The Masked Singer (American TV series)

Each season of The Masked Singer features a group of celebrity contestants. In a typical episode, four to six contestants anonymously in costume each sing a 90-second{{cite interview |url=https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-official-masked-singe-72239889/episode/episode-2-cloudy-with-a-chance-72614437/ |title=Episode 2- Cloudy with a Chance of Clues |publisher=The Official "Masked Singer" Podcast |last=Gandelman |first=Miguel |interviewer=Bow Wow |interviewer-link=Bow Wow (rapper) |date=October 14, 2020 |time=20:20 |access-date=October 30, 2020}} cover for panelists and an audience. Hints to their identities—known as the "clue package"—are given before and occasionally after each performs. The perennial format is a taped interview with a celebrity's electronically masked voice narrating a video showing cryptic allusions to what they are known for. During screenings of the clue packages, after performances, and before an elimination, the panelists are given time to speculate on each singer's identity out loud and write comments in note binders. They may ask questions and the host may offer additional clues. After performances conclude, the audience and panelists vote for their favorite singer using an electronic device. The show uses a weighted voting system; panelists' and audience members' votes are worth 50{{nbsp}}percent each and combined to form a score.{{cite web |url=https://tvline.com/gallery/the-masked-singer-burning-questions-answered/masked-singer-secrets-season-1/ |title=The Masked Singer: Burning Questions Answered! |work=TVLine |date=February 12, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421165526/http://tvline.com/gallery/the-masked-singer-burning-questions-answered/masked-singer-secrets-season-1/ |archive-date=April 21, 2020}} The least popular contestant then takes off their mask to reveal their identity. This process of elimination continues for a set number of episodes until three contestants remain in the season finale, and one is declared the winner after they perform again. The "Golden Mask" trophy is awarded as a prize.

Voting does not occur for certain performances; contestants in an episode might occasionally sing as a group, and each episode concludes with the eliminated celebrity singing an encore unmasked. Occasionally, the eliminated celebrity sings their signature song unmasked. To continue attracting viewers, producers often modify the format each season.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-masked-singer-ken-jeong-james-breen-rosie-seitchik-interview-contenders-tv-1234748441/ |title=The Masked Singer Team On Having To Elevate Every Season, Particularly During Covid With Stand-In Host – Contenders TV Docs + Unscripted |last=White|first=Peter|work=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 1, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501231205/https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-masked-singer-ken-jeong-james-breen-rosie-seitchik-interview-contenders-tv-1234748441/ |archive-date=May 1, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/masked-singer-season-5-interactive-1234919689/ |title=The Masked Singer Team Talks Season 5 Wildcard Twist, Niecy Nash as Host |last=Turchiano |first=Danielle |work=Variety |date=March 2, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303035128/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/masked-singer-season-5-interactive-1234919689/ |archive-date=March 3, 2021}} Except in the first, fifth and sixth seasons, a "smackdown" round is featured in select episodes in which the two least popular competitors from their first performances sing one after another on the same stage, and a second, eliminating vote occurs. Since the second season, the contestants are initially divided and only compete in a designated subgroup. A "Golden Ear" trophy awarded to the panelist with the most correct first impression guesses at the end of a season was introduced for the fourth, and until the sixth, as was a reduction of performances and the audience viewing and voting remotely.{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/the-masked-singer-season-4-pandemic-production-animation-fan-voting-baby-alien-coronavirus/ |title=How The Masked Singer Pulled Off Its Pandemic Season With Animation, Fan Voting and a Baby Alien |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |work=TheWrap |date=September 21, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922041842/https://www.thewrap.com/the-masked-singer-premiere-season-4-pandemic-production-animation-fan-voting-baby-alien-coronavirus/ |archive-date=September 22, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/947305/the-masked-singer-season-4-spoilers-characters-clues-voting/ |title=The Masked Singer: What's New in Season 4 That Will Keep You Hooked |last=Halterman |first=Jim |work=TV Insider |date=September 9, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915143657/https://www.tvinsider.com/947305/the-masked-singer-season-4-spoilers-characters-clues-voting/ |archive-date=September 15, 2020}} These elements continued in the fifth seasons, and "wildcard" contestants who perform at the end of certain episodes competed for the first time.

The permanent panel consists of actor and comedian Ken Jeong, television personality Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, and singer-songwriter Robin Thicke.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/nick-cannon-stay-host-the-masked-singer-apology-anti-semitic-comments-1202986022/ |title=Nick Cannon to Remain as Host of Fox's The Masked Singer After Apology Over Anti-Semitic Comments |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |last2=Hipes |first2=Patrick |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=July 15, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716031741/https://deadline.com/2020/07/nick-cannon-stay-host-the-masked-singer-apology-anti-semitic-comments-1202986022/ |archive-date=July 16, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/masked-singer-season-4-premiere-date-costumes-production-start/ |title=The Masked Singer Season 4: Here's Everything We Know—So Far |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |work=TheWrap |date=June 26, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630010538/https://www.thewrap.com/masked-singer-season-4-premiere-date-costumes-production-start/ |archive-date=June 30, 2020}} A guest occasionally appears as a fifth panelist during an episode;{{cite web |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/alessadominguez/the-masked-singer-wendy-williams-huge-hit-nick-cannon |title=There's a Reason Why Everyone Is Watching The Masked Singer |last=Dominguez |first=Alessa |work=BuzzFeed News |date=November 23, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124070051/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/alessadominguez/the-masked-singer-wendy-williams-huge-hit-nick-cannon |archive-date=November 24, 2020}} Joel McHale has served as a guest panelist in almost every season,

• {{Cite episode |title=Five Masks No More |series=The Masked Singer |network=Fox |date=January 16, 2019 |season=1 |number=3}}
• {{Cite episode |title=Clash of the Masks |series=The Masked Singer |network=Fox |date=December 4, 2019 |season=2 |number=9}}
• {{Cite episode |title=It Never Hurts to Mask: Group C Playoffs |series=The Masked Singer |network=Fox |date=March 18, 2020 |season=3 |number=8}}
• {{Cite episode |title=The Group A Play Offs – Famous Masked Words |series=The Masked Singer |network=Fox |date=October 7, 2020 |season=4 |number=3}}
• {{Cite episode |title=Group A Wildcard Round – Enter The Wildcards! |series=The Masked Singer |network=Fox |date=March 24, 2021 |season=5 |number=3}} and previous seasons' winners have appeared.
• {{Cite episode |title=A Pain in the Mask |series=The Masked Singer |network=Fox |date=December 10, 2019 |season=2 |number=10}}
• {{Cite episode |title=Friends in High Places: Group B Championships |series=The Masked Singer |network=Fox |date=March 4, 2020 |season=3 |number=6}}
• {{Cite episode |title=The Group C Play Offs – Funny You Should Mask |series=The Masked Singer |network=Fox |date=November 4, 2020 |season=4 |number=6}} Nick Cannon hosts the show; his role was considered unclear in July 2020 after making anti-Semitic statements Fox said "inadvertently promoted hate".{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/nick-cannon-the-masked-singer-fox-statement-1234706861/ |title=Nick Cannon Apologizes for Anti-Semitic Comments; Fox Stands Behind The Masked Singer Host |last=Schneider |first=Michael |work=Variety |date=July 15, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716031537/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/nick-cannon-the-masked-singer-fox-statement-1234706861/ |archive-date=July 16, 2020}} The network accepted Cannon's apology, and he pledged to donate his first paycheck from the fourth season to the Simon Wiesenthal Center after visiting with its officials.{{cite web |url=https://people.com/tv/nick-cannon-visits-jewish-human-rights-group-learns-about-holocaust-after-semitic-comments/ |title=Nick Cannon Visits Jewish Human Rights Group, Learns About Holocaust After-Semitic Comments |last=Merrett |first=Robyn |work=People |date=July 23, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724081202/https://people.com/tv/nick-cannon-visits-jewish-human-rights-group-learns-about-holocaust-after-semitic-comments/ |archive-date=July 24, 2020}}{{cite web |url=http://www.wiesenthal.com/about/news/nick-cannon.html |title=Nick Cannon Continues Dialogue with SWC Officials, Views Hitler Letter, Tours MOT & Discusses Working Together on Joint Media Projects Promoting Tolerance & Understanding Between Blacks and Jews |publisher=Simon Wiesenthal Center |date=July 21, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726042136/http://www.wiesenthal.com/about/news/nick-cannon.html |archive-date=July 26, 2020}} Niecy Nash acted as guest host for the first five episodes of the fifth season after Cannon tested positive for COVID-19. Recording artist Rita Ora, a panelist on the British version of the show, has substituted for Scherzinger since the eleventh season while Scherzinger appeared in the West End and Broadway revivals of Sunset Boulevard.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/09/rita-ora-replaces-nicole-scherzinger-season-11-the-masked-singer-1235545871/|title=Rita Ora To Sub In For Nicole Scherzinger In Season 11 Of The Masked Singer|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Peter White|date=September 13, 2023|access-date=September 13, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://ew.com/rita-ora-the-masked-singer-panel-season-12-replaces-nicole-scherzinger-exclusive-8661895|title=Rita Ora joins The Masked Singer panel in place of Nicole Scherzinger again for season 12 (exclusive)|first=Lauren|last=Huff|work=EW|date=June 12, 2024|accessdate=June 12, 2024}}

{{quote box|quote=I turned around and all the diners were watching the TV screen. I saw a kangaroo in black pleather singing a pop song. At that moment I said, "Oh my gosh, I love this!" It was bizarre ... and it was still working. I found out that it was a hit format in Korea, it was a hit show in Thailand. And no one had the [U.S.] rights.|source=—Plestis on the creation of The Masked Singer.{{cite interview |url=https://issuu.com/worldscreen/docs/tv_formats_miptv_2019 |title=Craig Plestis |last=Plestis |first=Craig |subject-link=Craig Plestis |interviewer-last=Daswani |interviewer-first=Mansha |magazine=TV Formats |date=March 24, 2019 |page=38 |via=Issuu}}|width=25%}}

The Masked Singer is based on the 2015 South Korean television series King of Mask Singer, which is the originator of the Masked Singer franchise. Executive producer Craig Plestis noticed the format in October{{nbsp}}2017 at a Thai restaurant in Los Angeles.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/masked-singer-ep-explains-how-his-insane-reality-competition-made-it-air-1171775 |title=The Masked Singer: How the Fox Reality Show Scored Top Talent (and Kept it Secret) |last=Bentley |first=Jean |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=January 2, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713155810/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/masked-singer-ep-explains-how-his-insane-reality-competition-made-it-air-1171775 |archive-date=July 13, 2019}} While waiting for dinner, he observed the other patrons staring at a television playing an episode of the Thai version of the show. Intrigued, Plestis researched the series online and contacted an executive of MBC America, a subsidiary of the producer and broadcaster of the South Korean program, Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).{{cite web |url=https://realscreen.com/2019/06/06/realscreen-west-19-behind-the-scenes-of-the-masked-singer/ |title=Realscreen West '19: Behind the Scenes of The Masked Singer |last=Walsh |first=Barry |work=Realscreen |date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607163046/https://realscreen.com/2019/06/06/realscreen-west-19-behind-the-scenes-of-the-masked-singer/ |archive-date=June 7, 2019}} With the help of his agent, Steve Wohl of Paradigm Talent Agency, Plestis secured the rights to produce an American adaptation from the company. Following the creation of a showreel, he pitched the series to several outlets, all of whom rejected the idea. Plestis then met with Fox executive Rob Wade who said he "responded ... right away" to the concept and considered its uniqueness among celebrity singing competitions a strength. After successfully pitching the program under the condition A-list celebrities participate,{{cite web |url=https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/a30677487/masked-singer-season-3-taping-experience/ |url-access=limited |title=Going to a Masked Singer Taping Is Like Visiting a Top-Secret CIA Compound |last=Keegan |first=Kayla |work=Good Housekeeping |date=February 6, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405081745/https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/a30677487/masked-singer-season-3-taping-experience/ |archive-date=April 5, 2020}} Plestis began developing it in November.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/fox-remaking-asian-singing-contest-the-masked-singer-1202206986/ |title=Fox Developing Remake of Asian Talent Competition The Masked Singer |last=White |first=Peter |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=November 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521062138/https://deadline.com/2017/11/fox-remaking-asian-singing-contest-the-masked-singer-1202206986/ |archive-date=May 21, 2019}}

In January{{nbsp}}2018, executive producer and showrunner Izzie Pick Ibarra became involved to help cast celebrities and Americanize the format.{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/the-masked-singer-showrunner-izzie-pick-ibarra-studio-lambert-deal-1203401914/ |title=Studio Lambert Strikes Deal With The Masked Singer Showrunner Izzie Pick Ibarra |last=Clarke |first=Stewart |work=Variety |date=May 9, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819111225/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/the-masked-singer-showrunner-izzie-pick-ibarra-studio-lambert-deal-1203401914/ |archive-date=August 19, 2020}} While The Masked Singer retains elements of the South Korean version, the structure and style are different.{{cite book |last=Ju |first=Hyejung |date=2019 |title=Transnational Korean Television: Cultural Storytelling and Digital Audiences |place=Lanham |publisher=Lexington Books |page=109 |isbn=978-1-4985-6517-2 |oclc=1119607501 |id={{ProQuest|2326335158}}}} Rather than follow a tournament process in which singers perform against each other in multiple rounds, with the winner of the final round facing the previous episode's champion in an attempt to become the new "Mask King", Pick Ibarra opted to produce one elimination per episode, emphasize the clue package and guessing components, and have the celebrities wear more extravagant costumes.{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/01/the-masked-singer-changes-king-of-mask-singer.html |url-access=limited |title=How The Masked Singer Can Become a Better Version of Itself |last=Dehnart |first=Andy |author-link=Andy Dehnart |work=Vulture |date=January 23, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707024421/https://www.vulture.com/2019/01/the-masked-singer-changes-king-of-mask-singer.html |archive-date=July 7, 2019}} Plestis agreed, wanting to create a story arc throughout the episodes and—unlike the South Korean show—reuse the costumes. During performances, the production value is emphasized rather than panelists guessing which celebrity is singing.

On August{{nbsp}}2, 2018, Fox ordered the series and released a trailer.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/fox-masked-singer-reality-series-nick-cannon-1202893337/ |title=Fox Orders Masked Singer Reality Series; Nick Cannon to Host |last=Birnbaum |first=Debra |work=Variety |date=August 2, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102132907/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/fox-masked-singer-reality-series-nick-cannon-1202893337/ |archive-date=November 2, 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20180806005400315 |title=American Remake of Popular Korean Singing Show Gets Promising Reception |last=Woo |first=Jaeyeon |date=August 6, 2018 |publisher=Yonhap News Agency |location=Seoul |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429035924/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20180806005400315 |archive-date=April 29, 2020}} Endemol Shine North America produced the first season due to Plestis' relationship with the studio. Following it, production transitioned to a new in-house studio, Fox Alternative Entertainment, which is more financially favorable for the network.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/the-masked-singer-season-3-to-premiere-after-super-bowl-liv-on-fox-1202613462/ |title=The Masked Singer Renewed for Third Season, Gets Post-Super Bowl Slot on Fox |last=Haynes |first=Dade |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 13, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830010304/https://deadline.com/2019/05/the-masked-singer-season-3-to-premiere-after-super-bowl-liv-on-fox-1202613462/ |archive-date=August 30, 2019}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/fox-launching-unscripted-studio-masked-singer-1209087 |title=Fox Launching Unscripted Studio With The Masked Singer (Exclusive) |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 9, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817034711/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/fox-launching-unscripted-studio-masked-singer-1209087 |archive-date=August 17, 2019}} Since the second and third seasons, respectively, Rosie Seitchik and Cannon have served as executive producers alongside Plestis. Pick Ibarra exited the series following the third and James Breen assumed her roles in subsequent seasons.

• Season 2 executive producers: {{cite press release |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2019/08/28/all-new-special-the-masked-singer-super-sneak-peek-to-air-sunday-september-15-on-fox-94001/20190828fox01/ |title=All-New Special "The Masked Singer: Super Sneak Peek" to Air Sunday, September 15, on Fox |publisher=Fox |date=August 28, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200420182946/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2019/08/28/all-new-special-the-masked-singer-super-sneak-peek-to-air-sunday-september-15-on-fox-94001/20190828fox01/ |archive-date=April 20, 2020 |via=The Futon Critic}}
• Season 3 executive producers: {{cite press release |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/01/07/beat-shazam-host-jamie-foxx-touches-down-as-a-guest-panelist-in-the-season-three-premiere-of-the-masked-singer-following-super-bowl-liv-sunday-february-2-on-fox-703210/20200107fox01/ |title=Beat Shazam Host Jamie Foxx Touches Down as a Guest Panelist in the Season Three Premiere of The Masked Singer, Following Super Bowl LIV, Sunday, February 2, on Fox |publisher=Fox |date=January 7, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200420182946/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2019/08/28/all-new-special-the-masked-singer-super-sneak-peek-to-air-sunday-september-15-on-fox-94001/20190828fox01/ |archive-date=April 20, 2020 |via=The Futon Critic}}
• Season 4 executive producers: {{cite press release |url=http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/08/26/all-new-unscripted-series-i-can-see-your-voice-to-debut-following-season-four-premiere-of-the-masked-singer-on-wednesday-sept-23-on-fox-365210/20200826fox01/ |title=All-New Unscripted Series I Can See Your Voice to Debut Following Season Four Premiere of The Masked Singer on Wednesday, Sept. 23 on Fox |publisher=Fox |date=August 26, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200827003258/http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/08/26/all-new-unscripted-series-i-can-see-your-voice-to-debut-following-season-four-premiere-of-the-masked-singer-on-wednesday-sept-23-on-fox-365210/20200826fox01/ |archive-date=August 27, 2020 |via=The Futon Critic}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2021/02/08/all-new-series-game-of-talents-joins-televisions-number-1-show-the-masked-singer-for-a-night-of-hidden-and-masked-talent-beginning-wednesday-march-10-on-fox-948314/20210208fox02/|title=All-New Series Game of Talents Joins Television's #1 Show, The Masked Singer, For a Night of Hidden (and Masked!) Talent, Beginning Wednesday, March 10, on FOX|publisher=Fox|via=The Futon Critic|date=February 8, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210614003840/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2021/02/08/all-new-series-game-of-talents-joins-televisions-number-1-show-the-masked-singer-for-a-night-of-hidden-and-masked-talent-beginning-wednesday-march-10-on-fox-948314/20210208fox02/|archive-date=June 14, 2021}} Numerous production and format changes were implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and testing and safety requirements increased the show's budget.{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/features/masked-singer-bachelorette-pandemic-1234788059/ |title=How Masked Singer, Bachelorette and Other Reality Competition Shows Are Handling Pandemic Production |last1=Wagmeister |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Jackson |first2=Angelique |work=Variety |date=October 1, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002200121/https://variety.com/2020/tv/features/masked-singer-bachelorette-pandemic-1234788059/ |archive-date=October 2, 2020}}

