Top 20 Best The Masked Singer Performances

Top 20 Best The Masked Singer Performances

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for our favorite performances on the US edition of “The Masked Singer”

#20: “Million Reasons,”

Night Angel / Kandi Burruss

Kandi Burruss, singing as Night Angel, really put her heart, soul, and then some into this number. From the start, you could hear the dedication and care in her voice, carrying both genuine heartbreak and hope without feeling forced. She didn’t just sing the song, she told its story, and that made the performance feel personal as well as being an absolute showstopper. Every note feels intentional, like she knew exactly what she wanted people to feel. It was one of those moments where her experience clearly showed, reminding everyone why she’s such a respected performer. Not to get cheesy, but she gave us a pretty Angelic performance that night.

#19: “All By Myself”

Macaw / David Archuleta

Macaw soared to new heights with his heart-wrenching rendition of Eric Carmen’s power ballad. This performance was a phenomenal display of vocal control and emotional delivery, as Archuleta poured every ounce of his being into the lyrics, captivating both the judges and the audience. His ability to hit those incredibly difficult high notes with such clarity and passion just proved why he had been a fan favorite throughout his season. It didn’t feel like he was just singing a song, but taking the audience on a deeply personal journey. Without a doubt, this performance cemented his status as one of the show’s most poignant performers.

#18: “Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)”

Piglet / Nick Lachey

Nick Lachey, as Piglet, brought a soulful intensity to this number in a way that still leaves us with chills. He gave the performance so much heart that it instantly became one of those clips audiences love to return to again and again. What’s more, his range and emotive delivery were consistently impressive, as shown in many of his other performances. “Superstition,” “7 Years,” and “Bruises” all highlighted the different facets of his vocal prowess. Together, these songs proved that behind the mask, Lachey could fully let go and give audiences an experience that would never fail to move them, whether they watched it once or on loop.

#17: “Wrecking Ball”

Bee / Gladys Knight

Here’s a singer-song combo you probably never saw coming. Yet Knight’s performance of Miley Cyrus’ banger could almost give the original a run for its money. She took “Wrecking Ball” and casually reminded everyone that some voices just age like fine wine. Those rich, smooth tones gave the song a whole new feel, letting it hit hard without going full wrecking crew. She knew exactly when to hold back and when to let it fly, which is the kind of control you only get after years in the game. The performance felt effortless in the best way. She’s clearly having fun while still delivering and stealing the show.

#16: “Welcome to the Black Parade”

Medusa / Bishop Briggs

Medusa absolutely owned the stage with her haunting and electrifying performance of My Chemical Romance’s “Welcome to the Black Parade.” Briggs brought her own blend of drama and raw vocal power to the iconic rock anthem, creating an unforgettable spectacle that captivated every eye and ear. Her distinct, powerful voice perfectly suited the song’s theatricality, delivering an emotional punch that held the audience in its grip from start to finish. This high-octane rendition was a stark contrast to her equally stunning and emotionally charged performance of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” showcasing her incredible range and ability to breathe new life into vastly different tracks.

#15: “The Greatest Show”

Peacock / Donny Osmond

Peacock opened the very first season with a dazzling performance of “The Greatest Show,” immediately setting an incredibly high bar for the entire series. Donny Osmond’s boundless energy, polished stage presence, and enticing vocals were an absolute marvel, perfectly embodying the showman spirit of the song. He truly commanded the entire stage, delivering a performance that felt like a full-blown arena Broadway show experience. This electrifying act showcased the pure theatricality and vocal prowess that the show could offer from its inception. Banana Split would later follow with a captivating and heartfelt rendition of “A Million Dreams,” demonstrating that this may just be “The Greatest Show.”

#14: “The Show Must Go On”

Goldfish / Vanessa Hudgens

Goldfish delivered a truly majestic and emotionally charged performance with Queen's legendary anthem, “The Show Must Go On.” Vanessa Hudgens’ commanding vocals soared through the demanding track, showcasing incredible control, impressive range, and a surprising rock edge that wowed the audience. She imbued every note with a palpable sense of resilience and determination, creating a dramatic delivery that was both moving and technically brilliant. It was a performance that transcended mere singing, becoming a magnetic masterpiece that truly honored the spirit of Freddie Mercury. It left everyone in awe of Goldfish’s hidden depth and with their jaws gaping wide like a, well, goldfish.

