Surfer Bethany Hamilton Makes Masked Singer Debut After 3-Year-Old Nephew’s Tragic Death

Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton fulfilled her dream of performing on The Masked Singer several months before her nephew Andrew Hamilton, 3, passed away after a drowning incident.

By Brett M Malec Nov 14, 2024 2:05 AM
| Updated Nov 14, 2024 2:06 AM
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Watch: Bethany Hamilton’s Three Year Old Nephew Andrew Hamilton Dies After Drowning Accident

Bethany Hamilton is testing out the waters on The Masked Singer.

The pro surfer—who recently lost her 3-year-old nephew Anthony Hamilton—fulfilled her dream of performing on the Fox singing competition series during the reality show's Nov. 13 episode.

The 34-year-old, who was disguised as Macaron, was introduced by friend and Masked Singer season six alum Willie Robertson.

"If anyone knows how life can change in an instant, it's Macaron," the Duck Dynasty star shared in a video, referencing Bethany losing her left arm during a 2003 shark attack. "She's one tough cookie."

Bethany went on to hint at her true identity in her own video.

"Growing up, life was pretty sweet, until my life changed forever in an event rarer than being struck by lightning," the mother of four teased during the episode, which was filmed months before her recent family tragedy. "Instead of my spirit crumbling, I dug deep. I fought hard and started from scratch. So why not act on any half-baked dream by singing on The Masked Singer?"

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Bethany Hamilton’s Nephew Andrew Dies at 3 After Drowning Incident

While judges Jenny McCarthy, Robin Thicke and Ken Jeong threw around names including Ariana Madix, Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Monica Lewinsky, only Rita Ora correctly guessed that it was Bethany.

After Nick unmasked the "unstoppable inspiration," Bethany noted it was a challenge to participate on The Masked Singer.

"I'm more of a wave rider but it was really cool to do something that is out of our comfort zone and have fun with it," she shared, "and I did that and had so much fun."

Michael Becker/FOX/Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images)

Bethany went on to share the lessons she's learned in life about resilience.

"To me, being unstoppable is not about being perfect," she noted. "I'm a mother of four and some days you get to the end of the day you're just like wiped out. To me, it's getting back on your board and paddling back out, even when you feel discouraged, even when you feel down, and just knowing that you can overcome.

Bethany's Masked Singer debut comes nearly one month after her older brother Timothy Hamilton and his wife Kyah Hamilton announced their 3-year-old Andrew died after he was found unconscious in a partially filled bathtub.

"Andrew Samuel Hamilton, born December 26th 2020, entered his heavenly rest on Friday, October 17, 2024," Timothy shared in an Oct. 19 Instagram post, "succumbing to injuries sustained a week prior in a drowning accident, after all of the best life-saving interventions had been exhausted."

Bethany also paid tribute to the little one.

"The Lord has receive my sweet nephew Andrew into his beautiful care," the athlete wrote on her Instagram. "While my family and I will miss him dearly, we trust that his joy is full with Jesus."

Keep reading to see more of The Masked Singer's season 12 celebrity reveals.

Leaf Sheep: Eliminated Week 1

Leaf Sheep (which happens to be an actual sea animal) was revealed to be NFL Hall of Fame legend John Elway, who was sent home first.

Showbird: Eliminated Week 2

The celebrity behind the colorful Showbird costume? Community alum Yvette Nicole Brown.

Woodpecker: Eliminated Week 3

Modern Family alum Marsai Martin flew away from the competition after it was revealed she was Woodpecker.

Ship: Eliminated Week 3

During week three's double elimination, singer Paula Cole, who was behind the Ship costume, was also eliminated.

Dust Bunny: Eliminated Week 4

The man behind the pink, furry costume was comedian and actor Andy Richter, who left the competition during the Oct. 16 episode.

Chess Piece: Eliminated Week 5

The Emmy-winning actress behind the Chess Piece costume was none other than Orange Is the New Black alum and E! host Laverne Cox.

Bluebell: Eliminated Week 6

Bluebell was none other than Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia, who topped the charts in 1997 with her iconic cover of "Torn."

Macaron: Eliminated Week 7

Pro surfer Bethany Hamilton was unmasked as Macaron during the Nov. 13 episode.

Ice King: Eliminated Week 8

After being eliminated during Miley Cyrus Night, Ice King was unmasked as former Nickelodeon child star Drake Bell.

Royal Knight: Eliminated Week 9

One Tree Hill alum Jana Kramer was revealed to be the singer behind the Royal Knight costume during Peanuts Night on Thanksgiving.

Sherlock Hound: Eliminated Week 9

The mystery behind the identity of Sherlock Hound was solved when Bronson Arroyo was unmasked in a double elimination on Peanuts Night.

Goo: Eliminated Week 10

Goo was unmasked to be Los Angeles Rams defensive end Kobie Turner.

Strawberry Shortcake: Eliminated Week 11

Strawberry Shortcake just fell, well, short from making it to the season finale when she was eliminated during the semi-finals. The star behind the mask? Former Disney star and half of Aly & AJ AJ Michalka!

Wasp: Eliminated Week 12

Despite having made it all the way to the grand finale, Wasp came in second place to Buffalos on season 12. As for the singer behind the buzzy costume, it was none other than Mario.

Buffalos: Winners

And the winners of season 12 are...Buffalos! Boys II Men's Shawn Stockman, Nathan Morris and Wanyá Morris took home The Masked Singer trophy.

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