How Fuzzy Peas’ Athletic Past Prepared Him for ‘The Masked Singer’: ‘I Was in My Element’

The Unforgettable Reveal of Fuzzy Peas on The Masked Singer

The second episode of The Masked Singer Season 13 brought a electrifying twist that left both the audience and the panelists in awe. Fuzzy Peas, the mysterious contestant whose identity had everyone guessing, was finally unmasked, revealing none other than the legendary Oscar De La Hoya. The 52-year-old boxing icon stunned the judges—Jenny McCarthy, Rita Ora, Ken Jeong, and Robin Thicke—by managing to keep his identity under wraps until the very end. While the panelists tossed around names like Antonio Banderas and John Leguizamo, De La Hoya remained a mystery, even when clues pointed directly to his storied career.

The Clues That Led to a Knockout Reveal

One of the most intriguing aspects of Fuzzy Peas’ appearance on the show was the cleverly crafted clue package that hinted at De La Hoya’s dual talents. The first clue notably mentioned that he was “known for hits, some of them Grammy-nominated,” a reference that doubled as both a nod to his iconic boxing career and his lesser-known stint in music. The “hits” in the ring were undeniable, but the Grammy nomination was a surprising twist that left the judges scratching their heads. De La Hoya, who earned a Grammy nomination in 2001 for his only album, shared with Us Weekly that the experience of being on the show was a thrilling challenge. “Music is in my blood,” he said, revealing that his mother was a professional singer and that stepping into the spotlight for The Masked Singer felt like a natural extension of his heritage.

From the Boxing Ring to the Stage: Oscar’s Journey

Oscar De La Hoya is no stranger to the world of entertainment. Long before his appearance on The Masked Singer, he made waves on The Masked Dancer in 2021, where he finished in an impressive fourth place. However, he confessed that singing was far more nerve-wracking than dancing. “With dancing, you can have a choreographer and they can teach you a few moves, and you can get by, right? But with singing, it’s your voice,” he explained. Despite his success in the boxing world, De La Hoya admitted that he wasn’t born to sing—he was born to fight. Yet, once he stepped onto the stage as Fuzzy Peas, something clicked. The rush of performing reminded him of the focus and adrenaline he felt during his boxing days, and he found himself in his element.

The Mindset of a Champion: How Boxing Prepared Oscar for the Stage

De La Hoya’s experience on The Masked Singer was heavily influenced by his illustrious boxing career. He drew parallels between the mental preparation required for a fight and the nerves he felt before performing. “It’s funny because when I’m in the locker room, getting ready to step out into the ring in front of 20,000 people, you’re prepared,” he told Us Weekly. “Once the first bell rings, it’s like, no pressure. You’re focused. So when I was backstage putting on my Fuzzy Peas costume, you’re nervous, you’re petrified. But once you’re on stage, it’s like, ‘OK, boom, lights on. Let’s go. Let’s perform.’ And that’s what made it fun. You’re nervous, but once that switch goes off, you’re just having a blast.”

Life Post-Mask: What’s Next for Oscar De La Hoya?

While De La Hoya doesn’t have plans to release another album anytime soon, his time as Fuzzy Peas has ignited a new passion for performing. He revealed that he might even take his talents to a local karaoke bar, where he can belt out his go-to song, “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens—the same song he performed on The Masked Singer. For De La Hoya, the experience wasn’t just about the music; it was about embracing a new challenge and discovering a side of himself he hadn’t tapped into in years. “Boxing literally kind of prepared me for the stage of The Masked Singer in a way, because when I went out there behind the mask, I felt I was in my element,” he said.

The Legacy of Fuzzy Peas and the Heartbeat of The Masked Singer

Oscar De La Hoya’s journey as Fuzzy Peas on The Masked Singer is a testament to the show’s unique ability to bring together talent, mystery, and pure entertainment. The reveal of his identity not only shocked the judges but also reminded fans of the show’s power to surprise and delight. De La Hoya’s story is one of courage, creativity, and the enduring spirit of a champion. As The Masked Singer continues to captivate audiences every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox, one thing is certain: the legacy of Fuzzy Peas will never be forgotten.