The Masked Singer: Things To Know About Season 2
Published on September 26, 2019. Updated November 14, 2019When Fox’s The Masked Singer premiered in early 2019, it had a mixed reception, but it didn’t take long for the wild and unique series to become one of the most buzzed about new series on television. With so many other competition series out there, The Masked Singer stands out with its premise of hiding celebrities under elaborate costumes leaving only clues for fans and judges to figure out who is under the mask. Now in its second season, the series is hitting its stride, and changing things up just a little bit. Here is everything to know about the second season of The Masked Singer:
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24. Last Season Recap
Season one of The Masked Singer began on January 2, 2019 and had 12 disguised celebrity competitors. After nine weeks of competition between Hippo (Antonio Brown), Pineapple (Tommy Chong), Deer (Terry Bradshaw), Poodle (Margaret Cho), Unicorn (Tori Spelling), Raven (Ricki Lake), Alien (La Toya Jackson), Lion (Rumer Willis), Rabbit (Joey Fatone), Bee (Gladys Knight), Peacock (Donny Osmond), and Monster, it came down to Bee, Peacock and Monster where Monster eventually won and it was revealed to be rapper T-Pain.
Michael Becker / ©Fox / Courtesy: Everett Collection23. Same Judges and Host
After the incredible success of the first season, it didn’t take much convincing to get the original judges and host to come back. Robin Thicke, Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, and Nicole Scherzinger are all back to judge the characters and try to give their best guess as to which star is under the mask. Nick Cannon is also back as host after revealing that after America’s Got Talent he thought he was “done hosting TV shows” but The Masked Singer was just too good to pass up.
Michael Becker / ©Fox / Courtesy: Everett Collection22. More Contestants
Season one of The Masked Singer had 12 stars compete, but this time around there will be more! Season two features 16 celebrities disguised under costumes and characters, but Nick Cannon did give a hint as to who some of them may be. Cannon revealed during the season two premiere that the 16 celeb contestants have a combined 42 Grammy nominations, 140 films, 35 No. 1 hits, 21 platinum records and 22 Broadway shows between them. The competitors also boast a total of 29 kids, 28 tattoos, eight divorces and two Time Most Influential People honors. “We topped last season by having more contestants, making the costumes even better and also, making the show even more difficult to play. They’ve made the clue packages way more difficult, and the contestants are playing with us,” judge Jenny McCarthy shared.
Majil/AFF-USA.com21. More Elaborate Costumes and Harder Clues
After the first season’s incredible costumes, season two worked to make the costumes bigger and better. In addition the clues were made to be harder, and the celebrities are working to throw the audience and judges off. “Literally, they know the show now so they come in saying, ‘All right, I’m gonna mess with the judges and the audience. I’m gonna throw my voice, I’m gonna put on a whole different persona,’ so that’s how you level up,” McCarthy said. Meanwhile Robin Thicke revealed, “They’re putting on bodysuits so we can’t tell their body types!” As for the costumes, costume designer Marina Toybina shared, “There’s a lot more variety this year. It’s visually inspiring. We want them to be more playful on stage, like a little party. These are enriched in detail. They’re walkable art.” This season the characters are: Black Widow, Butterfly, Eagle, Flamingo, Flower, Fox, Ladybug, Leopard, Panda, Penguin, Rottweiler, Skeleton, Thingamajig, Tree, Ice Cream, and Egg.
EPA/ETIENNE LAURENT20. Butterfly
In the season premiere, eight characters were revealed but only two were unmasked, leaving audiences with their first clues of the season. Butterfly clues: “For the past year, I’ve been waiting patiently in my cocoon for the promise of metamorphosis.”; “After achieving success in many stages of life, I found myself terrified by the one place I used to call home,” followed by an image of London’s Big Ben; “I’m here to take you to church. Can I get an amen?” When asked what makes them the Buttefly they said, “Bless your heart, thanks for asking! I love to float gracefully and I’ve got a lot of soul in these wings.” Judges guessed: Fantasia Barrino, Mel B, Cara Delevingne, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross.
Michael Becker/FOX19. Thingamajig
Thingamajig clues: a cupcake with the number four; a briefcase with magic tricks inside; athletic sneakers; a fashion shoot; “I’m here because I like to sing, though you may think that’s not my thing.” When asked what a thingamajic was, the answer was “A thingamajig is a thing that likes to majig.” Judges guessed: Steph Curry, Dennis Rodman, Michael Strahan.
