Top 10 Behind the Scenes Facts About The Masked Singer
#10: Celebrity Stand-Ins
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If you’ve seen the U.K. series, you’ll know host Joel Dommett practically made a catchphrase of announcing that the clue packages feature stand-ins rather than the actual celebs. No, don’t worry, the people we see singing on stage and interacting with the judges are the actual celebrities, but that’s pretty much it. These are busy people, after all, and one way to entice them to sign up for the show is to assure them it won’t take up too much of their time. According to Rabbit, a.k.a Joey Fatone, he recorded the dialogue for his clues; however, even he doesn’t know who was burrowing in the costume during the clue packages.
#9: Who Chooses the Songs?
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Ever wondered who chooses the songs the contestants sing? Well, according to showrunner Izzie Pick Ibarra, it’s a team effort. Contestants can propose their dream song list, and sometimes, the execs help narrow it down by selecting tunes that amplify the celebrity’s voice or persona. Ice Cream (a.k.a Tyler “Ninja” Blevins) shared that producers often wanted more widely recognizable tunes, but ultimately, he got to choose his setlist. Meanwhile, Flower (a.k.a Patti LaBelle) said she submitted a list of songs she’d like to perform, but numbers like “Eye of the Tiger” weren’t her call. Her voice is pretty recognizable, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the producers threw in a few curveballs to lead viewers off her scent.
#8: No Fraternizing Between Contestants & Panelists
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Think the panel has secret insights or uncovers backstage clues? Think again. Executive producer Craig Plestis disclosed a strict off-camera interaction ban for contestants and panelists. They’re strategically separated across the studio, making it tough for even the best sleuth to track down the contestants. Even if they managed, they’d still need to get past security! Sound sources are also systematically silenced, wiping out any chance of catching voices. Even Jenny McCarthy was surprised by this meticulous planning, apparently only learning about it online. Backstage, only a few individuals know who’s behind the masks; everyone else, from writers to directors, refers to them by their characters. Imagine finding out you’ve been calling Dick Van Dyke “Gnome” for weeks!
#7: Contestants Are Bound Under Lock & Key
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As you might know, “The Masked Singer” is typically pre-recorded. Now, many of us will know what it’s like holding onto a juicy secret and how the longer you keep it to yourself, the more you want to scream it from the rooftops. So how does “The Masked Singer” get around that? Well, according to Drew Carey (a.k.a Llama), contestants had to sign a hefty NDA. In fact, Plestis emphasized that more efforts went into preserving the show’s secrets than planning its entire structure. Contestants are actually allowed to tell a couple of other people on the condition that they also sign a non-disclosure agreement and conceal their identity if they ever come to set.
#6: Behind the Costumes
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“The Masked Singer” showcases a stunning array of costumes, thanks to the creative brilliance of costume designer Marina Toybina, later Tim Chappel, and their skilled teams. These outfits actually play a key role in getting celebrities on board. Then, contestants dive into a personalized selection process, choosing outfits that resonate with them aesthetically or on a deeper level. Despite being tailored for stage functionality, these costumes are as elaborate and robust as they look. Fun fact: Lion’s mask is molded from clay and then adorned with a full gold paint job! Wearing these costumes is no cakewalk either; they’re heavy and can sometimes limit visibility. Contestants can’t even dress themselves; they’re assigned a team to assist them at every step, even when they need to use the facilities!
#5: Contestants Get to Spruce Up Before Unmasking
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Celebrities are generally used to looking their best when they appear on television. However, that’s less of an issue when you’re hidden under those masks— well, until your big reveal, of course. If any potential future contestants are watching, don’t worry because you won’t be revealing yourself as a hot, sweaty mess. Once eliminated, celebs are swiftly taken backstage for hair and makeup before anyone gets a peek under the mask. If you thought sitting at home biting your nails as the crowd chants “Take It Off” was stressful, imagine being in the studio and having to wait for the mystery celeb to get their glam on first!
#4: No Phones
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Inviting audiences into a show bound by extreme secrecy poses risks, especially in the digital age. Even with NDAs, maintaining confidentiality is likely still challenging. Phones and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited on set, including among staff members. Executive producer Izzie Pick Ibarra revealed a hilariously savage measure they implemented to keep people off their devices. If someone really, really needs their phone, they can use it, but there’s a catch—they have to wear something they call a “shame sash.” We wonder if they also get everyone to chant, “Put it on! Put it on!” That would be pretty embarrassing. Well, that’s one way to keep everyone in line, isn’t it?
#3: Unconventional Talent Pickups
Ever spotted those photos of “The Masked Singer” contestants rocking those “Don’t Talk to Me” hoodies? Well, that’s just the beginning of the secrecy measures to keep their identities locked down. First off, they go undercover before arriving on set, meeting drivers at random spots. For example, Fatone shared he was told to meet his driver at a 7-Eleven and found his disguise ready in the car. In another instance, Carey said he was instructed to go to the Grove shopping center, where he donned his disguise and hopped into a different car. Sometimes, they even double-bluff, using two vehicles to confuse snooping paparazzi hellbent on spoiling the fun. From rehearsals to live shows, contestants must remain incognito until they’re off-site and out of sight.
#2: Top Secret Unmaskings
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Okay, so we’ve established the heist-level secrecy that goes into making this show a success, but let’s talk about what happens among the contestants. Like the panel, they’re intentionally kept apart, from rigidly allotted rehearsal time to separate dressing rooms. According to Margaret Cho, a.k.a. Poodle, she’d only cross paths with her fellow contestants on stage. Meanwhile, Wayne Brady, a.k.a. Fox, said that at first, he couldn’t even hear the others singing. However, as the group dwindled, he would walk by the stage while other singers were in sound checks and started forming his own guesses. Generally, contestants are in the same boat as us viewers—they discover how the episode unfolds when it airs!
#1: Not All Audiences See Contestants “Take It Off”
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Thinking about catching a taping of “The Masked Singer”? Well, here’s the scoop: You might not actually get to see any unmasking! If you’re content with chanting “Take it off” and heading home, you’re golden. However, as one audience member shared, before the big reveal, the still masked celeb slips backstage; meanwhile, most of the audience is sent home. Only a lucky bunch, reportedly often those with personal ties to the singer, stick around for the real deal. So yeah, if you’re in the audience, get ready to do a lot of acting. If you go to a live taping, you might only find out who was unmasked alongside the rest of us watching at home months later.
Did any of our facts surprise you as much as your most shocking celeb reveal? Let us know in the comments!