Since signing a deal with him in 2018, Fox offered Cannon multiple opportunities to host or produce other television programs, though none interested him. After being fascinated by the Masked Singer concept when presented with it, Cannon joined the show, believing it was "either going to be a huge failure or a huge hit".{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/features/nick-cannon-masked-singer-wild-n-out-talk-show-1234635733/ |title=From Self-Funding Wild 'N Out to Betting on Masked Singer, Nick Cannon's Big Risks Pay Off |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |work=Variety |url-status=live |date=June 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621015044/https://variety.com/2020/tv/features/nick-cannon-masked-singer-wild-n-out-talk-show-1234635733/ |archive-date=June 21, 2020}} Pick Ibarra cited him as her number one choice for the role because of his personality and experience. Regarding the panelists, she said the production team was less concerned with selecting those with an ability to critique participants' singing abilities than creating a comedic tone for the series as one of their goals was to reassure celebrities they would not be ridiculed for appearing.{{cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1019279/the-secrets-of-the-masked-singer-everything-we-ve-learned-about-tv-s-most-mysterious-show |title=The Secrets of The Masked Singer: Everything We've Learned About TV's Most Mysterious Show |last=Piester |first=Lauren |work=E! Online |date=February 27, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703044452/https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1019279/the-secrets-of-the-masked-singer-everything-we-ve-learned-about-tv-s-most-mysterious-show |archive-date=July 3, 2019}} Jeong was the first panelist to be signed on due to his humour and pre-existing knowledge of the South Korean version, followed by McCarthy Wahlberg and Thicke because of their enthusiasm regarding the concept, and Scherzinger for her positivity and experience as a singer. According to Plestis, he "only wanted [to cast] people who loved the program, not people who wanted to work on [it]". Unsure whether it would last more than one season, Jeong originally considered The Masked Singer a temporary job while he looked for a permanent role following the cancellation of his sitcom Dr. Ken. Thicke later questioned whether he would have taken the role "if [he had] still been {{Abbr|No.|Number}}{{nbsp}}1 on the radio"{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2019-12-05/robin-thicke-masked-singer-blurred-lines-comeback |url-access=limited |title=Every Singer Wants a Hit. Robin Thicke's Nearly Destroyed Him |last=Wood |first=Mikael |work=Los Angeles Times |date=December 5, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121213923/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2019-12-05/robin-thicke-masked-singer-blurred-lines-comeback |archive-date=January 21, 2020}} and Scherzinger said she signed on to the show the day before filming began.{{cite interview |url=https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-official-masked-singe-72239889/episode/episode-3-masked-but-not-least-73089403/ |title=Episode 3- Masked But Not Least |publisher=The Official "Masked Singer" Podcast |last=Scherzinger |first=Nicole |subject-link=Nicole Scherzinger |interviewer=Bow Wow |interviewer-link=Bow Wow (rapper) |date=October 28, 2020 |time=2:56 |access-date=November 15, 2020}} In March{{nbsp}}2019, Sharon Osbourne stated she was supposed to be signed on as a panelist, claiming those plans fell through when she was being contractually obligated to appear as a judge on The X Factor.{{cite web |url=https://people.com/tv/sharon-osbourne-says-simon-cowell-fired-her-the-x-factor-for-being-old/ |title=Sharon Osbourne Blasts Simon Cowell for Allegedly Firing Her from The X Factor for Being "Old" |last=Merrett |first=Robyn |work=People |date=March 28, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329013337/https://people.com/tv/sharon-osbourne-says-simon-cowell-fired-her-the-x-factor-for-being-old/ |archive-date=March 29, 2020}}

The show's producers reach out to celebrities via agents or vice versa.{{cite web |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2019/12/16/masked-singer-victor-oladipo-details-journey-as-thingamajig/2667569001/ |title=Victor Oladipo on Journey as Thingamajig with Masked Singer: "I Think I Did Pretty Good" |last=Brown |first=Nathan |work=The Indianapolis Star |date=December 16, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214075045/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2019/12/16/masked-singer-victor-oladipo-details-journey-as-thingamajig/2667569001/ |archive-date=February 14, 2020}}{{cite interview |url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/10/10/the-masked-singer-the-eagle-interview/ |title=The Masked Singer: How the Eagle Fooled His Old Colleague Jenny McCarthy |last=Pinsky |first=Drew |subject-link=Drew Pinsky |interviewer-last=Rice |interviewer-first=Lynette |work=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 10, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230114730/https://ew.com/tv/2019/10/10/the-masked-singer-the-eagle-interview/ |archive-date=December 30, 2019}} Wade said producers' goal is to cast celebrities of varying ages, genders, and backgrounds to appeal to as broad an audience as possible. In addition to "super big names", they prefer lesser-known celebrities because it is harder to guess them.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-two-1203348269/ |title=The Masked Singer: Can the Fox Hit Keep Dazzling in Season 2? |last=Thorne |first=Will |work=Variety |url-status=live |date=September 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926222626/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-two-1203348269/ |archive-date=September 26, 2019}} To surprise viewers with an unknown talent when unmasked, those who are not professional singers are desired,{{cite interview |url=https://www.thewrap.com/masked-singer-season-finale-winner-tpain-finale-season-2-craig-plestis/ |title=Masked Singer Boss on Season 1 Winner and "Even More Bizarre" Plans for Season 2 |last=Plestis |first=Craig |subject-link=Craig Plestis |interviewer-last=Maas |interviewer-first=Jennifer |work=TheWrap |date=February 27, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221163210/https://www.thewrap.com/masked-singer-season-finale-winner-tpain-finale-season-2-craig-plestis/ |archive-date=February 21, 2020}} though some must send producers recordings of them singing as a quasi-audition.{{cite interview |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/8549443/masked-singer-showrunner-season-3-changes-surprises-interview |title=Masked Singer Showrunner Promises Big Changes for Season 3, Says Cast Is "Unbelievably Interesting" |last=Ibarra |first=Izzie Pick |interviewer-last=Kaufman |interviewer-first=Gil |work=Billboard |date=January 31, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207084115/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/8549443/masked-singer-showrunner-season-3-changes-surprises-interview |archive-date=February 7, 2020}} All are given questionnaires before competing and asked if they have claustrophobia.{{cite interview |url=https://ew.com/tv/the-astronaut-the-masked-singer-hunter-hayes-interview/ |title=The Masked Singer Astronaut Reveals How He Bent the Truth to Get on Show |last=Hayes |first=Hunter |subject-link=Hunter Hayes |interviewer-last=Rice |interviewer-first=Lynette |work=Entertainment Weekly |date=April 29, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516051130/https://ew.com/tv/the-astronaut-the-masked-singer-hunter-hayes-interview/ |archive-date=May 16, 2020}} Due to her strategy of sending potential participants sketches of costumes that might be featured, Pick Ibarra said casting for the first season "was not nearly as hard as [she] anticipated", though several celebrities were reluctant to compete. Following its success, an increased number were interested in participating in the second. By the third, Plestis said casting became "a lot easier".{{cite interview |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/everything-we-know-the-masked-singer-season-4/ |title=The Masked Singer: Everything We Know About Season 4 |last=Plestis |first=Craig |subject-link=Craig Plestis |interviewer-last=Venable |interviewer-first=Malcolm |work=TV Guide |url-status=live |date=May 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529135518/https://www.tvguide.com/news/everything-we-know-the-masked-singer-season-4/ |archive-date=May 29, 2020}}

Before each participant is unmasked, the show's staff undertake significant security precautions to prevent the release of their identities. According to Plestis, the series has two bibles: one related to the format and a second, larger one for security measures. Everyone involved signs a non-disclosure agreement which prevents them from releasing information about the show until its broadcast. After a celebrity is confirmed to appear, they are allowed to inform a few others who also sign one.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/features/the-masked-singer-winner-interview-wayne-brady-the-fox-season-2-1203447936/ |title=The Masked Singer Winner Interview: "It's the First Time in My Life I Kept a Secret Months on End" |last=Wagmeister |first=Elizabeth |work=Variety |url-status=live |date=December 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110134353/https://variety.com/2019/tv/features/the-masked-singer-winner-interview-wayne-brady-the-fox-season-2-1203447936/ |archive-date=January 10, 2020}} Outside of those, approximately 25 people know the contestants' real names during a season, though they never refer to them as such.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/the-masked-singer-seal-the-leopard-children-secret-1203432422/ |title=Seal's Kids Had No Idea He Was Competing on The Masked Singer|last=Wagmeister |first=Elizabeth |work=Variety |date=December 11, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408060210/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/the-masked-singer-seal-the-leopard-children-secret-1203432422/|archive-date=April 8, 2020}} Most are from Fox and the show's legal department; Cannon, the director, and the majority of the program's 150-person crew do not know who the celebrities are until they are unmasked. To prevent identities from being revealed in the event of a leak or hack, all documents except the contract only list participants' costume names. Although the contracts do give their real names, the series' name is unlisted.{{cite interview |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtH1-usl_HQ |title=Alex Rudzinski on Directing The Masked Singer: "Embrace the Weirdness of It All" |last=Rudzinski |first=Alex |interviewer-last1=Davidson |interviewer-first1=Denton |interviewer-last2=Dixon |interviewer-first2=Marcus James |publisher=Gold Derby |via=YouTube |date=July 1, 2020 |access-date=August 21, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/masked-singer-nick-cannon-agt-celebrity-guest-1234637996/ |title=Nick Cannon Talks on-Set Secrecy of Masked Singer and Addresses "Systemic" Issues on America's Got Talent |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |work=Variety |url-status=live |date=June 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629154646/https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/masked-singer-nick-cannon-agt-celebrity-guest-1234637996/ |archive-date=June 29, 2020}} If a leak occurs, the network does not recognize it.

File:Masked Singer Dont Talk to Me.pngs celebrities wear while off camera{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/features/the-masked-singer-contestant-secrecy-hippo-unmasked-1203089606/ |title=The Masked Singer Boss on Importance of Contestant Secrecy |first=Danielle |last=Turchiano|work=Variety |date=January 2, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706101843/https://variety.com/2019/tv/features/the-masked-singer-contestant-secrecy-hippo-unmasked-1203089606/ |archive-date=July 6, 2019}}]]

Before arriving on the show's set, celebrities and their family, friends, and agents are disguised and typically driven from a neutral location. If driven from their houses, chauffeurs are instructed to "take long, circuitous routes ... to throw off any would-be tails".{{cite web |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/2/27/18241269/masked-singer-interview-finale-recap-preview |title=The Masked Singer Is One of TV's Oddest Shows. Here's How It Was Made. |last=VanDerWerff |first=Emily |work=Vox |date=February 27, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402114050/https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/2/27/18241269/masked-singer-interview-finale-recap-preview |archive-date=April 2, 2019}} The manager of Joey Fatone, "Rabbit" in the first season, said he was picked up at a 7-Eleven near Television City, given a disguise, and driven inside the gate. "Flamingo" in the second season, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, stated she was taken to the set inside of an unmarked black car and only discussed her involvement on the show with producers in a "secret warehouse". When contestants arrive on the studio lot, personnel at the gate are not given their names. Each participant is escorted to and from their trailers outside of the set by security guards while disguised with a mask, visor, gloves, pants, and a hoodie to prevent their skin from showing. According to Scherzinger, they also escort panelists directly to their dressing rooms after arriving.{{cite interview |url=https://parade.com/934239/paulettecohn/the-masked-singers-nicole-scherzinger-on-guessing-whos-behind-the-mask-and-a-possible-pussycat-dolls-reunion/ |title=The Masked Singer{{'}}s Nicole Scherzinger on Guessing Who's Behind the Mask and a Possible Pussycat Dolls Reunion |last=Scherzinger |first=Nicole |subject-link=Nicole Scherzinger |interviewer-last=Cohn |interviewer-first=Paulette |work=Parade |date=October 9, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216153630/https://parade.com/934239/paulettecohn/the-masked-singers-nicole-scherzinger-on-guessing-whos-behind-the-mask-and-a-possible-pussycat-dolls-reunion/ |archive-date=February 16, 2020}}

Due to the show's security, celebrities said they never encountered another masked participant on set, or if they did, could not speak to them.{{cite interview |url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/10/16/the-masked-singer-skeleton-paul-shaffer-interview/ |title=The Masked Singer Skeleton Admits He Got a Call from David Letterman Weeks Ago |last=Shaffer |first=Paul |subject-link=Paul Shaffer |interviewer-last=Rice |interviewer-first=Lynette |work=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 16, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218174340/https://ew.com/tv/2019/10/16/the-masked-singer-skeleton-paul-shaffer-interview/ |archive-date=December 18, 2019}}{{cite interview |url=https://parade.com/951751/paulettecohn/the-masked-singers-sherri-shepherd-the-penguin-on-competing-because-it-gave-her-a-tingle-in-my-tummy/ |title=The Masked Singer{{'}}s Sherri Shepherd—the Penguin—on Competing Because It Gave Her a "Tingle in My Tummy" |last=Shepherd |first=Sherri |subject-link=Sherri Shepherd |interviewer-last=Cohn |interviewer-first=Paulette |work=Parade |date=November 13, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216150917/https://parade.com/951751/paulettecohn/the-masked-singers-sherri-shepherd-the-penguin-on-competing-because-it-gave-her-a-tingle-in-my-tummy/ |archive-date=December 16, 2019}} They are only allowed to communicate with those who wear a special cloth on the back of their clothing which is changed each season to prevent replication or those who wear a shirt with the words "Talk to Me".{{cite magazine |url=https://www.dga.org/Craft/DGAQ/All-Articles/2002-Spring-2020/Masked-Singer.aspx |title=Known Unknowns |last=Stanley |first=T.L. |magazine=DGA Quarterly |date=Spring 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518162935/https://www.dga.org/Craft/DGAQ/All-Articles/2002-Spring-2020/Masked-Singer.aspx |archive-date=May 18, 2021}} To do so, they use a portable voice changer or write on a whiteboard. Before performing, they are trained to use different body language and mannerisms than their own. The production crew is discouraged from using their phones during filming and the studio audience walks through a metal detector and has their phones placed in a Yondr magnetic pouch before entering the set. The panelists also forfeit their phones during tapings, and their note binders are placed "in a vault" after each to keep them private.{{cite interview |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-masked-singer-season-4-spoilers/ |title=The Masked Singer Executive Producer Teases What's Ahead for Season 4 |last=Plestis |first=Craig |subject-link=Craig Plestis |interviewer-last=Venable |interviewer-first=Malcolm |work=TV Guide |date=May 22, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522213834/https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-masked-singer-season-4-spoilers/ |archive-date=May 22, 2020}}

File:Masked Singer US Costumes.png.{{cite web |url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/masked-singer |title=The Masked Singer – Emmy Awards, Nominations & Wins |publisher=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112124754/https://www.emmys.com/shows/masked-singer |archive-date=November 12, 2020}}{{Cite episode |title=The Season Kick off Mask Off: Group A |series=The Masked Singer |network=Fox |date=February 2, 2020 |season=3 |number=1}}]]

The series' costumes are designed by Marina Toybina. In addition to her ideas, she considers celebrities' and producers' requests to formulate initial concepts.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/artisans/production/masked-singer-costume-designer-1203103034/ |title=Meet the Masked Singer Costume Designer Behind Those Elaborate Looks |last=Friedlander |first=Whitney |work=Variety |date=January 10, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222072254/https://variety.com/2019/artisans/production/masked-singer-costume-designer-1203103034/ |archive-date=December 22, 2019}}{{cite interview |url=https://awardswatch.com/interview-marina-toybina-costume-designer-of-foxs-the-masked-singer-season-3/ |title=Interview: Marina Toybina, Costume Designer of Fox's The Masked Singer Season 3 |last=Toybina |first=Marina |subject-link=Marina Toybina |interviewer-last=Anderson |interviewer-first=Erik |work=AwardsWatch |date=July 6, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707071025/https://awardswatch.com/interview-marina-toybina-costume-designer-of-foxs-the-masked-singer-season-3/ |archive-date=July 7, 2020}} Each is designed to be dissimilar from those featured in previous seasons and other versions of the Masked Singer franchise by using different sewing and fabrication techniques.{{cite interview |url=https://theplaylist.net/marina-toybina-covid-challenges-masked-singer-20200806/ |title=Costume Designer Marina Toybina on the COVID Challenges of The Masked Singer Season 4 [Interview] |last=Toybina |first=Marina |subject-link=Marina Toybina |interviewer-last=Ellwood |interviewer-first=Gregory |work=The Playlist |date=August 6, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814191016/https://theplaylist.net/marina-toybina-covid-challenges-masked-singer-20200806/ |archive-date=August 14, 2020}} After researching "fur and skin textures, historical wardrobe, [and] anything that might be relevant to each character", Toybina sketches each concept with a pencil and works with an illustrator to create a digital version with a 3D effect.{{cite interview |url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/the-masked-singer-costume-designer-marina-toybina-emmys-fox-interview-1202660891/ |title=How The Masked Singer Costume Designer Marina Toybina Crafted 12 Full-Body Art Pieces in Under Two Months |last=Toybina |first=Marina |subject-link=Marina Toybina |interviewer-last=Grobar |interviewer-first=Matt |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=August 13, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913182757/https://deadline.com/2019/08/the-masked-singer-costume-designer-marina-toybina-emmys-fox-interview-1202660891/ |archive-date=September 13, 2019}}{{cite interview |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-07-01/costumes-masked-singer-marina-toybina |url-access=limited |title=Creativity Runs Wild With the Costumes on The Masked Singer |last=Toybina |first=Marina |subject-link=Marina Toybina |interviewer-last=Kinosian |interviewer-first=Janet |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 1, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703213030/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-07-01/costumes-masked-singer-marina-toybina |archive-date=July 3, 2020}} Producers review each design and note adjustments to be made. As a result, Toybina may sketch multiple versions before they collectively decide which will be featured during a season. Based on their background and what might suit them well, participants are presented with several to select from. Their reason for choosing a costume can differ; some have an emotional connection{{cite interview |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/9368252/masked-singer-astronaut-exit-interview |title=Astronaut Is Over the Moon About Masked Singer Orbit: "I Could Do Anything Because No One Knows It's Me" |last=Hayes |first=Hunter |subject-link=Hunter Hayes |interviewer-last=Kaufman |interviewer-first=Gil |work=Billboard |date=April 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616102441/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/9368252/masked-singer-astronaut-exit-interview |archive-date=June 16, 2020}} while others want to move around freely during performances.

