her today,” he said with a grin. “We’ve stayed in touch, but that was a real shocker — and a sweet one.”
From Heartthrob to Hidden Talent
Fans remember Matthew Lawrence for his roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Brotherly Love, and, of course, Boy Meets World, but The Masked Singer has now introduced a new side of him: an emotional performer willing to face his fears head-on.
“I’m not saying I’m going to drop an album,” he joked, “but I’m definitely not saying no to singing anymore either. That wall is gone.”
For someone who once ran off a stage, to now delivering one of the most touching performances of the season, the journey of Paparazzo was more than just a game. It was a breakthrough.
And as for what’s next? “Whatever it is,” Lawrence said, “I’m saying yes.”
Stay Tuned for More Updates!
Leave a comment