#13: “Try a Little Tenderness”

Fox/Wayne Brady

Fox utterly mesmerized the audience with his incredibly smooth and soulful rendition of “Try a Little Tenderness.” A true entertainer in every sense of the word, he showcased not only his impeccable vocal chops but also his special ability to connect intimately with the emotion of the song. His performance was a masterclass in jazz and R&B, filled with a captivating vocal texture and a charismatic swagger that made it impossible to look away. It easily solidified Fox’s place as one of the most dynamic and effortlessly talented winners in the show's history, and it felt like just a taste of what audiences get to experience on the Broadway stage.

#12: “Creep”

California Roll / Pentatonix

California Roll delivered one of the most innovative and jaw-dropping performances in history with their a acapella rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep.” The group used their collective vocal genius to transform the alternative rock classic into a complex, harmonically rich, and deeply emotional experience without any instruments. The sheer technical skill, breathtaking harmonies, and the ability to convey such raw vulnerability through voice alone left everyone stunned. Masking one voice is hard enough, and here they were trying to hide five, and with no music to hide behind. It was a monumental achievement, proving that vocal arrangement and synergy can create magic far beyond what traditional instruments can offer.

#11: “Someone You Loved”

Rottweiler / Chris Daughtry

Daughtry kept this performance grounded, letting the roughness in his voice do most of the work. The verses felt restrained, almost guarded, like he was holding something back. As the song goes on, the emotion builds gradually rather than all at once, which makes the chorus land with more weight than volume. There was a sense that he understood the song from experience, not just interpretation. Watching it, the impact came less from technical skill and more from how still and focused the performance was. It feels honest without being dramatic, and for that, it holds a very special place in our hearts.

#10: “My Heart Will Go On”

Seahorse / Tori Kelly

Most of us would probably prefer to sing a Celine Dion song with a mask on. Because if you flop on a Celine song, you flop hard. Let’s face it, it takes a lot to nail those powerful notes. This Season 4 contestant blew the judges away with her take on “My Heart Will Go On.” Later revealed to be gospel singer Tori Kelly, the Seahorse gives an arresting performance of the love theme from “Titanic” that tugs at the heartstrings. That’s no small feat when you have sharks and octopi doing an interpretative dance on the stage behind you.

#9: “Fix You”

Turtle / Jesse McCartney

Any child of the ‘90s probably recognized this voice right away. Formerly of the boy band Dream Street, singer, songwriter, and actor Jesse McCartney’s run on Season 3 was impressive. As the punk rock Turtle, McCartney took a swing at this Coldplay classic and knocked it out of the studio. The song is slow, steady, and requires a delicate touch. Luckily, being a Turtle, slow and steady is his specialty. He may have come in second place when the season ended, but this moment proves he’s one of the best to ever grace the “Masked Singer” stage.

#8: “Jealous”

Pepper / Natasha Bedingfield

When “Unwritten” singer Natasha Bedingfield was revealed to be Season 6’s Pepper, many fans weren’t surprised. The singer, who’s also known for “Pocketful of Sunshine,” just had too distinctive a voice to hide for long. Her cover of British artist Labrinth’s song “Jealous” was a hit. It was a perfect choice to show off her smooth vocals. All the songs on the show are shortened for time, but this one was over way too soon. Sure, that incredibly wide smile on Pepper’s face was immediately off-putting. But as soon as she started singing, everyone forgot the face and fell in love with the talent.

#7: “I Will Always Love You”

Ringmaster / Hayley Orrantia

Whether you’re taking on the Whitney version or the original Dolly, this ballad is a daunting task for anyone. How many of us have sat through a misbegotten karaoke performance of this very song? Within the first few notes, though, the judges were on board. Ringmaster immediately cleared the set of vocal runs that opens the song, and unleashed some serious lung power on that stage. The crowd was on their feet once she hit that last chorus. Later revealed to be professional singer and “The Goldbergs” actor Hayley Orrantia, Ringmaster would make it all to the finale off the back of this amazing performance.