File:Marina Toybina.png

After handpicking which fabrics and materials to use based on celebrities' mobility and performing abilities, Toybina collaborates with manufacturers and a team of about 15 people to custom-make each costume. They are created concurrently over two to three months, taking about two to four weeks per mask, and two to four weeks per costume.{{cite interview |url=https://www.awardsdaily.com/2020/05/27/marina-toybina-costume-designer-the-masked-singer/ |title=The Masked Singer Costume Designer Marina Toybina Reveals Secrets Behind the Masks |last=Toybina |first=Marina |subject-link=Marina Toybina |interviewer-last=McLachlan |interviewer-first=Megan |work=Awards Daily |date=May 27, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527164222/https://www.awardsdaily.com/2020/05/27/marina-toybina-costume-designer-the-masked-singer/ |archive-date=May 27, 2020}} Beginning as a wire, foam is gradually added around each mask to create an easy-to-wear helmet shape for the performers{{cite interview |url=https://www.thecut.com/2019/03/interview-the-masked-singer-costume-designer-marina-toybina.html |url-access=limited |title=How Heavy Were Those The Masked Singer Masks, Anyway? |last=Toybina |first=Marina |subject-link=Marina Toybina |interviewer-last=Spellings |interviewer-first=Sarah |work=The Cut |date=March 1, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328233201/https://www.thecut.com/2019/03/interview-the-masked-singer-costume-designer-marina-toybina.html |archive-date=March 28, 2020}}{{cite interview |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eShX30efZd8 |title=How The Masked Singer{{'}}s Costume Designer Dreams Up the Show's Insane Outfits |last=Toybina |first=Marina |subject-link=Marina Toybina |work=The A.V. Club |time=2:27 |via=YouTube |date=August 29, 2019 |access-date=May 1, 2020}} and a chinstrap often accompanies each to prevent movement. As production time is limited, the team has no opportunity to experiment with different materials—"all garments are{{nbsp}}... cut right away on the original fabric". Since "the draping and the handwork [are] all done the old school way",{{cite interview |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/costume-designer-masked-singer-marina-toybina_n_5c4f3992e4b0f43e41099257 |last=Toybina |first=Marina |subject-link=Marina Toybina |interviewer-last=Frank |interviewer-first=Priscilla |title=The Maniacal Costume Designer Behind The Masked Singer Speaks |work=HuffPost |date=January 29, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915172544/https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/costume-designer-masked-singer-marina-toybina_n_5c4f3992e4b0f43e41099257 |archive-date=September 15, 2019}} she cited couturiers such as Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mugler, and Hussein Chalayan as inspirations.{{cite web |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/01/the-masked-singer-costumes-designer-marina-toybina |url-access=limited |title=How The Masked Singer Dreamed Up Those Delightfully Delirious Costumes |last=Bradley |first=Laura |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=January 23, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915040813/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/01/the-masked-singer-costumes-designer-marina-toybina |archive-date=September 15, 2019}} 3D printing was used for the first time in the fourth season, and the first two-person costume, the first with animatronics, and the first puppet costume were featured. Although adjustments may be made to customize them to celebrities' likings, most costumes turn out identical to her sketches.

A maximum of two fittings are conducted with each celebrity{{cite web |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/810949/the-masked-singer-season-2-costumes-preview/ |title=The Masked Singer Season 2 Disguises by the Numbers |last=Halterman |first=Jim |work=TV Insider |date=September 24, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928183052/https://www.tvinsider.com/810949/the-masked-singer-season-2-costumes-preview/ |archive-date=September 28, 2019}} at either the costume shop or Toybina's studio in which a "limited number of people" are present. Before filming occurs, Toybina conducts creative meetings with "every single department" of the show to discuss how to perfect the costumes' looks on camera. Contestants are in costume for no more than 30 minutes at once. During this time, they may wear cooling vests to limit heat exposure and hoods to absorb sweat.{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/the-masked-singer-finale-season-5-recap-piglet-black-swan-chameleon-1234982718/ |title=The Masked Singer Finale Reveals Piglet as Winner: Here's the Identity of the Final Three Celebrities |last=Schneider |first=Michael |magazine=Variety |date=May 26, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602161448/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/the-masked-singer-finale-season-5-recap-piglet-black-swan-chameleon-1234982718/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021}}{{cite interview |url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1196490/brian-austin-green-was-surprised-he-stumped-the-masked-singer-panel |title=Brian Austin Green Was Surprised He Stumped The Masked Singer Panel |last=Green |first=Brian Austin |subject-link=Brian Austin Green |interviewer-last1=Piester |interviewer-first1=Lauren |interviewer-last2=Lubitz |interviewer-first2=Spencer |work=E! Online |date=October 9, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015034014/https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1196490/brian-austin-green-was-surprised-he-stumped-the-masked-singer-panel |archive-date=October 15, 2020}} Hidden screens inside each mask help them breathe and sing clearly. For those who wear a mask detached from their costume's body, a face stocking, paint, or makeup is used to disguise their skin color. Costumes are sanitized between tapings and repaired if needed as no backups exist.

Toybina left her role following the sixth season, with Tim Chappel, who served as the costume designer for the Australian version of the show, taking her spot beginning in the seventh season.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/the-masked-singer-robin-thicke-craig-plestis-interview-contenders-tv-1235008719/|title=The Masked Singer{{'}}s Robin Thicke Says "Sometimes Bigger Is Better" As Fox Hit Eyes A Season 8 – Contenders Docs + Unscripted|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Peter White|date=April 23, 2022|access-date=April 24, 2022}}

File:Masked Singer US Stage.jpg

According to its designer James Pearse Connelly, the set is based on the Thai version of the show and is inspired by the stage designs of electronic dance music festivals. The front is X-shaped and features an LED interior (allowing for video to be played) enclosed with smoked, tinted glass, while the back is made of shiny black laminate and contains space for trap doors and special effects underneath. The performance floor is flat to prevent tripping hazards and is bordered upstage by two {{convert|25|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} polygon faces with wide mouths as entrances and exits. A curved LED screen spans the space between the faces and a large logo of the show is hung above it.{{cite web |url=https://www.livedesignonline.com/concerts/by-design-james-pearse-connelly-s-sets-for-masked-singer |title=By Design: James Pearse Connelly's Sets for The Masked Singer |last=Lampert-Greaux |first=Ellen |work=Live Design |date=April 17, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512013501/https://www.livedesignonline.com/concerts/by-design-james-pearse-connelly-s-sets-for-masked-singer |archive-date=May 12, 2020}}

The stage is surrounded by seats for about 300 audience members and the panelists are seated behind them on a raised platform at a mask-shaped desk. The panelists' placement away from the stage allows them to move around during performances, helping the director tell a story. Rather than sitting and speaking into a microphone attached to the desk which would limit their mobility, the panelists wear miniature headsets made by Shure.{{cite web |url=https://www.prosoundnetwork.com/post-and-broadcast/shure-unmasked-on-fox-tv-shows |title=Shure Unmasked on Fox TV Shows |work=Pro Sound News |date=January 22, 2021 |place=Los Angeles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228042652/https://www.prosoundnetwork.com/post-and-broadcast/shure-unmasked-on-fox-tv-shows |archive-date=February 28, 2021}} Many on-stage set pieces were replaced with virtual reality elements and the panelists' desk was lengthened due to social distancing requirements during filming in the COVID-19 pandemic. Backstage, a Batcave-inspired area contains costumes displayed like mannequins in a museum.

Pick Ibarra said selecting which songs they sing is a collaborative process; both the performers and producers submit "ideas [which] merge as [the songs] go through the clearance process". While music publishers were reluctant to grant licenses for use in the first season as they were not told who would be performing their songs, this process became easier by the second.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2019/09/24/masked-singer-tweaks-rules-for-16-contestant-season-2/2424261001/ |title=The Masked Singer: Producers Promise Trickier Clues, Bigger Names and Crazier Costumes |last=Keveney |first=Bill |work=USA Today |date=September 24, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310055251/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2019/09/24/masked-singer-tweaks-rules-for-16-contestant-season-2/2424261001/ |archive-date=March 10, 2020}} Producers gravitate towards songs "that help tell the overall story" of one's costume and ask those who are famous singers to select songs of a genre they are not known for so viewers will be surprised when they are revealed. Tyler "Ninja" Blevins, "Ice Cream" in the second season, stated he "definitely got to pick the songs", but producers wanted them to be mainstream so viewers would connect to them.{{cite interview |url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/09/26/the-masked-singer-ice-cream-tyler-ninja-blevins/ |title=The Ice Cream Speaks! Here's How The Masked Singer Recruited the Mysterious Celebrity |last=Blevins |first=Tyler |subject-link=Ninja (gamer) |interviewer-last=Rice |interviewer-first=Lynette |work=Entertainment Weekly |date=September 26, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211102409/https://ew.com/tv/2019/09/26/the-masked-singer-ice-cream-tyler-ninja-blevins/ |archive-date=February 11, 2020}} Other contestants remarked they sometimes disagreed with producers' song choices.{{cite interview |url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/11/20/the-flower-the-masked-singer-patti-labelle/ |title=The Flower Says It Was Blooming Impossible to Disguise Her Voice on The Masked Singer |last=LaBelle |first=Patti |subject-link=Patti LaBelle |interviewer-last=Rice |interviewer-first=Lynette |work=Entertainment Weekly |date=November 20, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126183527/https://ew.com/tv/2019/11/20/the-flower-the-masked-singer-patti-labelle/ |archive-date=January 26, 2020}}{{cite interview |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/9377210/masked-singer-rhino-exit-interview |title=Rhino Charges Off Masked Singer After Intense Semi-Final: "Singing on Stage Is Quite Scary to Me" |last=Zito |first=Barry |subject-link=Barry Zito |interviewer-last=Kaufman |interviewer-first=Gil |work=Billboard |date=May 13, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514085723/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/9377210/masked-singer-rhino-exit-interview |archive-date=May 14, 2020}} Multiple songs are chosen and practiced at the same time; some will not be performed if a contestant is eliminated.{{cite interview |url=https://ew.com/tv/the-masked-singer-giraffe-brian-austin-green-interview/ |title=The Masked Singer{{'}}s Giraffe Dunks on Robin Thicke for Not Guessing His Identity: "He's Terrible" |last=Austin Green |first=Brian |subject-link=Brian Austin Green |interviewer-last=Huff |interviewer-first=Lauren |work=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 7, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008052629/https://ew.com/tv/the-masked-singer-giraffe-brian-austin-green-interview/ |archive-date=October 8, 2020}}

Before the competition, vocal coaches and choreographers work with the celebrities for multiple days to determine their strengths and help improve their technique. Tori Spelling, "Unicorn" in the first season, said contestants are given three weeks to practice before their first performance, although only a couple of rehearsals are conducted before then, and the amount of practice time becomes shorter as the season progresses.{{cite interview |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC18ssZ3klk |title=The Masked Singer: Costume and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets Revealed! (Exclusive) |last=Spelling |first=Tori |subject-link=Tori Spelling |work=Entertainment Tonight |via=YouTube |date=February 5, 2019 |access-date=May 1, 2020}} According to director Alex Rudzinski, contestants generally practice in the week leading up to their performances. Their first rehearsals on stage occur for about half an hour the day before a taping, and a 10–15 minute "camera dress rehearsal sequence" is conducted several hours before filming. Celebrities may train on their own time to better compete and do cardio exercises to prepare for performances.{{cite interview |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/9387687/the-masked-singer-turtle-exit-interview |title=Turtle Speeds Into Second Place on The Masked Singer: "I'd Be Lying if I Said I Wasn't a Little Disappointed" |last=McCartney |first=Jesse |subject-link=Jesse McCartney |interviewer-last=Kaufman |interviewer-first=Gil |work=Billboard |date=May 20, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200522221017/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/9387687/the-masked-singer-turtle-exit-interview |archive-date=May 22, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-4-episode-4-recap-baby-alien-1234805457/ |title=The Masked Singer Reveals the Identity of Baby Alien: Here's the Star Under the Mask |last=Schneider |first=Michael |work=Variety |date=October 14, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015164454/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-4-episode-4-recap-baby-alien-1234805457/ |archive-date=October 15, 2020}}

Each celebrity attends one or two voice-over sessions to record audio for their respective clue packages. Due to the length and varying filming locations of the video component, stand-ins are used to give them additional performance practice time. In describing their creation, Wade said "you have to plan stuff and at least drive people down avenues". They may reveal a contestant is an athlete, but not the sport they compete in.{{cite interview |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/masked-singer-season-2-changes-new-round-new-costumes-1230227 |title=The Masked Singer Season 2 Changes: New Round, New Costumes, Bigger Stars |last=Wade |first=Rob |interviewer-last=Bentley |interviewer-first=Jean |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=August 8, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201073440/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/masked-singer-season-2-changes-new-round-new-costumes-1230227 |archive-date=February 1, 2020}} McCartney said contestants are interviewed every week of the competition and have their answers fact-checked by producers.{{cite interview |url=https://ew.com/tv/the-masked-singer-jesse-mccartney-turtle-interview/ |title=Turtle on The Masked Singer Was Stumped by Some Clues About His Own Identity |last=McCartney |first=Jesse |subject-link=Jesse McCartney |interviewer-last=Huff |interviewer-first=Lauren |work=Entertainment Weekly |date=May 20, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521153738/https://ew.com/tv/the-masked-singer-jesse-mccartney-turtle-interview/ |archive-date=May 21, 2020}} Producers listen to podcasts and read contestants' books; if a fact is on Wikipedia, they try to avoid mentioning it.{{cite interview |url=https://www.awardsdaily.com/2020/08/25/the-masked-singer-ep-craig-plestis-interview/ |title=The Masked Singer EP Craig Plestis on the Show's First Series Emmy Nomination, How COVID Is Inspiring Season 4 |last=Plestis |first=Craig |subject-link=Craig Plestis |interviewer-last=McLachlan |interviewer-first=Megan |work=Awards Daily |date=August 25, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916141742/https://www.awardsdaily.com/2020/08/25/the-masked-singer-ep-craig-plestis-interview/ |archive-date=September 16, 2020}} No physical filming occurred in the fourth season due to the COVID-19 pandemic; producers worked with Fox-owned Bento Box Entertainment to create animated videos.

File:CBS TelevisionCity02.jpg, the filming location of the first three seasons]]

Filming of the first three seasons took place at Television City in Los Angeles, after which production moved to Red Studios Hollywood. With three episodes often filmed per week, the show has a much shorter filming schedule than others. Dates are selected to accommodate celebrities' other activities. Choosing to tape the series rather than broadcast it live was a difficult decision, Pick Ibarra said, but a necessary one because the time commitment would have prevented celebrities from participating. Following the third season, Rudzinski said while an entire season would unlikely be aired live as "being able to edit helps us tell [a] story", a live broadcast remains possible. Before performances occur, Rudzinski receives detailed musical breakdowns of the songs contestants will sing. Based on their beat and structure, he creates a storyboard for each performance. Brad Duns has also acted as director.{{Cite episode |title=Mask and You Shall Receive |series=The Masked Singer |network=Fox |date=November 20, 2019 |season=2 |number=8 |time=opening credits}}

Except for the fourth and fifth seasons, during which the audience was virtual, a taping begins with them seated next to the stage and a warm-up comedian telling jokes to loosen them up. They are encouraged to act excited by clapping, cheering, and chanting the names of costumes while the production crew records their reactions for later use. Shortly thereafter, the panelists arrive, and the host introduces the first contestant. The clue package plays on the large screen in the studio, and the celebrity enters and performs with at least one background singer accompanying them offstage.{{cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1101565/what-it-s-really-like-to-be-in-the-audience-of-the-masked-singer |title=What It's Really Like to Be In the Audience of The Masked Singer |last=Piester |first=Lauren |work=E! Online |date=December 12, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511231201/https://www.eonline.com/news/1101565/what-it-s-really-like-to-be-in-the-audience-of-the-masked-singer |archive-date=May 11, 2020}} They wear in-ear monitors and may use a headset inside of their mask to sing instead of a handheld microphone, opting to use one only as a prop on stage.{{cite interview |url=https://ew.com/tv/the-masked-singer-t-rex-jojo-siwa-interview/ |title=The Masked Singer T. Rex Has Been Rude to Her Friends the Last 3 Weeks — but for Good Reason |last=Siwa |first=JoJo |subject-link=JoJo Siwa |interviewer-last=Rice |interviewer-first=Lynette |work=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 25, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421013634/https://ew.com/tv/the-masked-singer-t-rex-jojo-siwa-interview/ |archive-date=April 21, 2020}} A teleprompter displays song lyrics as an aid. According to Plestis, the contestants have one take to sing live. Rob Gronkowski, "White Tiger" in the third season, said this was true; after missing lyrics during a performance, he never received an offer from producers to re-record them afterwards.{{cite interview |url=https://ew.com/tv/the-masked-singer-white-tiger-rob-gronkowski-interview/ |title=The Masked Singer{{'}}s White Tiger on Not Being the Only Tiger King on TV Right Now |last=Gronkowski |first=Rob |subject-link=Rob Gronkowski |interviewer-last=Rice |interviewer-first=Lynette |work=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 25, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416085834/https://ew.com/tv/the-masked-singer-white-tiger-rob-gronkowski-interview/ |archive-date=April 16, 2020}} The contestants' vocals are intended to sound like the songs' original artists; if they used Auto-Tune processing, then such effects are applied in post-production.{{cite news |url=https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/tv/tv-masked-singer-secrets-jenny-mccarthy-ricki-lake-patti-labelle-20190212.html |title=The Masked Singer: 10 Things You Might Not Guess About the Super-Secretive, Super-silly Fox Reality Hit |last=Gray |first=Ellen |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |place=Pasadena |date=February 12, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520010516/https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/tv/tv-masked-singer-secrets-jenny-mccarthy-ricki-lake-patti-labelle-20190212.html |archive-date=May 20, 2020}}

After a celebrity sings, their performance is conducted again with background singers only, allowing producers additional audience reactions to film. During this time, they are allowed to cool down in one of the air-conditioned rooms backstage.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-masked-singer-fox-costumes-marina-toybina-20190206-story.html |url-access=limited |title=The Masked Singer Costume Designer Takes Us Inside TV's Most Colorful Closet |last=Villareal |first=Yvonne |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 6, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328233157/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-masked-singer-fox-costumes-marina-toybina-20190206-story.html |archive-date=March 28, 2020}}

After all performances and guesses conclude, the panelists and audience vote for their favorite singer. Except during the fourth and fifth seasons, the producers film the studio audience acting out how they would react to one's elimination, with less than two dozen "extremely well-vetted" people (either friends and family of the celebrity or the show's production crew) remaining on set during the actual reveal. The celebrity is allowed to have their hair and makeup fixed backstage before they are unmasked on camera.{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/01/01/what-we-saw-live-taping-masked-singer/ |title=What We Saw at a Live Taping of Fox's The Masked Singer |last=Longo |first=Joseph |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=January 1, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102113745/https://ew.com/tv/2019/01/01/what-we-saw-live-taping-masked-singer/ |archive-date=January 2, 2019}} As they reveal themselves, the panelists and audience chant "take! it! off!" and "Who Are You" by the Who—which is also the show's opening theme song—plays in the background. Afterward, panelists are discouraged from researching possible answers to the clues presented to them for contestants remaining in the competition between episode tapings.