Michael Becker/FOX18. Skeleton
Skeleton clues: a Christmas party; Las Vegas vibes; “I’ve been around the block a few times, but I’m far from dead.”; “I’m tired of playing second fiddle.”; “I finally get that spotlight all to myself.” When asked what makes their bones shake, the answer was, “I have no booty to shake. So all I can do is shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake a boom.” Judges guessed: Dana Carvey, Jon Cryer, Nathan Lane, and Martin Short, who Jeong is certain it is. In week four, Skeleton was revealed to be Paul Schafer.
Michael Becker/FOX17. Ladybug
Ladybug clues: She was born into the limelight and when spinning a wheel in her package, images of a pumpkin, a ham, a puppy, a scorpion, a cop car, a baseball bat and a skull appeared. She’s also been through a “lifetime of drama” and said “the media was always keeping up with every piece of gossip and family feud.” She was also nervous before her performance. She may have a southern accent. Ladybug said that, “Now after years of spinning my wheels, the chance to be anonymous makes me feel like I’ve already won a prize.” She also hinted, “I’ve been through so much in my life. I just feel so lucky to be here.” Judges guessed: Lily Collins, Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lynn Spears, Willow Smith. On the Wednesday, November 13 episode, Ladybug lost and was revealed to be Kelly Osbourne, the daughter of Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne.
Michael Becker/FOX16. Rottweiler
Rottweiler Clues: a fantasy championship ring; bitten by a rottweiler as a kid; a bodyguard throwing a football; Friday Night Lights reference; “Look your best in order to perform your best.”; “Being a hungry competitor is actually how I rose to fame. It happened almost overnight.” When asked what makes them a rottweiler, he said, “I’m loyal. There’s a bit of a wait and see attitude.” Judges guessed: JC Chasez, Nick Lachey, Brian Littrell, Bruno Mars, Russell Wilson.
Michael Becker/FOX15. Tree
Tree clues: the number 30; a bag of sugar; pots and pans; a black and white television showing Tree singing; an “expert in delicious treats”; “When the season is over, there’s no use for me.”; “I’m more than just one thing that you know me for.”; “I can dish out more talents to make the world smile.”; “I’m like the old-school entertainer who could do it all.”; “That’s why I’m here, to jazz up my career.” When asked what makes them a tree, they replied, “Well, I’m festive and fun and I like everyone to gather ‘round and have a good time.” Judges guessed: Beverly D’Angelo, Zooey Deschanel, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Rachael Ray.
Michael Becker/FOX14. Ice Cream
Ice Cream clues: The Ice Cream makes a lot of money, performs for millions, seemingly knows karate and “caught a lot of slack for doing the thing I loved the most.” They even said their family doubted that his passion could become a job. The Ice Cream said they were “sweet” and “everybody loves me.” In the preview special, they was standing in front of a calendar with Valentine’s Day circled. Judges guessed Calvin Harris, Marshmellow and Rob Dyrdek and it was revealed to be videogame streamer Tyler “Ninja” Blevins.
Michael Becker/FOX13. Egg
Egg clues: In the package, the egg appeared on stage, had a crystal ball and showed drawings of a swan, a dress sketch and a skateboard. “I’m strong on the outside and vulnerable on the inside,” he said, adding that he was ready to join the ranks after “years of being on top of the pyramid.” He also referenced “going for gold. Judges guessed everyone from Johnny Weir to Adam Rippon to Jonathan Van Ness, and it was revealed to be Olympic ice skater Johnny Weir.
Michael Becker/FOX12. Panda
Panda clues: The setting was a forest, lots of talk about family, especially the father. Cookbooks were shown. Lots of talk about strength. After losing in the smack down round in week two, the panda was revealed to be Laila Ali, daughter of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
FOX11. Flamingo
Flamingo clues: The setting was a bedroom and the introduction was mocked up like a YouTube video, so maybe an influencer? The Flamingo mentioned becoming real, and that they were trapped in a career, so they abandoned it. Even mentioned an escape. The contestant alluded to not being a real singer. Judges guessed: Kandi Burruss, Tia Mowry and Olivia Jade.
