“The Masked Singer”’s Paparazzo Had to Get Permission from His Girlfriend Before Singing This ‘Guilty Pleasure’ Song (Exclusive)

Exclusive: The Masked Singer Contestant Revealed as Paparazzo After Seeking Girlfriend’s Approval to Perform Hit Song

A recent episode of The Masked Singer left fans in awe as the final six celebrities took the stage to showcase their talents. Among them, Paparazzo stood out, singing his heart out and eventually being unmasked as Matthew Lawrence, known for his role in Boy Meets World. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lawrence shared the behind-the-scenes story of how he ended up performing TLC’s iconic song, “Unpretty,” on the show.

Prior to his captivating performance, Lawrence, 45, revealed that he had to seek approval from his girlfriend, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, and Tionne Watkins, members of TLC and co-writers of the song. Lawrence expressed, “They had to give me approval, because Tionne, she wrote that song, so she had to give me personal [approval] and Fox approval. I had to go and ask her, I was like, ‘Hey, you know that song you wrote about feeling unpretty? Do you think I could sing that on The Masked Singer?’”

Fortunately, Watkins and Thomas were both supportive of Lawrence’s rendition of the song. He shared his appreciation, stating, “They’re both — obviously Chilli in particular — they’re so amazing.” Even before taking the stage, Lawrence had a special connection to “Unpretty,” as it was a favourite guilty pleasure song of his from years past. Despite initially listing it as a joke, Lawrence found himself embracing the opportunity to showcase his vocal talents.

The ’90s heartthrob confessed to his fear of singing in public, a sentiment that was heightened by his brother, Joey Lawrence’s, prior appearance on the show. However, Lawrence, now in his “yes” era, saw The Masked Singer as a chance to conquer his fears. Reflecting on his experience, Lawrence admitted, “I’m in a point in my life now where I’m not allowing fear to kind of enter into things. It’s also the season of yes, no no’s.”

During his time on the show, Lawrence not only overcame his fear of singing in public but also discovered a newfound appreciation for performing. He expressed, “I wish I hadn’t allowed fear to dictate my singing life as much. Because yeah, now I do kind of get that bug … I’m definitely open now to receiving more opportunities to sing, for sure.”

Lawrence’s journey on The Masked Singer serves as an inspiring tale of facing fears and embracing new challenges. As the show continues to captivate audiences, Lawrence’s story stands out as a reminder of the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. The Masked Singer airs on Fox, offering viewers a blend of mystery, talent, and unexpected surprises each week.

The Masked Singer has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting viewers with its unique blend of singing competition and mystery. As more celebrities step onto the stage in elaborate costumes, the show continues to intrigue audiences with its unexpected twists and powerful performances. Matthew Lawrence’s experience on the show highlights the transformative journey that can come from taking risks and embracing new opportunities.

As Lawrence’s story unfolds, fans eagerly await to see where his newfound passion for singing will take him next. The Masked Singer remains a platform for individuals to showcase their talents, overcome challenges, and ultimately, inspire viewers to pursue their own dreams. By sharing his musical journey with the world, Lawrence has not only entertained audiences but also encouraged others to pursue their passion fearlessly.