{{Main|List of The Masked Singer (American TV series) episodes|l1=List of The Masked Singer (American TV series) episodes}}

{{Series overview

| caption = {{Screen reader-only|Series overview}}

| auxA = Contestants

| infoA = Winner(s)

| infoB = Runner(s)-up

| infoC = {{Ref heading}}

| color1 = #375D71

| link1 = List of The Masked Singer (American TV series) episodes#Season 1 (2019)

| auxA1 = 12

| episodes1 = 10

| start1 = {{Start date|2019|1|2}}

| end1 = {{End date|2019|2|27}}

| infoA1 = T-Pain {{small|as "Monster"}}

| infoB1 = Donny Osmond {{small|as "Peacock"}}

| infoC1 = {{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/masked-singer/listings/|title=The Masked Singer Episode Listings|work=The Futon Critic|access-date=December 10, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://tvlistings.gracenote.com/overview-affiliates.html?programSeriesId=SH03024189&tabName=guide&season=13|title=The Masked Singer Season 13 Episode Guide|publisher=Zap2it|access-date=February 14, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/02/28/fox-masked-singer-reveals-season-1-winner/2996280002/|title=The Masked Singer Winner: T-Pain, aka Monster, Signed on "Just to Wear the Costume"|last=Keveney|first=Bill|work=USA Today|date=February 27, 2019|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229180209/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/02/28/fox-masked-singer-reveals-season-1-winner/2996280002/|archive-date=February 29, 2020|access-date=February 29, 2020}}

| color2 = #F6A209

| link2 = List of The Masked Singer (American TV series) episodes#Season 2 (2019)

| auxA2 = 16

| episodes2 = 13

| start2 = {{Start date|2019|9|25}}

| end2 = {{End date|2019|12|18}}

| infoA2 = Wayne Brady {{small|as "Fox"}}

| infoB2 = Chris Daughtry {{small|as "Rottweiler"}}

| infoC2 = {{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/tv/2019/09/24/masked-singer-season-2-contestants/2428008001/|title=The Masked Singer Season 2: The Winner Is{{nbsp}}...|work=USA Today|date=December 18, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210518052035/https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/tv/2019/09/24/masked-singer-season-2-contestants/2428008001/|archive-date=May 18, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021}}

| color3 = #453842

| link3 = List of The Masked Singer (American TV series) episodes#Season 3 (2020)

| auxA3 = 18

| episodes3 = 17

| start3 = {{Start date|2020|2|2}}

| end3 = {{End date|2020|5|20}}

| infoA3 = Kandi Burruss {{small|as "Night Angel"}}

| infoB3 = Jesse McCartney {{small|as "Turtle"}}

| infoC3 = {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/lists/the-masked-singer-season-3-celebrities-unmasked-revealed/|title=The Masked Singer: All of the Celebrities Unmasked in Season 3|last=Shafer|first=Ellise|work=Variety|date=May 20, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518053051/https://variety.com/lists/the-masked-singer-season-3-celebrities-unmasked-revealed/|archive-date=May 18, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021}}

| color4 = #9C2577

| link4 = List of The Masked Singer (American TV series) episodes#Season 4 (2020)

| auxA4 = 16

| episodes4 = 12

| start4 = {{Start date|2020|9|23}}

| end4 = {{End date|2020|12|16}}

| infoA4 = LeAnn Rimes {{small|as "Sun"}}

| infoB4 = Aloe Blacc {{small|as "Mushroom"}}

| infoC4 = {{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/tv/2020/09/24/the-masked-singer-season-4-contestants-see-whos-been-eliminated/5854636002/|title=The Masked Singer Season 4 Contestants Unmasked: And the Winner Is{{nbsp}}...|work=USA Today|date=December 16, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210518051329/https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/tv/2020/09/24/the-masked-singer-season-4-contestants-see-whos-been-eliminated/5854636002/|archive-date=May 18, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021}}

| color5 = #452B6F

| link5 = List of The Masked Singer (American TV series) episodes#Season 5 (2021)

| auxA5 = 14

| episodes5 = 11

| start5 = {{Start date|2021|3|10}}

| end5 = {{End date|2021|5|26}}

| infoA5 = Nick Lachey {{small|as "Piglet"}}

| infoB5 = JoJo {{small|as "Black Swan"}}

| infoC5 = {{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/tv/2021/03/10/the-masked-singer-season-5-contestants-see-their-costumes/6926143002/|title=Revisit The Masked Singer contestants; Piglet wins golden trophy|work=USA Today|date=May 26, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210608084305/https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/tv/2021/03/10/the-masked-singer-season-5-contestants-see-their-costumes/6926143002/|archive-date=June 8, 2021|access-date=June 8, 2021}}

| color6 = #F6C8F6

| link6 = List of The Masked Singer (American TV series) episodes#Season 6 (2021)

| auxA6 = 16

| episodes6 = 13

| start6 = {{Start date|2021|9|22}}

| end6 = {{End date|2021|12|15}}

| infoA6 = Jewel {{small|as "Queen of Hearts"}}

| infoB6 = Todrick Hall {{small|as "Bull"}}

| infoC6 = {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/the-masked-singer-finale-season-6-recap-winner-queen-of-hearts-bull-1235134553/|title=The Masked Singer Finale Reveals Queen of Hearts as Winner: Here's the Identity of the Final Two Celebrities|last=Schneider|first=Michael|work=Variety|date=December 15, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216030528/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/the-masked-singer-finale-season-6-recap-winner-queen-of-hearts-bull-1235134553/|archive-date=December 16, 2021|access-date=May 21, 2022}}

| color7 = #DAF7FA

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| link7R = {{efn|Also known as The Masked Singer: The Good, The Bad, and The Cuddly.}}

| auxA7 = 15

| episodes7 = 11

| start7 = {{Start date|2022|3|9}}

| end7 = {{End date|2022|5|18}}

| infoA7 = Teyana Taylor {{small|as "Firefly"}}

| infoB7 = Hayley Orrantia {{small|as "Ringmaster"}}

| infoC7 = {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-7-finale-recap-firefly-ringmaster-prince-1235270328/|title=The Masked Singer Finale Reveals Identities of Firefly, Ringmaster and Prince: Here's Who Won Season 7|last=Schneider|first=Michael|work=Variety|date=May 18, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519010116/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-7-finale-recap-firefly-ringmaster-prince-1235270328/|archive-date=May 19, 2022|access-date=May 21, 2022}}

| color8 = #CD97BF

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| auxA8 = 22

| episodes8 = 12

| start8 = {{Start date|2022|9|21}}

| end8 = {{End date|2022|11|30}}

| infoA8 = Amber Riley {{small|as "Harp"}}

| infoB8 = Wilson Phillips {{small|as "Lambs"}}

| infoC8 = {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-finale-recap-winner-harp-lambs-amber-riley-1235446265/|title=The Masked Singer Season 8 Finale Reveals Identities of the Harp and Lambs: Here's Who The Winners Are|last=Schneider|first=Michael|work=Variety|date=November 30, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201030718/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-finale-recap-winner-harp-lambs-amber-riley-1235446265/|archive-date=December 1, 2022|access-date=December 3, 2022}}

| color9 = #571773

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| auxA9 = 21

| episodes9 = 14

| start9 = {{Start date|2023|2|15}}

| end9 = {{End date|2023|5|17}}

| infoA9 = Bishop Briggs {{small|as "Medusa"}}

| infoB9 = David Archuleta {{small|as "Macaw"}}

| infoC9 = {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-9-finale-recap-bishop-briggs-david-archuleta-medusa-macaw-1235616910/|title=The Masked Singer Finale Reveals Identities of Medusa and Macaw: Here's Who Won Season 9|last=Schneider|first=Michael|work=Variety|date=May 17, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518010251/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-9-finale-recap-bishop-briggs-david-archuleta-medusa-macaw-1235616910/|archive-date=May 18, 2023|access-date=May 18, 2023}}

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| episodes10 = 11

| start10 = {{Start date|2023|9|27}}

| end10 = {{End date|2023|12|20}}

| infoA10 = Ne-Yo {{small|as "Cow"}}

| infoB10 = John Schneider {{small|as "Donut"}}

| infoC10 = {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-10-finale-recap-winner-runner-ups-ne-yo-john-schneider-1235847017/|title=The Masked Singer Finale Reveals Reveals Identities of Cow, Donut, Gazelle and Sea Queen: Here's Who Won Season 10|last=Schneider|first=Michael|work=Variety|date=December 20, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221030443/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-10-finale-recap-winner-runner-ups-ne-yo-john-schneider-1235847017/|archive-date=December 21, 2023|access-date=December 21, 2023}}

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| auxA11 = 16

| episodes11 = 13

| start11 = {{Start date|2024|3|6}}

| end11 = {{End date|2024|5|22}}

| infoA11 = Vanessa Hudgens {{small|as "Goldfish"}}

| infoB11 = Scott Porter {{small|as "Gumball"}}

| infoC11 = {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-11-finale-recap-winner-vanessa-hudgens-scott-porter-1236013687/|title=The Masked Singer Finale Reveals Identities of Goldfish and Gumball: Here's Who Won Season 11|last=Schneider|first=Michael|work=Variety|date=May 22, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523013943/https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-11-finale-recap-winner-vanessa-hudgens-scott-porter-1236013687/|archive-date=May 23, 2024|access-date=May 23, 2024}}

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| auxA12 = 15

| episodes12 = 12

| start12 = {{Start date|2024|9|25}}

| end12 = {{End date|2024|12|18}}

| infoA12 = Boyz II Men {{small|as "Buffalos"}}

| infoB12 = Mario {{small|as "Wasp"}}

| infoC12 = {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-12-finale-recap-winner-boyz-ii-men-mario-1236253824/|title=The Masked Singer Finale Reveals Identities of Buffalo and Wasp: Here’s Who Won Season 12|last=Schneider|first=Michael|work=Variety|date=December 18, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219103126/https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-12-finale-recap-winner-boyz-ii-men-mario-1236253824/|archive-date=December 19, 2024|access-date=December 19, 2024}}

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| auxA13 = 15

| episodes13 =

| start13 = {{Start date|2025|2|12}}

| end13 =

| infoA13 =

| infoB13 =

| infoC13 =

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| linkT13S = Specials

| auxA13S = {{n/a}}

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| start13S = {{Start date|2019|9|15}}

| end13S = {{End date|2023|12|12}}

| infoA13S = {{n/a}}

| infoB13S = {{n/a}}

| infoC13S =

}}

{{notelist}}

The Masked Singer debuted on January{{nbsp}}2, 2019, as a mid-season replacement to Star.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/fox-winter-2019-premiere-dates-gotham-masked-singer-more-1156030 |title=Fox Midseason Premiere Dates: Gotham Final Season, Masked Singer Coming in January |last=Porter |first=Rick |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=October 29, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227155841/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/fox-winter-2019-premiere-dates-gotham-masked-singer-more-1156030 |archive-date=February 27, 2020}} A month before the season finale on February{{nbsp}}27, 2019, Fox renewed the show for a second season.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/the-masked-singer-renewed-season-2-fox-1202545353/ |title=The Masked Singer Renewed for Season 2 By Fox |last=Petski |first=Denise |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=January 30, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301020433/https://deadline.com/2019/01/the-masked-singer-renewed-season-2-fox-1202545353/ |archive-date=March 1, 2020}} During its upfronts for the 2019–2020 United States television season in May{{nbsp}}2019, the network renewed the series for a third season to launch as the lead-out of Super Bowl LIV. The second season premiered on September{{nbsp}}25, 2019, and was preceded by a "Super Sneak Peek" episode which aired two Sundays prior. Before concluding on December{{nbsp}}18, 2019, it was pre-empted for two weeks by the broadcast of the 2019 World Series.{{cite web |url=https://www.goldderby.com/article/2019/when-does-the-masked-singer-return-after-the-world-series/ |title=When Does The Masked Singer Return After the World Series? |last=Sheehan |first=Paul |publisher=Gold Derby |date=October 30, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200430062453/https://www.goldderby.com/article/2019/when-does-the-masked-singer-return-after-the-world-series/ |archive-date=April 30, 2020}} On February{{nbsp}}2, 2020, the third season premiered following Super Bowl{{nbsp}}LIV. After a "Road to the Finals" episode aired the previous day, it culminated on May{{nbsp}}20, 2020.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-singer-finale-preview-night-angel-turtle-frog-1234611389/ |title=The Masked Singer Finale Preview: What to Expect as Night Angel, Turtle and Frog Are Unmasked |last=Scneider |first=Michael |work=Variety |date=May 19, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521035353/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-singer-finale-preview-night-angel-turtle-frog-1234611389/ |archive-date=May 21, 2020}} Two weeks prior, the series was renewed for a fourth season to air during the 2020–2021 television season.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fox-corp-quarterly-revenue-rises-boosted-by-super-bowl-1293651 |title=Fox Corp. Quarterly Revenue Rises, Boosted by Super Bowl |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 6, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514084501/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fox-corp-quarterly-revenue-rises-boosted-by-super-bowl-1293651 |archive-date=May 14, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/the-masked-singer-fox-season-4-1202928028/ |title=The Masked Singer: Fox Renews Reality Singing Contest For Season 4; Targets Fall Premiere |last=White |first=Peter |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 6, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514162050/https://deadline.com/2020/05/the-masked-singer-fox-season-4-1202928028/ |archive-date=May 14, 2020}} Following a preview episode on September 13, it premiered on September 23, 2020.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/fox-i-can-see-your-voice-fall-schedule-masterchef-jr-pushed-1203024288/ |title=Fox Adds I Can See Your Voice to Fall Schedule to Create Ken Jeong Block as MasterChef Junior Pushed |last=White |first=Peter |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=August 26, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923203857/https://deadline.com/2020/08/fox-i-can-see-your-voice-fall-schedule-masterchef-jr-pushed-1203024288/ |archive-date=September 23, 2020}} One week of the season was pre-empted due to the 2020 World Series.{{cite web |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/953378/masked-singer-season-4-group-c-delayed-world-series/ |title=How Will the World Series Affect The Masked Singer Season 4? |last=Jacobs |first=Meredith |work=TV Insider |date=October 15, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030223003/https://www.tvinsider.com/953378/masked-singer-season-4-group-c-delayed-world-series/ |archive-date=October 30, 2020}} Two weeks before the finale on December 16, 2020, the series was renewed for a fifth season,{{cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2020/12/02/the-masked-singer-season-5-renewed-fox-returning-2021/ |title=Masked Singer Renewed for Season 5 |first=Ryan |last=Schwartz |website=TVLine |date=December 2, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217150122/https://tvline.com/2020/12/02/the-masked-singer-season-5-renewed-fox-returning-2021/ |archive-date=February 17, 2021}} which premiered on March 10, 2021. On May 17, 2021, Fox renewed the series for a sixth season a week before the fifth season's finale on May 26.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-masked-singer-renewed-fox-season-6-1234758564/ |title=The Masked Singer Renewed At Fox For Season 6 |last=White |first=Peter |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 17, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523223314/https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-masked-singer-renewed-fox-season-6-1234758564/ |archive-date=May 23, 2021}} The sixth season began airing starting with a two-night premiere on September 22 and 23, 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/masked-singer-season-6-premiere-date-two-night-episode/ |title=Masked Singer Season 6 Gets 2-Night Premiere at Fox |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |work=TheWrap |date=July 26, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021}} A seventh season premiered on March 9, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/masked-singer-premiere-date-season-7-fox-1235164352/|title=Masked Singer Season 7 Premiere Date Set at Fox as Network Announces Spring Lineup|work=Variety|last=Urban|first=Sasha|date=January 26, 2022|access-date=January 26, 2022}} On May 15, 2023, it was announced that the series was renewed for a tenth season.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/the-masked-singer-renewed-season-10-fox-i-can-see-your-voice-season-3-1235366597/|title=The Masked Singer Renewed For Season 10 At Fox As I Can See Your Voice Returns For Season 3|work=Deadline Hollywood|last=White|first=Peter|date=May 15, 2023|access-date=May 15, 2023}}

