Singing sensation Dami Im has been crowned the winner of The Masked Singer Australia.
The Eurovision star outfoxed her competitors, winning the coveted title ahead of platinum-selling recording artist and songwriter Darren Hayes (Grim Reaper) and award-winning performer Conrad Sewell (Bouncer).
For her final performance, Snow Fox’s chilling rendition of Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman had the judges perplexed.
Mel B was sure that Snow Fox was Australian singer-songwriter, Samantha Jade, Dave Hughes hedged his bets on Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland, Abbie Chatfield locked in pop superstar Jessie J, whilst Chrissie ‘CSI’ Swan smashed out yet another correct guess, certain that Snow Fox was Dami Im.
Commenting on her win, Dami said: “It feels amazing to be out [from under the mask]. I actually won The X Factor here, on this same stage, exactly 10 years ago. And now I’m back winning this!”
She then acknowledged how wonderful it was to meet Mel B: “I came to Australia when I was nine years old. I didn’t speak a word of English. But I learnt to speak by listening to the Spice Girls songs.”
Second runner up Conrad Sewell opened up on The Masked Singer Australia experience: “It was an emotional rollercoaster backstage. Everyone was like, you’re really going to go on a journey. They were right! I had a great time.”
After explaining that he couldn’t wait to tell his little boy Memphis that he is in fact that voice behind Bouncer, he announced that he and his partner have another baby on the way.
“It’s a little girl next, which is very lovely.”
Runner up Darren admitted that throughout the season, he had cried under his mask every time Abbie had become emotional at the thought of him being Grim Reaper, given his influence on her journey to come out as bi-sexual.
“It’s really hard to sing and cry!”
Asked by Chrissie what it was like being part of the show and why he decided to take part, Darren said: “I never thought I’d do this show [and] I’m so glad I did… It’s been like a warm hug, and I really needed that. I’ve had a tough year.”
And that’s a wrap on The Masked Singer Australia for 2023.