FOX10. Leopard
Leopard clues: Everyone assumed it was a woman, but it’s a (possibly) British man. “J’adore” was written on the wall of the room in the introduction package. Lots of mentions of being a survivor and adaptable, as well as knowing what it’s like to be on top and a heavy hitter. But now, the Leopard has to deal with the celebrity aspect of things, like what they’re wearing and relationships. They want to strip away the headlines. Judges guessed: Billy Porter, Robbie Williams and Jamie Foxx.
FOX9. Black Widow
Black Widow clues: The Black Widow mentioned having an empire and that it was her house now. There were also visuals of a peach (are they from Atlanta), film and talks of directors, as well as mentions of being real and being darker and edgier now. A Sagittarius sign may have been shown. Judges guessed: Amber Riley, Yvette Nicole Brown, Sherri Shepherd. In week five, Black Widow was revealed to be Raven Symone!
FOX8. Eagle
Eagle clues: The Eagle has suffered a health scare and recently lost of a parent. He has “spent so much time listening to other peoples’ stories,” that he hasn’t been able to write his own. “I don’t just hang out with rockstars, I am one,” he said. As for why he is an Eagle he said, “I can see things miles away that other people may not see.” Judges guessed: Howard Stern, Adam Carolla, Craig Ferguson, Bret Michaels. After losing in week three, Eagle was revealed to be celebrity therapist Dr. Drew Pinsky of Celebrity Rehab and Teen Mom.
FOX7. Flower
Flower clues: She says she is a multi-tasker, from cooking to clothing to crafts. She doesn’t go to the grocery store without makeup and made references to “Vision of Love” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” Additionally, she made an Empire reference. As for why she is a flower, she said, “I’m beautiful and I smell so good.” Judges guessed: Taraji P. Henson, Mariah Carey, Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J, Bjork.
FOX6. Penguin
Penguin clues: In her video, The Penguin says she’s been told she’s “not pretty enough,” not smart enough and not funny enough” her whole life. She also said, “I’m not your secretary” and her hit list included a classroom bully, a comedy club owner, Hollywood casting director, exes, the press and “myself.” When asked why a penguin, she said, “Everything is not as black and white as it seems.” Judges guessed: Melissa McCarthy, Megan Mullally, Kathy Griffin, Sherri Shepherd. On week five of the season the Penguin was discovered to be Sherri Shepherd!
FOX5. Fox
Fox clues: The Fox said he does his best work at night and has dabbled in different genres. He also said he has lived two different lives — the real me and superhero. He’s also said he’s worked with Doogie and Doubtfire. As for why he is a Fox, he said, “I’m quick, I refuse to be caged in and I’m crafty.” Judges guessed: Wesley Snipes, Leslie Odom Jr., Anthony Mackie, Tyrese Gibson, Jamie Foxx — but it is probably Wayne Brady.
FOX4. Keeping The Secret
Although the main point of The Masked Singer is to try to guess the celebrity given their costume and any hints they may give, great lengths off-stage are given to make sure no-one knows who is who. “They were in a completely separate area until they were fully in their costumes. Even their entourage and their representation had to wear masks too if they were on set. So we never knew who these people or any of their crew was,” Nick Cannon said of ensuring the identities didn’t get leaked, especially to the judges who have to guess. The competitors also have access to voice coaches, choreographers and a production team, “so they actually get to put it all together,” he added.
EFE/ETIENNE LAURENT3. Where It Originated
The Masked Singer isn’t actually new, although it may be to North American audiences. The US version of the series is based on the South Korean format that was created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp called The King of Mask Singer. The Korean series began airing in 2015, and very quickly became a popular series that even featured Ryan Reynolds dancing while dressed as a Unicorn to promote Deadpool 2.
Michael Becker / ©Fox / Courtesy: Everett Collection2. Season 2 Premiere
On September 25, 2019, the second season premiered and the first eight characters were revealed in the first set of battles. In the end Ice Cream and The Egg were the losers, and the judges did a fairly good job of guessing the first two celebrities were revealed. The Egg turned out to be Olympic ice skater Johnny Weir, meanwhile Ice Cream turned out to be Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, who is best known for streaming videogames.
Michael Becker/FOX.1. Third Season
After an accelerated second season premiering in the same year as the first season, fans don’t have to worry about a third season being too far behind! The third season is already set to premiere on February 2, 2020 immediately following the Super Bowl. Following the special Sunday premiere, the rest of season three will move to Wednesday where it will regularly air from 8 to 9 p.m. ET. The Masked Singer is already Fox’s most-watched unscripted series.
Michael Becker / ©Fox / Courtesy: Everett Collection