The program is aired by Fox in the United States and has been simulcasted by CTV in Canada since the second season.{{cite press release |url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/ctv-unveils-2019-20-primetime-schedule-featuring-dynamic-dramas-with-big-stars-and-big-stories/ |title=CTV Unveils 2019/20 Primetime Schedule, Featuring Dynamic Dramas With Big Stars and Big Stories |publisher=Bell Media |date=June 6, 2019 |place=Toronto |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607044629/https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/ctv-unveils-2019-20-primetime-schedule-featuring-dynamic-dramas-with-big-stars-and-big-stories/ |archive-date=June 7, 2019}}{{cite press release |url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/new-chuck-lorre-comedy-joins-18-hit-series-returning-to-ctv-this-fall/ |title=New Chuck Lorre Comedy Joins 18 Hit Series Returning to CTV This Fall |publisher=Bell Media |date=June 23, 2020 |place=Toronto |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623165617/https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/new-chuck-lorre-comedy-joins-18-hit-series-returning-to-ctv-this-fall/ |archive-date=June 23, 2020}} Fox Entertainment distributes the series in those countries while Propagate Content does so elsewhere.{{cite press release |url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/fox-acquires-ctv-original-series-holmes-family-effect-in-deal-with-bell-media/ |title=Fox Acquires CTV Original Series Holmes Family Effect in Deal with Bell Media |publisher=Bell Media |date=December 14, 2020 |place=Toronto |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118053722/https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/fox-acquires-ctv-original-series-holmes-family-effect-in-deal-with-bell-media/ |archive-date=January 18, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/fox-propagate-content-mipcom-1203372433/ |title=Fox Partners With Propagate Content to Distribute Unscripted Programming |last=Otterson |first=Joe |work=Variety |date=October 16, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017154840/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/fox-propagate-content-mipcom-1203372433/ |archive-date=October 17, 2019}} Outside of North America, it has aired on ITV in the United Kingdom,{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2020-06-04/the-masked-singer-us-season-2-release-date/ |title=How to Watch The Masked Singer US Season 2 |last=Bullimore |first=Emma |work=Radio Times |date=April 23, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605022214/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2020-06-04/the-masked-singer-us-season-2-release-date/ |archive-date=June 5, 2020}} Network 10 in Australia,{{cite web |url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/the-masked-singer-usa-coming-to-10-on-september-30/ |title=The Masked Singer USA Coming to 10 on September 30 |work=Mediaweek |date=September 18, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003041522/https://www.mediaweek.com.au/the-masked-singer-usa-coming-to-10-on-september-30/ |archive-date=October 3, 2020}} Three in New Zealand,{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/122847038/what-is-the-masked-singer-and-when-is-it-coming-to-nz |title=What Is The Masked Singer and When Is it Coming to NZ? |last=Brookes |first=Emily |work=Stuff |date=September 25, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926063908/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/122847038/what-is-the-masked-singer-and-when-is-it-coming-to-nz |archive-date=September 26, 2020}} M-Net in South Africa,{{cite web |url=https://www.dstv.co.za/whats-on/shows/reality-tv/the-masked-singer/ |title=The Masked Singer Keeps You Jammin' and Guessin' With Crazy Costumes |publisher=DStv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003185257/https://www.dstv.co.za/whats-on/shows/reality-tv/the-masked-singer/ |archive-date=October 3, 2020}} and Channel 5 in Singapore, among others.{{cite web |url=https://www.pressreader.com/singapore/the-straits-times/20200625/281483573645538 |title=Hit US Reality Show's Asian Origins |last=de Souza |first=Alison |work=The Straits Times |place=Los Angeles |publication-place=Singapore |date=June 25, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628005351/https://www.pressreader.com/singapore/the-straits-times/20200625/281483573645538 |archive-date=June 28, 2020 |via=PressReader}} Aside from double-length episodes, most run for about 43 minutes.{{cite web |url=https://www.fox.com/watch/c2f238d84b5863a804a5455cfc687c05/ |title=Watch The Masked Singer: Season 3, Episode 8 "Old Friends, New Clues: Group C Championships" Online |publisher=Fox |access-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328044018/https://www.fox.com/watch/c2f238d84b5863a804a5455cfc687c05/ |url-status=dead }} They are available for streaming in the United States on Hulu, Fox's website, and the Fox Now mobile app through video on demand.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/masked-singer-free-streaming-tubi-1234588261/ |title=The Masked Singer All Episodes to Stream Free on Fox-Owned Tubi |last=Spangler |first=Todd |work=Variety |date=April 23, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423211456/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/masked-singer-free-streaming-tubi-1234588261/ |archive-date=April 23, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/the-masked-singer-to-stream-on-tubi-foxs-free-streaming-service-1202915924/ |title=The Masked Singer to Stream on Tubi, Fox's Free Streaming Service |last=Hayes |first=Dade |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=April 23, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423181143/https://deadline.com/2020/04/the-masked-singer-to-stream-on-tubi-foxs-free-streaming-service-1202915924/ |archive-date=April 23, 2020}} The Masked Singer is also available on the American ad-supported service Tubi, where it became the most-watched series less than two months after its April 2020 debut and is used to attract new viewers to the platform.{{cite web |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/gambelli-says-tubi-rounds-out-foxs-media-assets |title=Gambelli Says Tubi Rounds Out Fox's Media Assets |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |work=Multichannel News |date=June 1, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601215154/https://www.multichannel.com/news/gambelli-says-tubi-rounds-out-foxs-media-assets |archive-date=June 1, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/tubi-view-time-double/ |title=Tubi's Total View Time Has Doubled in the Last Year, Fox Says |last=Burch |first=Sean |work=TheWrap |date=November 3, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126012604/https://www.thewrap.com/tubi-view-time-double/ |archive-date=January 26, 2021}} Episodes are available internationally on localized streaming services.{{cite web |url=https://www.itv.com/hub/the-masked-singer-us/10a0402 |title=The Masked Singer US |publisher=ITV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021203112/https://www.itv.com/hub/the-masked-singer-us/10a0402 |archive-date=October 21, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cmore.fi/ohjelma/10000926/masked-singer-usa |title=Masked Singer USA |publisher=C More Entertainment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007154718/https://www.cmore.fi/ohjelma/10000926/masked-singer-usa |archive-date=October 7, 2020}}

{{Television season ratings

| show_caption = y

| title = The Masked Singer{{noitalic|. TV season ranks/averages include seven-day {{abbr|DVR|digital video recorder}} playback.}}

| width = 99

| link1 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 1#Ratings

| timeslot1 = Wednesday 9:00{{nbsp}}p.m.

| episodes1 = 10

| start1 = {{Start date|2019|1|2}}

| startrating1 = 9.37{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/live-plus-7-ratings-week-of-dec-31-masked-singer-1203114367/ |title=Live+7 Ratings for Week of Dec. 31: Masked Singer Premiere Grows by 40 Percent |last=Otterson |first=Joe |work=Variety |date=January 22, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731175706/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/live-plus-7-ratings-week-of-dec-31-masked-singer-1203114367/ |archive-date=July 31, 2020}}

| end1 = {{End date|2019|2|27}}

| endrating1 = 11.48{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/live7-ratings-week-of-feb-25-masked-singer-wins-riverdale-doubles-1203165851/ |title=Live+7 Ratings for Week of Feb. 25: Masked Singer Finale Wins, Riverdale Doubles |last=Thorne |first=Will |work=Variety |date=March 18, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014064559/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/live7-ratings-week-of-feb-25-masked-singer-wins-riverdale-doubles-1203165851/ |archive-date=October 14, 2019}}

| season1 = 2018–2019

| rank1 = 13

| viewers1 = 11.57

| 18_49_rank1 = 3

| 18_49_rating1 = 3.8

| link2 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 2#Ratings

| timeslot2 = Wednesday 8:00{{nbsp}}p.m.

| timeslot_length2 = 11

| episodes2 = 13

| start2 = {{Start date|2019|9|25}}

| startrating2 = 8.03{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/live7-ratings-premiere-week-prodigal-son-stumptown-1203363610/ |title=Live+7 Ratings for Premiere Week: Prodigal Son, Stumptown Top New Shows |last=Thorne |first=Will |work=Variety |date=October 8, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806035401/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/live7-ratings-premiere-week-prodigal-son-stumptown-1203363610/ |archive-date=August 6, 2020}}

| end2 = {{End date|2019|12|18}}

| endrating2 = 8.36{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/masked-singer-finale-tv-ratings-wednesday-may-20-2020-1295463 |title=TV Ratings: Masked Singer Ends on 7-Week Highs |last=Porter |first=Rick |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 21, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614150154/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/masked-singer-finale-tv-ratings-wednesday-may-20-2020-1295463 |archive-date=June 14, 2020}}

| season2 = 2019–2020

| season_length2 = 2

| rank2 = 12

| rank_length2 = 2

| viewers2 = 10.73

| viewers_length2 = 2

| 18_49_rank2 = 3

| 18_49_rank_length2 = 2

| 18_49_rating2 = 3.2{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-7-day-season-averages-2019-20-broadcast-series-1297228 |title=TV Ratings: 7-Day Season Averages for Every 2019–20 Broadcast Series |last=Porter |first=Rick |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=June 4, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606003358/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-7-day-season-averages-2019-20-broadcast-series-1297228 |archive-date=June 6, 2020}}

| 18_49_rating_length2 = 2

| link3 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 3#Ratings

| episodes3 = 17

| start3 = {{Start date|2020|2|2}}

| startrating3 = 23.70

| end3 = {{End date|2020|5|20}}

| endrating3 = 9.01{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/93ad0c808a409d950371dd1bce13fb18 |title=CBS Is TV's Most-Watched Network for 12th Year in a Row |last=Bauder |first=David |publisher=Associated Press |place=New York City |date=December 22, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210107080338/https://apnews.com/article/93ad0c808a409d950371dd1bce13fb18 |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}

| season3 = hide

| rank3 = hide

| viewers3 = hide

| 18_49_rank3 = hide

| 18_49_rating3 = hide

| link4 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 4#Ratings

| episodes4 = 12

| start4 = {{Start date|2020|9|23}}

| startrating4 = 5.92{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/live7-ratings-premiere-week-masked-singer-football-dominate-1234794753/ |title=Live+7 Ratings for Premiere Week: Masked Singer and Football Dominate |last=Thorne |first=Will |work=Variety |date=October 6, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006230715/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/live7-ratings-premiere-week-masked-singer-football-dominate-1234794753/ |archive-date=October 6, 2020}}

| end4 = {{End date|2020|12|16}}

| endrating4 = 7.41{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-entertainment-sports-television-michelle-vicary-30c836c80fbce4d1b204289d163fed32 |title=Hallmark Holiday Movies Offer Viewers Balm in Tough Year |last=Bauder |first=David |publisher=Associated Press |place=New York City |date=December 22, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210107073531/https://apnews.com/article/nfl-entertainment-sports-television-michelle-vicary-30c836c80fbce4d1b204289d163fed32 |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}

| season4 = 2020–2021

| season_length4 = 2

| rank4 = 23

| rank_length4 = 2

| viewers4 = 7.56

| viewers_length4 = 2

| 18_49_rank4 = 3

| 18_49_rank_length4 = 2

| 18_49_rating4 = 2.0{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2020-21-tv-ratings-every-network-show-ranked-1234964854/ |title=2020-21 TV Ratings: Complete 7-Day Ratings for Broadcast Network Series |last=Porter |first=Rick |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=June 8, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609002528/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2020-21-tv-ratings-every-network-show-ranked-1234964854/ |archive-date=June 9, 2021}}

| 18_49_rating_length4 = 2

| link5 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 5#Ratings

| episodes5 = 11

| start5 = {{Start date|2021|3|10}}

| startrating5 = 5.66{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-10-2021.html|title=Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.10.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|author-link=Mitch Metcalf|date=March 11, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210615225502/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-10-2021.html|archive-date=June 15, 2021}}

| end5 = {{End date|2021|5|26}}

| endrating5 = 5.51{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-television-entertainment-business-804fbdd417093715611a385399eda323|title=CBS is champ of television season for 13th consecutive year|last=Bauder|first=David|date=June 2, 2021|publisher=Associated Press|place=New York City|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210614004837/https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-television-entertainment-business-804fbdd417093715611a385399eda323|archive-date=June 14, 2021}}

| season5 = hide

| rank5 = hide

| viewers5 = hide

| 18_49_rank5 = hide

| 18_49_rating5 = hide

| link6 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 6#Ratings

| episodes6 = 13

| start6 = {{Start date|2021|9|22}}

| startrating6 = 4.74{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-9-22-2021-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 9.22.2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|author-link=Mitch Metcalf|date=September 23, 2021|access-date=September 23, 2021}}

| end6 = {{End date|2021|12|15}}

| endrating6 = 5.08{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-12-15-2021-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=Wednesday 12.15.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals|work=Showbuzz Daily|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|author-link=Mitch Metcalf|date=December 16, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2021}}

| season6 = 2021–2022

| season_length6 = 2

| rank6 = 40

| rank_length6 = 2

| viewers6 = 5.85

| viewers_length6 = 2

| 18_49_rank6 = 8

| 18_49_rank_length6 = 2

| 18_49_rating6 = 1.2{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2021-22-tv-ratings-every-network-series-ranked-1235161738/ |title=2021–22 TV Ratings: Final Seven-Day Numbers for Every Network Series |last=Porter |first=Rick |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=June 8, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022}}

| 18_49_rating_length6 = 2

| link7 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 7#Ratings

| episodes7 = 11

| start7 = {{Start date|2022|3|9}}

| startrating7 = 4.15{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-9-22-2021-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=Wednesday 3.9.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals|work=Showbuzz Daily|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|author-link=Mitch Metcalf|date=March 10, 2022|access-date=March 10, 2022}}

| end7 = {{End date|2022|5|18}}

| endrating7 = 4.19{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-5-18-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=Wednesday 5.18.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|author-link=Mitch Metcalf|date=May 19, 2022|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=December 4, 2022}}

| season7 = hide

| rank7 = hide

| viewers7 = hide

| 18_49_rank7 = hide

| 18_49_rating7 = hide

| link8 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 8#Ratings

| episodes8 = 12

| start8 = {{Start date|2022|9|21}}

| startrating8 = 3.70{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-9-21-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=Wednesday 9.21.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals|work=Showbuzz Daily|last=Salem|first=Mitch|date=September 22, 2022|access-date=September 22, 2022}}

| end8 = {{End date|2022|11|30}}

| endrating8 = 4.18{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-11-30-2022-top-150-cable-originals-broadcast-to-come.html|title=Wednesday 11.30.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals|work=Showbuzz Daily|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|author-link=Mitch Metcalf|date=December 1, 2022|access-date=December 4, 2022}}

| season8 = 2022–2023

| season_length8 = 2

| rank8 = 44

| rank_length8 = 2

| viewers8 = 5.11

| viewers_length8 = 2

| 18_49_rank8 = 10

| 18_49_rank_length8 = 2

| 18_49_rating8 = 0.9{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-2022-23-every-primetime-network-show-ranked-1235508593/ |title=TV Ratings 2022–23: Final Seven-Day Averages for Every Network Series |last=Porter |first=Rick |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=June 7, 2023 |access-date=June 8, 2023}}

| 18_49_rating_length8 = 2

| link9 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 9#Ratings

| episodes9 = 14

| start9 = {{Start date|2023|2|15}}

| startrating9 = 3.71{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-2-15-2023-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=Wednesday 2.15.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals|work=Showbuzz Daily|last=Salem|first=Mitch|date=February 16, 2023|access-date=February 16, 2023}}

| end9 = {{End date|2023|5|17}}

| endrating9 = 3.73{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-5-17-2023-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=Wednesday 5.17.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals|work=Showbuzz Daily|author=Mitch Salem|date=May 18, 2023|access-date=May 18, 2023}}

| season9 = hide

| rank9 = hide

| viewers9 = hide

| 18_49_rank9 = hide

| 18_49_rating9 = hide

| link10 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 10#Ratings

| episodes10 = 11

| start10 = {{Start date|2023|9|27}}

| startrating10 = 3.22{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-nbc-and-cbs-share-leadership-on-busy-reality-tv-night-fox-also-decent-in-demos/|title=Wednesday Ratings: NBC and CBS Share Leadership on Busy Reality TV Night, Fox Also Decent in Demos|work=Programming Insider|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=September 28, 2023|access-date=September 29, 2023}}

| end10 = {{End date|2023|12|20}}

| endrating10 = 3.76{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-cbs-easily-tops-the-night-with-survivor-45th-season-finale/|title=Wednesday Ratings: CBS Easily Tops the Night with Survivor 45th Season Finale|work=Programming Insider|author=Douglas Pucci|date=December 21, 2023|access-date=December 21, 2023}}

| season10 = 2023–2024

| season_length10 = 2

| rank10 = 48

| rank_length10 = 2

| viewers10 = 4.37

| viewers_length10 = 2

| 18_49_rank10 = 27

| 18_49_rank_length10 = 2

| 18_49_rating10 = 0.6{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-2023-24-primetime-network-show-rankings-1235919819/|title=TV Ratings 2023-24: Final Numbers for (Almost) Every Network Series|last=Porter|first=Rick|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=June 11, 2024|access-date=June 11, 2024}}

| 18_49_rating_length10 = 2

| link11 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 11#Ratings

| episodes11 = 13

| start11 = {{Start date|2024|3|6}}

| startrating11 = 3.29{{Cite web |author=Douglas Pucci|date=March 7, 2024|title=Wednesday Ratings: Fox Distant Runner-Up in Key Demos with 'The Masked Singer' and 'Animal Control' Season Premieres and New Night for 'Family Guy'|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-fox-distant-runner-up-in-key-demos-with-the-masked-singer-and-animal-control-season-premieres-and-new-night-for-family-guy/|access-date=March 8, 2024|website=Programming Insider}}

| end11 = {{End date|2024|5|22}}

| endrating11 = 2.99{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-jeopardy-masters-on-abc-rises-to-best-season-two-figures-with-finale/|title=Wednesday Ratings: Jeopardy! Masters on ABC Rises to Best Season Two Figures with Finale|work=Programming Insider|author=Douglas Pucci|date=May 23, 2024|access-date=May 23, 2024}}

| season11 = hide

| rank11 = hide

| viewers11 = hide

| 18_49_rank11 = hide

| 18_49_rating11 = hide

| link12 = The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 12#Ratings

| episodes12 = 12

| start12 = {{Start date|2024|9|25}}

| startrating12 = 2.90{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-espn-bests-fox-and-nbc-in-demos-due-to-caitlin-clark-fueled-cable-record-wnba-playoff-game/|title=Wednesday Ratings: ESPN Bests Fox and NBC in Demos Due to Caitlin Clark-Fueled Cable Record WNBA Playoff Game|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=September 26, 2024|access-date=September 26, 2024}}

| end12 = {{End date|2024|12|18}}

| endrating12 = 3.16{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-survivor-on-cbs-hits-season-high-in-viewers-and-18-49-with-47th-finale/|title=Wednesday Ratings: ‘Survivor’ on CBS Hits Season-High in Viewers and 18-49 with 47th Finale|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=December 19, 2024|access-date=December 19, 2024}}

| season12 = 2024–2025

| season_length12 =

| rank12 =

| rank_length12 =

| viewers12 =

| viewers_length12 =

| 18_49_rank12 =

| 18_49_rank_length12 =

| 18_49_rating12 =

}}

In both 2019 and 2020, the show was named the "Hottest Reality/Competition Series" in the United States by Adweek.{{cite web |url=https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/the-2019-tv-hot-list-the-years-biggest-and-buzziest-shows-networks-and-people/ |title=The 2019 TV Hot List: The Year's Biggest and Buzziest Shows, Networks and People |work=Adweek |date=October 20, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922032858/https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/the-2019-tv-hot-list-the-years-biggest-and-buzziest-shows-networks-and-people/ |archive-date=September 22, 2020}} Excluding post-NFL game debuts, the program's premiere was the highest-rated for an unscripted television series in the country since The X Factor in 2011.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/the-masked-singer-premiere-hippo-wins-wednesday-ratings-1202528469/ |title=The Masked Singer Hippo Reveal Marks Best Unscripted Series Launch in 7 Years |last=de Moraes |first=Lisa |author-link=Lisa de Moraes |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=January 3, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708192404/https://deadline.com/2019/01/the-masked-singer-premiere-hippo-wins-wednesday-ratings-1202528469/ |archive-date=July 8, 2019}} Ratings grew toward the end of the first season,{{cite web |url=https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/how-the-masked-singer-became-broadcasts-biggest-midseason-hit/ |url-access=subscription |title=How The Masked Singer Became Broadcast's Biggest Midseason Hit |last=Lynch |first=Jason |work=Adweek |date=February 6, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513171046/https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/how-the-masked-singer-became-broadcasts-biggest-midseason-hit/ |archive-date=May 13, 2019}} and The Masked Singer concluded the 2018–2019 American television season as the highest-rated new series in the key demographic of adults 18–49{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/live-7-ratings-broadcast-tv-series-2018-19-1217293 |title=2018–19 TV Season: Live-Plus-7 Ratings for Every Broadcast Series |last=Porter |first=Rick |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=June 10, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527085042/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/live-7-ratings-broadcast-tv-series-2018-19-1217293 |archive-date=May 27, 2020}} and the first unscripted series to rank number one in the genre in its first season since Joe Millionaire in 2003.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/foxs-masked-singer-reality-tv-1203137473/ |title=Fox's Masked Singer Injects New Life Into a Lagging Genre |last=Schneider |first=Michael |work=Variety |date=February 13, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723164501/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/foxs-masked-singer-reality-tv-1203137473/ |archive-date=July 23, 2020}} TV Guide named it the television season's "most underestimated show".{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/features/the-masked-singer-undestimated-tv-yearbook/ |title=The Masked Singer Was the Most Underestimated Show of the TV Season |last=Venable |first=Malcolm |work=TV Guide |date=June 7, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701180905/https://www.tvguide.com/news/features/the-masked-singer-undestimated-tv-yearbook/ |archive-date=July 1, 2020}} During the following television season, the series was one of two non-NFL programs to charge over $200,000 per 30 seconds of advertising.{{cite web |url=https://adage.com/article/media/tvs-most-expensive-commercials-2019-20-season/2202481 |title=TV's Most Expensive Commercials for the 2019–'20 Season |url-access=subscription |last=Poggi |first=Jeanine |work=Ad Age |date=October 7, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424065826/https://adage.com/article/media/tvs-most-expensive-commercials-2019-20-season/2202481 |archive-date=April 24, 2020}} Deadline Hollywood cited the second season as a major reason Fox—for the first time in the network's history—ranked number one in fall entertainment programming.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/12/tv-ratings-fall-2019-fox-wins-nbc-the-masked-singer-sunday-night-football-1202817673/ |title=Fox Tops Fall Demo Ratings For First Time in Decade; NBC Snaps CBS' Total Viewers Streak |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |last2=Hipes |first2=Patrick |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=December 27, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104191044/https://deadline.com/2019/12/tv-ratings-fall-2019-fox-wins-nbc-the-masked-singer-sunday-night-football-1202817673/ |archive-date=January 4, 2020}}

