Yahoo Lifestyle Jana Kramer Reveals She Filmed 'The Masked Singer' Just Before Her Wedding
While Jana Kramer hails from One Tree Hill, she's far from a one-trick pony. After finishing her starring role on the teen drama, she went into the studio with aspirations of becoming a country artist. She was able to do just that, putting out two albums and winning an ACM Award for Top New Female Artist in 2012. As her life changed, amidst several up-and-down relationships, so did her career, eventually segueing into becoming a successful podcaster. But what brought her away from the mic was, ironically, another one in The Masked Singer. Once again, she could take to the stage and sing her heart out, albeit with that heart beating under the armor-covered chest of the "Royal Knight."
After his reveal, Jana Kramer spoke to Parade about her time on The Masked Singer.
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Related: Everything to Know About The Masked Singer Season 12
When and how did the opportunity to do The Masked Singer come into your life?
Well, it's a show that I've wanted to do for a long time, because it just looks like a really fun opportunity. But I got a text message from the producer and the casting director, because I've been friends with them for a while. And also I've been like, "Hey, guys, when am I going to be on The Masked Singer? What's up? Come on!" But they're like, "We will, we will, we will, we will." But they knew I was getting married in July, and they texted me with about a month's notice. They were like, "Hey, can you do these dates for Masked Singer?" And I was like, "Yes, I can, absolutely!" I was so excited.
Wait, so you went on The Masked Singer just before getting married? Or right after?
It was right before we got married. I had a week and a half before. I just got back from a movie and was recouping from that, and then going off to go get married. And so I was like, "Alright, this is great. We'll do the show, and then we'll go. After Fourth of July, we'll head out to Scotland." So it was kind of like a "bam, bam" trip, and it just worked out perfect.
What was it like balancing participating in this show and wedding planning?
Yeah, I mean, I was so low key on this wedding. But for The Masked Singer, they said, "It's a week and a half at the most. Come have fun." And I'm like, "Absolutely, this sounds like an absolute blast." So, I mean, I just really took it as an opportunity to do something for myself, which I don't do often.
Considering all the skills you've been able to show off as of late, what was it like to be able to focus solely on your singing?
It was so fun. I mean, I've played on stage, sang on stage a million times. But it was such a different experience being masked up, and I enjoyed it so much. It was so fun to just feel the confidence and not have to worry about people thinking whatever they want to thank or whatever. And just to be like, "Okay, no one knows who I am. So just go out there and have fun and put on a really good show." And that's what I hoped I did!
Definitely! What was your reaction to being the Royal Knight and getting to rock the armor?
I mean, I was able to move the, you know, pretty well. Was it the easiest costume? No. I mean, the headpiece was really heavy. But again, this is such a fun and crazy experience. And the wardrobe ladies and people that made everything were so kind. If things didn't fit right, they would fix it, and start resewing it on your body. So they were lovely. And so it was fun to embody something that meant a lot to me too. Because I've been through a lot in my life. It was very full circle. All of a sudden, I was this knight again, and just coming out and fighting the good fight.
There were a number of guesses thrown your way between the three rounds you performed in, from Aubrey Plaza to Amanda Seyfried to Anna Faris. What was your reactions to who the judges thought you were?
I mean, at first I'm like, "Well, they're going to be really disappointed when it's just me underneath there." But then, you know what kind of changed my thinking with that was when I went to the comment section of The Masked Singer after I sang that first time. I was shocked how many people actually guessed me. Which made me feel good; that was sweet. But then also they were guessing some amazing singers. So that also felt quite good.
So what was your reaction when Jenny correctly guessed who you were?
I knew she was going to. She was just on my podcast about a month before I even filmed that. And when they gave the podcast clue of the mic, I was like, "She's gonna for sure guess me." She knows I live in Nashville. She knows I've had relationship traumas and all the troubles and stuff. So I love that she guessed me.
You spoke about your family in your clue package. What's been their reaction to seeing you on the show? Do they know you were on The Masked Singer?
Well, my kids, my kids and my husband know that, obviously, I was on the show. And it's so sweet to see them watch it. My son, daughter, and husband were so excited. And then my other family lives out of state. But it's funny to get the text messages. They're like, "We know it's you. Just tell us it's you". And I'm like, "I don't know!"
Has your time on The Masked Singer encouraged you to get back into the studio more?
I mean, I still release music. I had a song that came out a couple months ago called "Warrior," that I worked with my husband that's out. And then I have another song coming out next year. So I release songs here and there. But acting is my main passion.
Speaking of acting, who from your previous projects would you want to follow in your footsteps and participate on The Masked Singer?
I'd probably want my girl from One Tree Hill Shantel VanSanten to do the show. She's also on a new show of FBI. She's going to lead in that show. But she's a very serious person. She's one of my dearest friends. But I need her to have some more fun in her life. And this show was so fun for me that I want her to experience that same thing.
I'd be remiss not to ask, any progress of you possibly making an appearance on the upcoming One Tree Hill revival?
I mean, I definitely talked to Sophia [Bush] about it. If it makes sense! Listen, I love watching old shows come back and then seeing where the characters were. So I'm definitely open to it. I think they're open to it. So we'll see what happens.
