The Masked Singer is a FOX original series adapted from the South Korean show King of Mask Singer. It premiered on the network in 2019 and became one of the most-watched unscripted shows. It remains one of Fox’s most enduring unscripted series due to its unique blend of mystery, music, and spectacle.
Each season, a roster of costumed celebrity contestants performs songs in elaborate disguises, while a panel of judges interprets clues planted throughout the season to guess their identities. After every performance, the panel and studio audience vote, and the least popular singer is unmasked and eliminated.
The format continues until the finals, where the winner is announced, and they (along with the finalists) take off their masks to reveal who they are to the judges and the audience. During filming, elaborate security measures — including code names, NDAs, and dedicated disguise teams — are used to protect each contestant’s identity until the “Big Reveal.”
The Masked Singer is hosted by Nick Cannon, who has served as the show’s primary host since its debut. The judging panel includes Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Robin Thicke, and Rita Ora, who replaced original judge Nicole Scherzinger in season 11. Joel McHale also appears regularly as a guest judge on the series.