The premiere of the third season following Super Bowl{{nbsp}}LIV became the series' most-watched episode.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/54af8e1b3a81aae41e277b41ec93ab28 |title=The Masked Singer Hopes to Take Advantage of Rare Edge |last=Bauder |first=David |publisher=Associated Press |place=New York City |date=February 4, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210107075927/https://apnews.com/article/54af8e1b3a81aae41e277b41ec93ab28 |archive-date=January 7, 2021}} Throughout the season's latter half which aired amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, episodes experienced a rise in viewership compared to those broadcast before the outbreak.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/05/06/masked-singer-has-become-reality-tv-hit-coronavirus-cant-touch/ |title=The Masked Singer Has Become the Reality TV Hit Coronavirus Can't Touch |last=Zeitchik |first=Steven |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 6, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506233924/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/05/06/masked-singer-has-become-reality-tv-hit-coronavirus-cant-touch/ |archive-date=May 6, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/60-minutes-blacklist-lead-quarantine-viewing-gains-1288507 |title=TV Long View: The Shows With the Biggest Quarantine Viewing Gains |last=Porter |first=Rick |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=April 4, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413011213/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/60-minutes-blacklist-lead-quarantine-viewing-gains-1288507 |archive-date=April 13, 2020}} Although the 18–49 rating was lower than the first's, the show remained the top non-sports program in the demographic.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/broadcast-tvs-ratings-winners-losers-2019-20-1295395 |title=Broadcast TV's Ratings Winners and Losers of 2019–20 |last=Porter |first=Rick |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 20, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521044004/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/broadcast-tvs-ratings-winners-losers-2019-20-1295395 |archive-date=May 21, 2020}} During the 2020–2021 United States television season, ad prices for the show increased 12 percent to about $226,000 per 30 seconds.{{cite web |url=https://adage.com/article/media/tvs-most-expensive-shows-advertisers-season/2281176 |title=What It Costs to Advertise in TV's Biggest Shows in 2020–2021 Season |last=Poggi |first=Jeanine |work=Ad Age |date=October 30, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031071139/https://adage.com/article/media/tvs-most-expensive-shows-advertisers-season/2281176 |archive-date=October 31, 2020}} While the highest-rated entertainment broadcast since the third season's finale,{{cite web |url=https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/the-2020-tv-hot-list-the-years-biggest-and-buzziest-shows-networks-and-people/5/ |title=The 2020 TV Hot List: The Year's Biggest and Buzziest Shows, Networks and People |work=Adweek |date=October 25, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026061924/https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/the-2020-tv-hot-list-the-years-biggest-and-buzziest-shows-networks-and-people/5/ |archive-date=October 26, 2020}} the first episode of the fourth season tied for the series' lowest at the time.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-wednesday-sept-23-2020 |title=TV Ratings: Masked Singer Opens With Demo Low |last=Porter |first=Rick |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=September 24, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925013831/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-wednesday-sept-23-2020 |archive-date=September 25, 2020}} A broadcast following a Thanksgiving NFL game was the most-watched and highest-rated of the series excluding the post-Super Bowl episode since the first season's finale.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-thursday-nov-26-2020-thanksgiving |title=TV Ratings: Macy's Parade Strong, NFL Slips on Thanksgiving |last=Porter |first=Rick |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=December 1, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201192238/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-thursday-nov-26-2020-thanksgiving |archive-date=December 1, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2020/11/27/tv-ratings-masked-singer-season-4-thanksgiving-night/ |title=Ratings: Masked Singer Dominates Thanksgiving With 21-Month Highs |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |work=TVLine |date=November 27, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127175604/https://tvline.com/2020/11/27/tv-ratings-masked-singer-season-4-thanksgiving-night/ |archive-date=November 27, 2020}} With the fourth and fifth season's ratings, The Masked Singer remained the highest-rated entertainment program among adults 18–49 for the third consecutive television season.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2020-21-tv-ratings-winners-losers-1234960473/ |title=2020-21 TV Ratings: Winners, Losers and Network Rankings |last=Porter |first=Rick |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 27, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608225747/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2020-21-tv-ratings-winners-losers-1234960473/ |archive-date=June 8, 2021}} By the seventh season, the show's viewership declined to less than half of the first season's audience, though it is still considered above-average given similar trends for other programs.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2022/04/20/rudy-giuliani-masked-singer-kicked-off/ |title=Giuliani Unveiled on Masked Singer, Prompting One Judge to Walk Off |last=Yahr |first=Emily |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 20, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022}}

Simulcasts of the show are popular in Canada; all of the premieres and finales have ranked within the top 10 most-watched programs in the weeks they aired according to audience measurement company Numeris.

• Season 2 premiere: {{cite web |url=https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/September%2023,%202019%20-%20September%2029,%202019%20(National).pdf |title=Top Programs – Total Canada (English) |publisher=Numeris |date=October 8, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114040659/http://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/September%2023,%202019%20-%20September%2029,%202019%20(National).pdf |archive-date=November 14, 2019}}
• Season 2 finale: {{cite web |url=https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/December%2016,%202019%20-%20December%2022,%202019%20(National).pdf |title=Top Programs – Total Canada (English) |publisher=Numeris |date=December 31, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603234143/https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/December%2016,%202019%20-%20December%2022,%202019%20(National).pdf |archive-date=June 3, 2021}}
• Season 3 finale: {{cite web |url=https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/May%2018,%202020%20-%20May%2024,%202020%20(National).pdf |title=Top Programs – Total Canada (English) |publisher=Numeris |date=June 2, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605065446/https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/May%2018,%202020%20-%20May%2024,%202020%20(National).pdf |archive-date=June 5, 2021}}
• Season 4 premiere: {{cite web |url=https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/September%2021-September%2027,%202020%20(National).pdf |title=Top Programs – Total Canada (English) |publisher=Numeris |date=October 6, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009052144/http://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/September%2021-September%2027,%202020%20(National).pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2020}}
• Season 4 finale: {{cite web |url=https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/December%2014-December%2020,%202020%20(National).pdf |title=Top Programs – Total Canada (English) |publisher=Numeris |date=December 30, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107090425/http://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/December%2014-December%2020,%202020%20%28National%29.pdf |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}
• Season 5 premiere: {{cite web |url=https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/March%208-March%2014,%202021%20(National).pdf |title=Top Programs – Total Canada (English) |publisher=Numeris |date=March 23, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509191501/https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/March%208-March%2014,%202021%20(National).pdf |archive-date=May 9, 2021}}
• Season 5 finale: {{cite web |url=https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/May%2024-May%2030,%202021%20(National).pdf |title=Top Programs – Total Canada (English) |publisher=Numeris |date=June 8, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608182017/https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/May%2024-May%2030,%202021%20(National).pdf |archive-date=June 8, 2021}}{{cite web |url=http://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/January%2027,%202020%20-%20February%2002,%202019%20(National).pdf |title=Top Programs – Total Canada (English) |publisher=Numeris |date=February 11, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522171123/http://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/January%2027,%202020%20-%20February%2002,%202019%20%28National%29.pdf |archive-date=May 22, 2020}} The post-Super Bowl{{nbsp}}LIV premiere of the third season was viewed by 2.35 million, the most for a Super Bowl lead-out in the country since 2012.{{cite press release |url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/super-bowl-liv-breaks-all-time-record-with-9-5-million-viewers-on-ctv-tsn-and-rds/ |title=Super Bowl LIV Breaks All-Time Record With 9.5 Million Viewers on CTV, TSN, and RDS |publisher=Bell Media |date=February 3, 2020 |place=Toronto |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522172946/https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/super-bowl-liv-breaks-all-time-record-with-9-5-million-viewers-on-ctv-tsn-and-rds/ |archive-date=May 22, 2020}} During the 2019–2020 Canadian television season, it was the eighth most-watched series overall.{{cite web |url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/2019-2020-canadian-television-report-card-ctv-is-canadas-most-watched-network-for-19th-straight-year/ |title=2019/2020 Canadian Television Report Card: CTV Is Canada's Most-Watched Network for 19th Straight Year |publisher=Bell Media |date=June 4, 2020 |place=Toronto |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606014658/https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/2019-2020-canadian-television-report-card-ctv-is-canadas-most-watched-network-for-19th-straight-year/ |archive-date=June 6, 2020}} In Australia, The Masked Singer debuted on September 30, 2020, to ratings significantly smaller than others in its timeslot. With 285,000 viewers, The Music attributed its low viewership to a culture barrier and that reveals are well-publicized by the time the series airs.{{cite web |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/masked-singer-us-australian-debut-season-four/wq7e1NfW2dg/01-10-20/ |title=From Hero To Zero – US Version of The Masked Singer Flops Hard in Australia |last1=Dale |first1=Jessica |last2=Mast |first2=Andrew |work=The Music |date=October 1, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119052654/https://themusic.com.au/news/masked-singer-us-australian-debut-season-four/wq7e1NfW2dg/01-10-20/ |archive-date=November 19, 2020}} After viewership fell to 125,000 a month later, the program was moved to a less favorable timeslot.{{cite web |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/11/bumped-the-masked-singer-usa.html |title=Bumped: The Masked Singer USA |last=Knox |first=David |work=TV Tonight |date=November 13, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118004749/https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/11/bumped-the-masked-singer-usa.html |archive-date=November 18, 2020}}

The show received a mixed reception from television critics; their critiques were classified as "befuddled" by The Hollywood Reporter.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/masked-singer-super-bowl-season-3-premiere-preview-1275235 |title=The Masked Singer to Feature Its Biggest Reveal Yet in Post-Super Bowl Episode |last=Bentley |first=Jean |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=January 31, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201119193544/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/masked-singer-super-bowl-season-3-premiere-preview-1275235 |archive-date=November 19, 2020}} Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 52{{nbsp}}percent approval rating for the first season, with an average rating of 4 out of 10, based on 25 reviews. Its critical consensus states: "Defying all tropes of the reality competition genre, The Masked Singer manages to be both magnetically apocalyptic and inexplicably boring."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_masked_singer/s01 |title=The Masked Singer: Season 1 |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523220124/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_masked_singer/s01/ |archive-date=May 23, 2019}} Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the series a score of 36 out of 100 based on 10 critics reviewing the first season, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-masked-singer/critic-reviews |title=The Masked Singer |publisher=Metacritic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815205558/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-masked-singer/critic-reviews |archive-date=August 15, 2020}}

Critics contrasted the series to other reality television programs in the United States. Entertainment Weekly{{'}}s Joseph Longo considered it the most captivating competition series since The Voice premiered in 2011, and Stuart Heritage of The Guardian called it one of the best singing competition shows in a decade.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/jan/11/the-masked-singer-the-years-strangest-tv-show-is-already-here |title=The Masked Singer: The Year's Strangest TV Show Is Already Here |last=Heritage |first=Stuart |work=The Guardian |date=January 11, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101404/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/jan/11/the-masked-singer-the-years-strangest-tv-show-is-already-here |archive-date=March 27, 2019}} Writing for NBC News' Think, Ani Bundel thought the series has an advantage over Dancing with the Stars and The Voice because voting bias is less likely when competitors are unknown.{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/masked-singer-bizarre-somewhat-creepy-it-s-also-going-be-ncna956926 |title=The Masked Singer Is Bizarre and Somewhat Creepy. It's Also Going to Be a Huge Reality Competition Hit. |last=Bundel |first=Ani |work=Think |date=January 9, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416070703/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/masked-singer-bizarre-somewhat-creepy-it-s-also-going-be-ncna956926 |archive-date=April 16, 2020}} Kelly Lawler of USA Today agreed, praising the avoidance of overproduced backstories, harsh criticisms, and results episodes.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/01/02/masked-singer-review-next-great-reality-singing-show/2463352002/ |title=Review: Fox's The Masked Singer Is the Next Great Singing Contest, but Who's Competing? |last=Lawler |first=Kelly |work=USA Today |date=January 2, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209125119/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/01/02/masked-singer-review-next-great-reality-singing-show/2463352002/ |archive-date=February 9, 2020}} The Daily Beast{{'}}s Laura Bradley felt it was better than Dancing with the Stars because costumes can be used to generate interest instead of casting those "who seek to overplay their 15 minutes of fame".{{cite news |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/its-time-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-masked-singer |title=It's Time to Stop Worrying and Love The Masked Singer |last=Bradley |first=Laura |work=The Daily Beast |date=September 23, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925214915/https://www.thedailybeast.com/its-time-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-masked-singer |archive-date=September 25, 2020}} As she considered its format more complex than Top Chef or Dancing with the Stars, Erin Schwartz of The Nation considered The Masked Singer{{'}}s success surprising.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/masked-singer-review/ |title=The Surreal Pleasures of The Masked Singer |last=Schwartz |first=Erin |magazine=The Nation |date=June 2, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603015837/https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/masked-singer-review/ |archive-date=June 3, 2021}}

The show received comparisons to the original version of the franchise. Despite its strong viewership indicating the "changes [between it and the South Korean version] seem to have worked",{{cite web |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/01/the-masked-singer-fox-korean-reality-game-shows-sebastian-lee-1202034335/ |title=The Masked Singer: 5 More Korean Competition Shows That Could Take America by Storm |last=Nguyen |first=Hanh |work=IndieWire |date=January 11, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129234729/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/01/the-masked-singer-fox-korean-reality-game-shows-sebastian-lee-1202034335/ |archive-date=January 29, 2020}} some felt the competition length is too slow in comparison, and makes reveals occur long after established consensuses about who the celebrities are, have formed, nullifying the excitement surrounding them.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/masked-singer-great-major-makeover/ |title=The Masked Singer Could Be Great With a Major Makeover |last=Tisdale |first=Jerrica |work=Screen Rant |date=February 8, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708124009/https://screenrant.com/masked-singer-great-major-makeover/ |archive-date=July 8, 2020}} While contestants on the South Korean series sing the same songs during a duet round, producers' decision not to do so in the American version was also thought of as an "ill-advised" decision by critics as they felt it inhibits fair comparisons.{{cite web |url=https://www.theringer.com/tv/2019/1/16/18185227/the-masked-singer-fox-king-of-masked-singer-korea |title=The Masked Singer Is No Match for the Original Korean Version |last=Kim |first=Kristen Yonsoo |work=The Ringer |date=January 16, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129165635/https://www.theringer.com/tv/2019/1/16/18185227/the-masked-singer-fox-king-of-masked-singer-korea |archive-date=January 29, 2020}} Conversely, for V{{'}}s Hannah Hightman, the series "retains the bizarreness of King of Mask Singer but adds a distinctly American style, creating an infectiously fun reality TV classic".{{cite web |url=https://vmagazine.com/article/why-everyone-loves-the-masked-singer/ |title=Why Everyone Loves The Masked Singer |last=Hightman |first=Hannah |work=V |date=February 11, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226220328/https://vmagazine.com/article/why-everyone-loves-the-masked-singer/ |archive-date=February 26, 2021}} According to Drew Millard of The Outline, the show is better than previous American adaptations of Asian television series because it is "even crazier than the original".{{cite web |url=https://theoutline.com/post/6975/the-masked-singer-nick-cannon-robin-thicke-jenny-mccarthy |title=You Are Not Above The Masked Singer |last=Millard |first=Drew |work=The Outline |date=January 15, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713193832/https://theoutline.com/post/6975/the-masked-singer-nick-cannon-robin-thicke-jenny-mccarthy |archive-date=July 13, 2020}}

