The Masked Singer season 5 debuts on FOX Wednesday March 10, and here’s everything you need to know about the new season.
- The Masked Singer 5 will introduce a “clue-meister” which is a costumed celebrity NOT A COMPETITOR that will hand out new clues about the masked singers’ identities. The clue person is costumed as a rooster (see above) and named Cluedle-doo. He/she will be revealed during the season.
- There are 10 regular costumed contestants who will initially compete in two groups, A and B. So far the ones FOX have announced include Phoenix, Grandpa Monster, Chameleon, Russian Doll, Black Swan, Piglet, Porcupine, Raccoon, Seashell and Snail.
- Ten seems like a low number, considering prior seasons have featured as many as 18 celebrities. HOWEVER, in a MAJOR TWIST FOX will introduce “Wildcards” which are special surprise contestants which will appear at the end of episodes to knockout one of the regulars. According to a Masked producer, “We we will get to know them [the wild card contestants],” adding that a Wildcard delivers “one of the most emotional performances” of the season, as well as “one of the most emotional stories.”
The entire cast is returning, including Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke on the judges panel. Nick Cannon is still the regular host. BUT, Niecy Nash will fill in for the first weeks of the season as Nick recovers from COVID-19.
“Nick rejoins towards the second half of the season,” executive producer James Breen revealed during the virtual Television Critics Association press tour on Tuesday. “I won’t be too specific about how many shows but Niecy kicks things off.”
The Masked Singer 5 premiere will feature the following masked celebrities in Group A: Grandpa Monster, Black Swan, Chameleon, Phoenix, and Russian Doll (Maybe a duo! Watch a sneak peek performance). Will a Wildcard compete? Fans won’t know for sure until the premiere airs. Check out a photo gallery of Group A contestants, plus Cluedle-doo below
The Masked Singer season 5 premieres on FOX Wednesday, March 10 at 8 pm ET/PT.