#6: “Lonely”

Yeti / Omarion

The Yeti began his cover of this surprisingly depressing Justin Bieber and Benny Blanco song against a projection of ice and snow. This Season 5 performance is one of the show’s most visually stunning stagings. With a voice as graceful and smooth as his roller skating moves, R&B singer Omarion, in character as the Yeti, had the audience in the palm of his hand. Even with the ornate costume, it was almost easy to forget it was “The Masked Singer” and not a Yeti concert. The solemn, truly beautiful presentation left the judges shocked and heartbroken.

#5: “I Have Nothing”

Harp / Amber Riley

The Harp chose the right instrument. Her voice is as close to heaven as you can get. Every time she stepped onto the stage, the Harp demonstrated her range, power, and energy. But this classic belt fest from “The Bodyguard” soundtrack was her greatest achievement on the show. She absolutely nailed this signature Whitney Houston track. It cemented her place in the competition, and also made it pretty obvious to any “Glee” fan exactly who was behind the mask. To the shock of no one, it was actor and powerhouse vocalist Amber Riley who was revealed as the voice behind the Harp. She emerged the Season 8 champion.

#4: “La Vie en Rose”

Queen of Hearts / Jewel

Apparently, the Queen of Hearts, a.k.a. Jewel did not speak French when she took on this essential Edith Piaf hit. The singer later revealed she only had a track of the spoken French lyrics in her earpiece and her own musical instincts to guide her. We’ll leave it to the native speakers to critique her pronunciation. However, as far as outstanding vocals go, we’re willing to say she absolutely killed it. The song perfectly fits her versatile instrument, letting her soar on the high notes and then dip into that sugary sweet breathy part of her range. Some singers take us to church. Jewel took us to a smoky, 1950s Parisian café.

#3: “Stay With Me”

Monster / T-Pain

In its first season, the American version of the franchise was still finding the balance between the gimmicks and the talent. The Monster’s moving interpretation of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” gave us all a peek at what the show could be. What’s great about this one is that the man behind the Monster, rapper and singer T-Pain, is actually known for popularizing the Auto-Tune effect. But there’s no need for Auto-Tune here. The show’s very first winner had a voice rich with rasp, full of intense feeling and emotional heft.

#2: “Rainbow”

Thingamajig / Victor Oladipo

Judge Nicole Scherzinger almost burst into tears halfway through the Thingamajig’s rendition of the Kacey Musgraves anthem, “Rainbow.” Who wouldn’t? The song is so sweet, but his deep and smooth vocals hit the ear like butter. Eventually unmasked as Victor Oladipo, an NBA player with a side hustle as a singer, the Thingamajig brought the crowd to its feet with his pure tone and heartfelt vocals. If singing is his side gig, he must be really good at basketball. A minute and a half just isn’t enough. It’s been a few years, but we’re still waiting on a full version, Victor.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“I Lived,” Gumball/Scott Porter

Gumball’s Soaring Vocals Brought Infectious Joy to This OneRepublic Anthem

“I Want to Know What Love Is,” The Lambs/Wilson Phillips

The Lambs Delivered Breathtaking Harmonies, Proving Their Timeless Vocal Chemistry

“Motownphilly,” Buffalo/Boyz II Men

Their Smooth R&B Swagger Brought This Iconic Hit to Life with Unmatched Vocal Precision

“Shallow,” Russian Dolls/Hanson

The Russian Dolls Gave a Surprisingly Powerful and Intricate Group Rendition of the Oscar-Winning Duet

“One Moment In Time,” The Beets / Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard

A Heartfelt Duet Bursting with Resilience and Joy

#1: “When the Party’s Over”

Sun / LeAnn Rimes

The show’s entire concept - dressing celebrities in silly and ornate costumes while they sing other people’s songs - doesn’t seem to suggest it could make you cry. Season 4 winner LeAnn Rimes did just that when she delivered a truly heartstopping version of Billie Eilish’s “When the Party’s Over.” In costume as the Sun, Rimes’s cover is haunting, elegant, and absolutely breathtaking. Even behind the mask, she manages to convey the song’s deeply personal narrative without ever tipping a toe into camp territory. It doesn’t seem like it should be as beautiful as it is. That’s what makes it even more powerful. It’s completely unexpected.

What’s your favorite performance from “The Masked Singer” so far? Let us know in the comments