Critics regarded the program as having a positive nature. John Doyle of The Globe and Mail cited it as a cultural change in the United States away from the competitive and often exploitative essence of reality shows like American Idol.{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/article-dumb-simplicity-why-the-masked-singer-is-a-massive-tv-hit/ |url-access=limited |title=Dumb Simplicity: Why The Masked Singer Is a Massive TV Hit |last=Doyle |first=John |author-link=John Doyle (critic) |work=The Globe and Mail |date=November 4, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218163655/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/article-dumb-simplicity-why-the-masked-singer-is-a-massive-tv-hit/ |archive-date=December 18, 2019}} Opining in The Washington Post, Sonia Rao thought the series' ethos is its support of eccentricity.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/05/20/masked-singer-finale-kandi-burruss/ |url-access=subscription |title=In a World of Chaos, The Masked Singer Has Somehow Become Our Normal |last=Rao |first=Sonia |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 20, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521051911/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/05/20/masked-singer-finale-kandi-burruss/ |archive-date=May 21, 2020}} Matt Zoller Seitz of Vulture named it the best example of escapism on television,{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/09/the-masked-singer-season-2-review.html |url-access=limited |title=How Is The Masked Singer Real? |last=Seitz |first=Matt Zoller |author-link=Matt Zoller Seitz |work=Vulture |date=September 26, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218162823/https://www.vulture.com/2019/09/the-masked-singer-season-2-review.html |archive-date=December 18, 2019}} and Variety{{'}}s Daniel D'Addario called it a return to form for the medium as he thought it possesses the now-rare ability to uplift and unite people.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/columns/masked-singer-super-bowl-1203485315/ |title=In Praise of The Masked Singer, TV's Last Uniter (Column) |last=D'Addario |first=Daniel |work=Variety |date=February 1, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210183913/https://variety.com/2020/tv/columns/masked-singer-super-bowl-1203485315/ |archive-date=February 10, 2020}} Lawler agreed, remarking it was perhaps "the only reality TV show that doesn't manufacture its fun". Schwartz considered it "the rare show on television that allows viewers to turn off their brains, sit back, and enjoy" and felt panelists compliment competitors despite the quality of their performances. The way contestants are eliminated has garnered praise for being dignified,{{cite web |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/ny-ent-why-hard-look-away-from-the-masked-singer-20190115-story.html |title=Why It's Hard to Look Away from Fox's Surprise Hit The Masked Singer |last=Desantis |first=Rachel |work=New York Daily News |date=January 15, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205194720/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/ny-ent-why-hard-look-away-from-the-masked-singer-20190115-story.html |archive-date=February 5, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/the-masked-singer-review |title=In These Uncertain Times, The Masked Singer Is a World I Want to Live In |last=Katz |first=Dara |publisher=PureWow |date=December 5, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712182702/https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/the-masked-singer-review |archive-date=July 12, 2020}} though those of "vocal legend[s]" such as Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, and Chaka Khan have been criticized for being premature.{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-masked-singer-season-3-episode-3/ |title=The Masked Singer Just Eliminated a 10-Time Grammy Winner Because Nothing Makes Sense |last=Venable |first=Malcolm |work=TV Guide |date=February 12, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214022301/https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-masked-singer-season-3-episode-3/ |archive-date=February 14, 2020}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/the-masked-singer-recap-mouse-eliminated-9324133/ |title=The Masked Singer Recap: Legendary Mouse Booted Way Too Soon |last=Dow |first=Robbie |magazine=Billboard |date=February 27, 2020 }}{{cite web |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/3/10/21170706/black-women-masked-singer-voice-american-idol-chaka-khan-dionne-warwick-patti-labelle-gladys-knight |title=On TV singing Contests, Black Women — Whether Rising Stars or Legends — Seldom Prevail |last=Jackson |first=Cheryl V. |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=March 10, 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319004604/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/3/10/21170706/black-women-masked-singer-voice-american-idol-chaka-khan-dionne-warwick-patti-labelle-gladys-knight |archive-date=March 19, 2020}}

The costume designs have received praise for being inventive,{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/the-masked-singer-lets-us-work-out-our-national-anxieties-about-whos-who-and-whats-true/2019/12/17/b1ed7346-204f-11ea-bed5-880264cc91a9_story.html |url-access=subscription |title=The Masked Singer Lets Us Work Out Our National Anxieties About Who's Who and What's True |last=Stuever |first=Hank |author-link=Hank Stuever |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 19, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219213549/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/the-masked-singer-lets-us-work-out-our-national-anxieties-about-whos-who-and-whats-true/2019/12/17/b1ed7346-204f-11ea-bed5-880264cc91a9_story.html |archive-date=December 19, 2019}} intricate, and impressive.{{cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/02/masked-singer-finale-what-show-really-reveals/583882/ |url-access=limited |title=The Masked Singer Lets You In on the Scam |last=Garber |first=Megan |work=The Atlantic |date=February 28, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308121421/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/02/masked-singer-finale-what-show-really-reveals/583882/ |archive-date=March 8, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/reviews/the-masked-singer-review-fox-korea-1203096239/ |title=TV Review: The Masked Singer |last=Framke |first=Caroline |author-link=Caroline Framke |work=Variety |date=December 28, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406202742/https://variety.com/2018/tv/reviews/the-masked-singer-review-fox-korea-1203096239/ |archive-date=April 6, 2019}} Opinions of the performances have differed; Variety{{'}}s Caroline Framke described them as mediocre, The New Yorker{{'}}s Emily Nussbaum thought the choreography was elaborate,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/02/11/celebrity-delirium-on-the-masked-singer-and-the-other-two |url-access=limited |title=Celebrity Delirium on The Masked Singer and The Other Two |last=Nussbaum |first=Emily |author-link=Emily Nussbaum |magazine=The New Yorker |date=February 4, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723213343/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/02/11/celebrity-delirium-on-the-masked-singer-and-the-other-two |archive-date=July 23, 2019}} and Entertainment Weekly{{'}}s Kristen Baldwin said some celebrities sound professional while others are more karaoke-like.{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv-reviews/2019/01/02/the-masked-singer-fox-recap/ |title=Fox's The Masked Singer: What the Holy Hell Is This? |last=Baldwin |first=Kristen |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=January 2, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920204236/https://ew.com/tv-reviews/2019/01/02/the-masked-singer-fox-recap/ |archive-date=September 20, 2019}} The way the show is edited has attracted criticism; guesses have been called repetitive, episodes excessive in length, and unmaskings slow.{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/09/goodbye-egg.html |url-access=limited |title=Egg Was Too Pure for This Terrible World |last=Wright |first=Megh |work=Vulture |date=September 26, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926201418/https://www.vulture.com/2019/09/goodbye-egg.html |archive-date=September 26, 2019}} Writing for Decider, Joel Keller found the program's pacing overwhelming.{{cite web |url=https://decider.com/2019/01/03/the-masked-singer-on-fox-stream-it-or-skip-it/ |title=Stream It or Skip It: The Masked Singer on Fox, A Bonkers Singing Competition With Celebrities Singing in Costumes |last=Keller |first=Joel |work=Decider |date=January 3, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922080807/https://decider.com/2019/01/03/the-masked-singer-on-fox-stream-it-or-skip-it/ |archive-date=September 22, 2020}} To fix the "manufactured" feeling, Hanh Nguyen of IndieWire felt a live broadcast would add excitement,{{cite web |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/02/masked-singer-season-2-fox-1202047895/ |title=The Masked Singer: 7 Ways the Show Can Keep the Mystery Alive in Season 2 |last=Nguyen |first=Hanh |work=IndieWire |date=February 28, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925150857/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/02/masked-singer-season-2-fox-1202047895/ |archive-date=September 25, 2020}} as did those from Gold Derby and E! Online.{{cite web |url=https://www.goldderby.com/article/2019/the-masked-singer-season-2-should-be-airing-live-fox-spoilers/ |title=Missed Opportunity? The Masked Singer Season 2 Should Be Airing Live on Fox, and Here's 4 Reasons Why |last=Dixon |first=Marcus James |publisher=Gold Derby |date=September 28, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201030054215/https://www.goldderby.com/article/2019/the-masked-singer-season-2-should-be-airing-live-fox-spoilers/ |archive-date=October 30, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1019680/how-can-the-masked-singer-recreate-its-success-in-season-2 |title=How Can The Masked Singer Recreate Its Success in Season 2? |last=Piester |first=Lauren |work=E! Online |date=February 28, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517150150/https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1019680/how-can-the-masked-singer-recreate-its-success-in-season-2 |archive-date=May 17, 2019}} Viewers on the West Coast discover which celebrity is unmasked later than those on the East Coast because the show is not aired live across all time zones.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-the-masked-singer-review-fox-20190103-story.html |url-access=limited |title=Review: Is Fox's The Masked Singer a Good Time or a Sign of End Times? |last=Ali |first=Lorraine |author-link=Lorraine Ali |work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 3, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403221557/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-the-masked-singer-review-fox-20190103-story.html |archive-date=April 3, 2020}}

Reviewers referred to the status of celebrities competing. Rob Harvilla of The Ringer wrote that they are either stars of decades past or only have thin connections to actual celebrities{{cite web |url=https://www.theringer.com/tv/2019/1/2/18164677/masked-singer-singing-competition-premiere-review |title=Post-American Idol: The Masked Singer Is the Perfect Singing Competition for the Dystopian Age |last=Harvilla |first=Rob |work=The Ringer |date=January 2, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330151947/https://www.theringer.com/tv/2019/1/2/18164677/masked-singer-singing-competition-premiere-review |archive-date=March 30, 2020}} and Ali stated the show's "idea of celebrity is fairly elastic". According to Hannah Hightman, the series is "a haven for B-list celebs". Alison de Souza of The Straits Times said the series has never featured an A-lister. With both traditional Hollywood celebrities and reality show stars participating, some indicated the hierarchies of fame are no longer as defined as they once were.{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-masked-singer-review/ |title=Is The Masked Singer Terrible, or Am I Just Old and Cranky? |last=Venable |first=Malcolm |work=TV Guide |date=December 19, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914015641/https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-masked-singer-review/ |archive-date=September 14, 2019}} Conversely, Adam White of The Daily Telegraph attributed the show's success in part to the "relative starriness of its participants"{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/masked-singer-deranged-reality-tv-fever-dream-simon-cowells/ |url-access=subscription |title=The Masked Singer Is a Deranged Reality TV Fever Dream – and Simon Cowell's Worst Nightmare |last=White |first=Adam |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=January 4, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612102304/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/masked-singer-deranged-reality-tv-fever-dream-simon-cowells/ |archive-date=June 12, 2020}} and BBC News' Neil Smith considered it a "particularly starry" version of the franchise.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-50841954 |title=The Masked Singer: Korean Talent Show to Make UK Debut |last=Smith |first=Neil |work=BBC News |date=January 3, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608102755/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-50841954 |archive-date=June 8, 2020}} In her book Transnational Korean Television, the scholar Hyejung Ju argued almost all of the contestants are well-known. In contrast to the New Zealand edition, Jenni Mortimer of The New Zealand Herald said "the celebrity pull on the US version is huge".{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/review-why-new-zealands-the-masked-singer-was-more-cringe-than-binge/7LJZPTQJTJGFZHCNYFWLN6SZYE/ |title=Review: Why New Zealand's the Masked Singer was more cringe than binge |last=Mortimer |first=Jenni |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=May 9, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603020349/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/review-why-new-zealands-the-masked-singer-was-more-cringe-than-binge/7LJZPTQJTJGFZHCNYFWLN6SZYE/ |archive-date=June 3, 2021}} The series has received criticism for having politicians such as Sarah Palin and Rudy Giuliani as contestants, with the latter causing panelists Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke to walk out.{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-masked-singer-rudy-giuliani-1235170841/ |title=The Masked Singer Rudy Giuliani Reveal Reportedly Sparks Outrage From Judges |last=Kim Murphy |first=J. |magazine=Variety |date=February 2, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208164248/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-masked-singer-rudy-giuliani-1235170841/ |archive-date=February 8, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://people.com/tv/ken-jeong-walks-off-the-masked-singer-after/|title=Ken Jeong Walks Off of The Masked Singer Set After 1 Contestant's Unmasking: 'I'm Done'|work=People|last=Falcone|first=Dana Rose|date=April 20, 2022|access-date=April 21, 2022}}

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| footer = L–R: Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Nicole Scherzinger, Robin Thicke, Nick Cannon

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Critics felt the panelists undermined the program with pointless statements and awkward interactions.{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/01/the-masked-singer-fox-review.html |url-access=limited |title=The Masked Singer Is a Reality-TV Fever Dream |last=VanArendonk |first=Kathryn |work=Vulture |date=January 2, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225230817/https://www.vulture.com/2019/01/the-masked-singer-fox-review.html |archive-date=December 25, 2019}} Describing McCarthy Wahlberg as inexperienced, Scherzinger as dull, Jeong as over-the-top, and Thicke as too serious, Kelly Lawler named them the worst panel in reality television history.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/02/25/reality-tv-judges-5-best-and-5-worst-panels-all-time-the-voice-american-idol-simon-cowell-rupaul/2937947002/ |title=The 5 Best (and 5 Worst) Reality-TV Show Judging Panels of All Time |last=Lawler |first=Kelly |work=USA Today |date=February 25, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401114701/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/02/25/reality-tv-judges-5-best-and-5-worst-panels-all-time-the-voice-american-idol-simon-cowell-rupaul/2937947002/ |archive-date=April 1, 2020}} Rachel Desantis of the New York Daily News thought all except Jeong were unfunny; Miles Surrey of The Ringer disagreed, stating Jeong was annoying.{{cite web |url=https://www.theringer.com/tv/2019/3/4/18250109/the-masked-singer-gimmick-oscars-nba-all-star-game |title=In the Future, All Things Should Be Like The Masked Singer |last=Surrey |first=Miles |work=The Ringer |date=March 4, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402150525/https://www.theringer.com/tv/2019/3/4/18250109/the-masked-singer-gimmick-oscars-nba-all-star-game |archive-date=April 2, 2019}} Quartz{{'}}s Adam Epstein predicted the panelists could be the show's downfall.{{cite web |url=https://qz.com/quartzy/1514273/the-masked-singer-is-a-spellbinding-train-wreck-and-a-massive-hit/ |url-access=limited |title=The Masked Singer Is a Spellbinding Train Wreck—and a Massive Hit |last=Epstein |first=Adam |work=Quartz |date=January 3, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203144445/https://qz.com/quartzy/1514273/the-masked-singer-is-a-spellbinding-train-wreck-and-a-massive-hit/ |archive-date=February 3, 2019}} Their guesses have been called stupid,{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/fox-renews-the-masked-singer-for-another-season-of-jenn-1832209516 |title=Fox Renews The Masked Singer for Another Season of Jenny McCarthy Saying Stupid Shit |last=Barsanti |first=Sam |work=The A.V. Club |date=January 30, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702034231/https://news.avclub.com/fox-renews-the-masked-singer-for-another-season-of-jenn-1832209516 |archive-date=July 2, 2019}} absurd, worthless, and "the worst part of the [show]"{{cite web |url=https://uproxx.com/tv/the-masked-singer-appreciation/ |title=The Masked Singer Is The Only Show That Understands How TV Should Work |last=Ferguson |first=LaToya |work=Uproxx |date=December 31, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301134313/https://uproxx.com/tv/the-masked-singer-appreciation/ |archive-date=March 1, 2019}} by those who viewed them as implausible. In dissenting, The Daily Beast{{'}}s Jordan Julian felt they made the panelists "surprisingly entertaining"{{cite news |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-masked-singer-reveals-first-celebrity-winnerand-its-a-major-letdown |title=Clueless Judges Ensure The Masked Singer Is Hilarious |last=Julian |first=Jordan |work=The Daily Beast |date=September 26, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110061531/https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-masked-singer-reveals-first-celebrity-winnerand-its-a-major-letdown |archive-date=January 10, 2019}} and D'Addario compared the panelists favorably to the original American Idol judges who he perceived as non-experts in their fields.

Cannon's role on the series has divided critics. The Washington Post{{'}}s Emily Yahr felt he "was made for" the show due to his years of experience in the same role "seeing oddities" on America's Got Talent,{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/01/03/yes-that-was-real-life-masked-singer-premiered-was-even-weirder-than-you-imagined/ |url-access=subscription |title=Yes, That Was Real Life: The Masked Singer Premiered and Was Even Weirder Than You Imagined |last=Yahr |first=Emily |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 3, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330151951/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/01/03/yes-that-was-real-life-masked-singer-premiered-was-even-weirder-than-you-imagined/ |archive-date=March 30, 2020}} and Keller thought he "learned his lesson" from that program by being less distracting. Conversely, Doyle called Cannon "as inarticulate as a three-year-old" and Longo remarked he was overshadowed by the presence and commentary of McCarthy Wahlberg. McCarthy Wahlberg's role on the show was criticized by Seitz and Sam Barsanti of The A.V. Club due to her views on vaccines.

The series' success is attributed to subsequent local adaptations of the Masked Singer franchise.{{cite web |url=https://tbivision.com/2021/05/28/tbi-tech-analysis-how-appealing-to-the-basics-translates-to-format-success/ |title=TBI Tech & Analysis: How Appealing to the Basics Translates to Format Success |last=Layton |first=Mark |work=Television Business International |date=May 28, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603195903/https://tbivision.com/2021/05/28/tbi-tech-analysis-how-appealing-to-the-basics-translates-to-format-success/ |archive-date=June 3, 2021}} It is part of the Korean wave and follows fellow late 2010s American television shows Better Late Than Never and The Good Doctor, which are also based on South Korean programs.{{cite book |last=Kim |first=Ju Oak |date=2021 |chapter=The Korean Wave and the New Global Media Economy |editor-last=Jin |editor-first=Dal Yong |editor-link=Dal Yong Jin |title=The Routledge Handbook of Digital Media and Globalization |edition=1 |place=New York City |publisher=Routledge |page=77 |isbn=978-0-367-41579-2 |oclc=1243040898}} International interest in adapting other costume-centered formats such as Wild Things and Sexy Beasts has been credited to the series' success,{{cite web |url=https://tbivision.com/2019/04/05/costume-drama/ |title=How Masked Singer Is Reviving Costume-led Formats |last=Ravindran |first=Manori |work=Television Business International |date=April 5, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407120916/https://tbivision.com/2019/04/05/costume-drama/ |archive-date=April 7, 2019}} as has the debut of other guessing game shows on Fox.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/fox-developing-korean-mystery-music-gameshow-i-can-see-your-voice-1202823907/ |title=Fox Developing Korean Mystery Music Game Show I Can See Your Voice as Network Eyes Bigger Entertainment Bets |last=White |first=Peter |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=January 7, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817172600/https://deadline.com/2020/01/fox-developing-korean-mystery-music-gameshow-i-can-see-your-voice-1202823907/ |archive-date=August 17, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/game-of-talents-fremantle-the-masked-singer-1234715439/ |title=How Game Of Talents Hopes To Repeat The Masked Singer{{'}}s Success & Tap Into A Craze For Guessing Games |last=Kanter |first=Jake |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=March 17, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319123715/https://deadline.com/2021/03/game-of-talents-fremantle-the-masked-singer-1234715439/ |archive-date=March 19, 2021}} An American version of the South Korean game show I Can See Your Voice, which features contestants guessing whether singers are good or bad without hearing them sing for a chance to win money, began airing on the network in 2020. Jeong hosts along with a panel and a "musical superstar" who aid the contestant. It followed episodes of The Masked Singer{{'}}s fourth season, creating a two-hour programming block based on South Korean formats and featuring Jeong.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/ken-jeong-host-i-can-see-your-voice-fox-masked-singer-1203495339/ |title=Fox to Adapt South Korean Game Show I Can See Your Voice, Hosted by Ken Jeong |last=Schneider |first=Michael |work=Variety |date=February 6, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001085400/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/ken-jeong-host-i-can-see-your-voice-fox-masked-singer-1203495339/ |archive-date=October 1, 2020}} Game of Talents, another international guessing game adaptation, is hosted by season two winner Wayne Brady and aired after episodes of The Masked Singer{{'}}s fifth season. In April 2021, an unofficial online fundraiser version of the show featuring Broadway performers titled Broadway's Masked Singer was held in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.{{cite web|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/live-interactive-broadways-masked-singer-series-is-coming|title=Live, Interactive Broadway's Masked Singer Series Is Coming|work=Playbill|last=Meyer|first=Dan|date=April 1, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429185028/https://www.playbill.com/article/live-interactive-broadways-masked-singer-series-is-coming|archive-date=April 29, 2021}}

The program has played a major role in Fox's success as an independent network and in-house production company Fox Alternative Entertainment.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/features/masked-singer-season-3-stars-clues-march-madness-brackets-1203487762/ |title=Masked Singer Season 3 Preview: March Madness-Style Tournament, More Stars and Harder Clues |last=Schneider |first=Michael |work=Variety |date=January 31, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410165307/https://variety.com/2020/tv/features/masked-singer-season-3-stars-clues-march-madness-brackets-1203487762/ |archive-date=April 10, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://adage.com/article/special-report-tv-upfront/top-25-primetime-broadcast-tv-shows/316683 |url-access=limited |title=The Masked Singer Offers a Glimpse at the Future of Fox |last=Crupi |first=Anthony |work=Ad Age |date=February 22, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227064919/https://adage.com/article/special-report-tv-upfront/top-25-primetime-broadcast-tv-shows/316683/ |archive-date=February 27, 2019}} As a result, Wade described an increased openness to new ideas when shows are pitched. He also predicted more direct relationships between Asian production companies and American television networks would form.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/us-tv-audiences-embrace-korean-content-1203516904 |title=From Masked Singer to Good Doctor, Korean Formats Take Hold on U.S. Screens |last=Thorne |first=Will |work=Variety |date=February 27, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407052011/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/us-tv-audiences-embrace-korean-content-1203516904/ |archive-date=April 7, 2020}} Masked Singer was MBC's first format sold to the United States market. Plestis subsequently signed a deal with Tokyo Broadcasting System to develop new television formats and launched an American edition of the South Korean game show My Little Television for TBS.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-masked-singer-ep-craig-plestis-deal-tokyo-broadcasting-system-tv-1234711595/ |title=The Masked Singer EP Craig Plestis Strikes Deal With Tokyo Broadcasting System TV To Develop Global Formats |last=White |first=Peter |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=March 10, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212352/https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-masked-singer-ep-craig-plestis-deal-tokyo-broadcasting-system-tv-1234711595/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/masked-singer-producer-lands-celebrity-talent-show-at-tbs-1297467 |title=Masked Singer Producer Lands Celebrity Talent Show at TBS |last=Porter |first=Rick |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=June 8, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812043632/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/masked-singer-producer-lands-celebrity-talent-show-at-tbs-1297467 |archive-date=August 12, 2020}} Due in part to her success with The Masked Singer, British production company Studio Lambert signed a similar deal with Pick Ibarra.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television, Fox postponed the premieres of some scripted series to late 2020 and opted to create The Masked Singer: After the Mask as one of two shows that could be produced remotely to fill the programming gap.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/fox-filthy-rich-next-abc-united-we-fall-fall-premiere-nets-look-originals-2020-21-season-amid-pandemic-1202927794/ |title=Fox's Filthy Rich & Next, ABC's United We Fall Eye Fall Premieres as Nets Look to Secure Originals for 2020–21 Season Amid Pandemic |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 6, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506222454/https://deadline.com/2020/05/fox-filthy-rich-next-abc-united-we-fall-fall-premiere-nets-look-originals-2020-21-season-amid-pandemic-1202927794/ |archive-date=May 6, 2020}} Cannon hosted the aftershow; it aired on Wednesdays at 9:00{{nbsp}}p.m. (ET) for four weeks following episodes of the third season during which he discusses the outcome of the preceding Masked Singer episode from a "virtual stage" with guests appearing via videotelephony.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-singer-after-the-mask-nick-cannon-fox-1234574761/ |title=The Masked Singer After-Show, Hosted by Nick Cannon, to Launch on Fox |last=Schneider |first=Michael |work=Variety |date=April 8, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420055411/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-singer-after-the-mask-nick-cannon-fox-1234574761/ |archive-date=April 20, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2020/04/08/the-masked-singer-aftershow-nick-cannon-season-3-fox/ |title=The Masked Singer to Get Aftershow |last=Roots |first=Kimberly |work=TVLine |date=April 8, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411213251/https://tvline.com/2020/04/08/the-masked-singer-aftershow-nick-cannon-season-3-fox/ |archive-date=April 11, 2020}} A performance from the eliminated celebrity is featured at the end of each episode, which are directed by Tom Sullivan and executive produced by Breen, Plestis, and Cannon.{{Cite episode |title=After the Mask: The Mother Of All Final Face Offs, Part 2 |series=The Masked Singer: After the Mask |network=Fox |date=April 22, 2020 |season=1 |number=1}} CTV broadcast the series in Canada.{{cite web |url=https://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/April%2020,%202020%20-%20April%2026,%202020%20(National).pdf |title=Top Programs – Total Canada (English) |publisher=Numeris |date=May 5, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508224024/http://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/April%2020,%202020%20-%20April%2026,%202020%20(National).pdf |archive-date=May 8, 2020}}

The series premiere received a 1.4{{nbsp}}rating in the adults 18–49 demographic and about 5.5{{nbsp}}million viewers, a "pretty significant improvement" over the average ratings of the previous lead-out, Lego Masters.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-singer-after-the-mask-tv-ratings-1234588245/ |title=TV Ratings: The Masked Singer and First After-Show Dominate Wednesday |last=Thorne |first=Will |work=Variety |date=April 23, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423223008/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-singer-after-the-mask-tv-ratings-1234588245/ |archive-date=April 23, 2020}} Subsequent episodes continued to retain about half of The Masked Singer{{'}}s viewers, which is considered above average for an aftershow. Including DVR, the program concluded the 2019–2020 United States television season with an average viewership of 5.29{{nbsp}}million (ranking sixty-eighth among all series broadcast), and an average 18–49 rating of 1.4 (ranking twenty-seventh). According to Variety, it received higher ratings "than shows that probably cost ten times to produce".{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/most-popular-tv-shows-highest-rated-2019-2020-season-masked-singer-last-dance-1234612885/ |title=100 Most-Watched TV Shows of 2019–20: Winners and Losers |last=Schneider |first=Michael |work=Variety |date=May 21, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525194319/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/most-popular-tv-shows-highest-rated-2019-2020-season-masked-singer-last-dance-1234612885/ |archive-date=May 25, 2020}}

{{main|The Masked Dancer (American TV series)|l1=The Masked Dancer (American TV series)}}

Following the premiere of The Masked Singer in January 2019, Ellen DeGeneres began conducting a parody, "The Masked Dancer", as a recurring segment on her daytime talk show. On January 7, 2020, Fox Alternative Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television announced plans to broadcast The Masked Dancer as a television series.{{cite web |url=https://worldscreen.com/tvformats/fox-entertainments-rob-wade/ |url-access=subscription |title=Fox Entertainment's Rob Wade |last=Daswani |first=Mansha |work=TV Formats |date=April 6, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416012653/https://worldscreen.com/tvformats/fox-entertainments-rob-wade/ |archive-date=April 16, 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/the-masked-dancer-fox-partners-with-ellen-degeneres-on-the-masked-singer-spin-off-1202823169/ |title=What to Expect From The Masked Dancer, Fox's New Masked Singer Spinoff |last=Low |first=Elaine |work=Variety |date=January 7, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119194017/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/what-expect-masked-dancer-fox-masked-singer-spinoff-1203460129/ |archive-date=January 19, 2020}} Craig Robinson hosts the show, and Jeong, Brian Austin Green, Paula Abdul, and Ashley Tisdale act as panelists. Like The Masked Singer{{'s}} format, celebrity contestants wear head-to-toe costumes and face masks concealing their identities, but perform different dance styles.{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-singer-spinoff-the-masked-dancer-host-craig-robinson-1234817918/ |title=The Masked Singer Spinoff The Masked Dancer Taps Craig Robinson as Host |last=Thorne |first=Will |work=Variety |date=October 28, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101073203/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-singer-spinoff-the-masked-dancer-host-craig-robinson-1234817918/ |archive-date=November 1, 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/the-masked-dancer-craig-robinson-host-masked-singer-spin-off-fox-1234604904/ |title=The Masked Dancer: Craig Robinson Set to Host The Masked Singer Spinoff |last=Del Rosario |first=Alexandra |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=October 28, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102051013/https://deadline.com/2020/10/the-masked-dancer-craig-robinson-host-masked-singer-spin-off-fox-1234604904/ |archive-date=November 2, 2020}} It premiered on Fox on December 27, 2020.{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-dancer-ice-cube-costume-exclusive-1234830608/ |title=The Masked Dancer Reveals Ice Cube Costume (Exclusive) |last=Turchiano |first=Danielle |work=Variety |date=November 12, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113023302/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-dancer-ice-cube-costume-exclusive-1234830608/ |archive-date=November 13, 2020}}

File:MuseumTvRadio03.jpg in Los Angeles.]]

After being worn during a season, the costumes are placed in storage and occasionally displayed. In mid-2019, some from the first season were accompanied by video and Toybina's original sketches in an exhibit, "Fashion & Fantasy: The Art of The Masked Singer", at the Los Angeles Paley Center for Media.{{cite web |url=https://www.paleycenter.org/masked-singer-exhibit/ |title=Fashion and Fantasy: The Art of The Masked Singer |date=July 23, 2019 |publisher=Paley Center for Media |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421042448/https://www.paleycenter.org/masked-singer-exhibit/ |archive-date=April 21, 2020}} Selections were also present at the annual "Art of Television Costume Design" exhibit at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Museum in Los Angeles from August to October{{nbsp}}2019.{{cite web |url=https://fidm.edu/en/majors/film+and+tv+costume+design/experience/latest+news/The+13th+Art+of+Television+Costume+Design+Exhibition+Opening+at+the+FIDM+Museum+on+August+20%2C+2019 |title=The Masked Singer at the Natural History Museum |publisher=Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421052307/https://fidm.edu/en/majors/film+and+tv+costume+design/experience/latest+news/The+13th+Art+of+Television+Costume+Design+Exhibition+Opening+at+the+FIDM+Museum+on+August+20%2C+2019 |archive-date=April 21, 2020}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ladowntownnews.com/arts_and_entertainment/fidm-looks-at-the-clothes-that-make-the-shows/article_d46c2dc2-c924-11e9-b149-37c9dcfc603f.html |title=FIDM Looks at the Clothes That Make the Shows |last=Slayton |first=Nicholas |work=Los Angeles Downtown News |date=August 28, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913201943/http://www.ladowntownnews.com/arts_and_entertainment/fidm-looks-at-the-clothes-that-make-the-shows/article_d46c2dc2-c924-11e9-b149-37c9dcfc603f.html |archive-date=September 13, 2019}} On February{{nbsp}}1, 2020, two costumes were displayed at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County as part of a meet-and-greet promotion.{{cite web |url=https://nhm.org/calendar/masked-singer-natural-history-museum |title=The Masked Singer at the Natural History Museum |date=February 2020 |publisher=Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421043036/https://nhm.org/calendar/masked-singer-natural-history-museum |archive-date=April 21, 2020}} For a week in May 2021, costumes from the fifth season were shown in a West Hollywood, California storefront as part of a For Your Consideration campaign for the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/maskedsingeremmys-1234959258/ |title=Emmys: On-the-Ground Campaigning Returns as Masked Singer Display Comes to Melrose Place (Exclusive) |last=Feinberg |first=Scott |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 26, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602223904/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/maskedsingeremmys-1234959258/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021}}

Hoodies, coffee mugs, phone cases, and other merchandise using the show's branding are purchasable on the series' online store.{{Cite web |url=https://maskedsingershop.com/ |work="The Masked Singer" Shop |title=The Masked Singer Merchandise |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022005442/https://maskedsingershop.com/ |archive-date=October 22, 2020}} "Family fun packs" consisting of coloring pages, a word search, and a do it yourself mask were once downloadable on its website,{{Cite web |url=https://www.fox.com/the-masked-singer/the-masked-singer-and-i-can-see-your-voice-family-fun-packs/ |title=The Masked Singer and I Can See Your Voice Family Fun Packs |publisher=Fox |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927183126/https://www.fox.com/the-masked-singer/the-masked-singer-and-i-can-see-your-voice-family-fun-packs/ |archive-date=September 27, 2020}} as were official Giphy stickers, clue notebooks, Bingo cards, and phone wallpapers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.fox.com/the-masked-singer/the-masked-singer-digital-watch-party-kit/ |title=The Masked Singer Digital Watch Party Kit |publisher=Fox |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024044708/https://www.fox.com/the-masked-singer/the-masked-singer-digital-watch-party-kit/ |archive-date=October 24, 2020}} Images of the series were made available to users on Microsoft Teams and Zoom as custom backgrounds.{{Cite news |url=https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/microsoft-teams-finally-rolls-out-custom-background-effects-71592045429147.html |title=Microsoft Teams Finally Rolls Out Custom Background Effects |work=Hindustan Times |department=Tech |date=June 13, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614072150/https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/microsoft-teams-finally-rolls-out-custom-background-effects-71592045429147.html |archive-date=June 14, 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.fox.com/the-masked-singer/download-zoom-backgrounds/ |title=Zoom Backgrounds |publisher=Fox |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927182043/https://www.fox.com/the-masked-singer/download-zoom-backgrounds/ |archive-date=September 27, 2020}} In October 2020, the show launched an official weekly podcast hosted by Bow Wow. In addition to a post-elimination celebrity interview, it features guests and extra clues.{{Cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2020/10/07/the-masked-singer-season-4-video-sun-carrie-underwood-episode-3/ |title=The Masked Singer Sneak Peek: Is Nicole Onto Something About Sun? |last=Roots |first=Kimberly |work=TVLine |date=October 7, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008041503/https://tvline.com/2020/10/07/the-masked-singer-season-4-video-sun-carrie-underwood-episode-3/ |archive-date=October 8, 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-official-masked-singe-72239889/ |title=The Official Masked Singer Podcast |publisher=iHeartRadio |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008041504/https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-official-masked-singe-72239889/|archive-date=October 8, 2020}} During the fifth season, viewers could use the Fox Bet Super 6 app to answer questions about each episode and be entered into weekly draws to win money, including a grand prize of $100,000. In October 2021, Fox launched an online community known as the "MaskVerse" in which users can trade mask NFTs and communicate on a Discord server.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/fox-nft-masked-singer-packs-1235030952/ |title=Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 Masked Singer Collectibles |last=Werpin |first=Alex |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |date=October 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129232459/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/fox-nft-masked-singer-packs-1235030952/ |archive-date=November 29, 2021}}

In February 2020, it was announced that the program would be getting a live tour with shows in over forty American cities featuring two celebrity hosts and a local mystery celebrity who would be unmasked at the end of each.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/masked-singer-concert-tour-summer-1203502739/ |title=The Masked Singer Announces Nationwide Concert Tour This Summer |last=Schneider |first=Michael |work=Variety |date=February 12, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229160219/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/masked-singer-concert-tour-summer-1203502739/ |archive-date=February 29, 2020}} Originally scheduled for mid-2020, the tour was later postponed to the following year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually delayed indefinitely.{{Cite web |url=https://fox4kc.com/news/masked-singer-tour-postponed-until-2021/ |title=Masked Singer Tour Postponed Until 2021 |last=Small |first=Karra |work=Fox 4 Kansas City |date=May 13, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517164106/https://fox4kc.com/news/masked-singer-tour-postponed-until-2021/ |archive-date=May 17, 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://themaskedsingertour.com/ |publisher="The Masked Singer" National Tour |title=Tour Dates |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030201816/https://themaskedsingertour.com/ |archive-date=October 30, 2020}} In June 2021, Plestis said plans were being materialized and that he hoped it would occur in 2022.{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/video/the-masked-singer-contestants-producers-tori-spelling-bow-wow-wayne-brady/ |title=The Masked Singer Contestants and Crew Discuss the Magic of Identity-Concealing Costumes |last=Bosselman |first=Haley |magazine=Variety |date=June 4, 2021 |time=1:45 |access-date=June 9, 2021}}

On November 1, 2021, the tour was reannounced for 2022, and later began on May 28.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/the-masked-singer-tour-summer-2022-covid-1235101972/|title=The Masked Singer Tour Is Back On, Two Years After Being Shelved Due to COVID|work=Variety|last=Schneider|first=Michael|date=November 1, 2021|access-date=November 1, 2021}} Natasha Bedingfield, who was costumed as "Pepper" in season six, serves as host of the tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/natasha-bedingfield-to-host-the-masked-singer-national-tour-exclusive-180451|title=Natasha Bedingfield to Host The Masked Singer National Tour (Exclusive)|work=Entertainment Tonight|last=Seemayer|first=Zach|date=March 8, 2022|access-date=March 8, 2022}} Shows in the tour include previous Masked Singer costumes such as Queen of Hearts, Alien, and Thingamabob. Each show also includes a mystery celebrity, who performs in a tour-specific costume, "Boom Boom Box".{{cite web|url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/events/2022/06/01/masked-singer-national-tour-coming-columbus-palace-theatre/9949296002/|title=Masked Singer National Tour to include mystery celebrity guest, audience participation|work=The Columbus Dispatch|author=Margaret Quamme|date=June 1, 2022|access-date=June 1, 2022}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.fox.com/the-masked-singer/}}
• {{IMDb title|7670568}}

{{Masked Singer}}

{{FOXNetwork Shows (current and upcoming)}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Masked Singer (American TV series), The}}

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