The Most Unforgettable ‘The Masked Singer’ Unmaskings Ever
CR: Michael Becker/FOX Reading Time: 4 minutes
Since its premiere in 2019, Fox’s singing competition The Masked Singer has stunned audiences again and again with its outrageous costumes and unexpected celebrity reveals. While some contestants’ identities may seem obvious based on their vocals and clues, others have pulled off surprises so shocking it left the panelists in disbelief. As the series is gearing up for their eleventh season, we count down the ten most unforgettable unmaskings in Masked Singer history.
The Most Unforgettable The Masked Singer Unmaskings Ever
10. William Shatner as Knight – Season 8
Trekkies everywhere lost their minds when the legendary Captain Kirk emerged from the clunky Knight armor in Season 8. At 91 years old, Shatner became the oldest contestant to ever compete at the time. That record would soon be beaten in the following season by an even more seasoned legend that no one saw coming.
9. Jorge Garcia as Cyclops – Season 7
While fans were quick to guess Jack Black or Seth Rogen as the bulky Cyclops, none predicted former Lost star Jorge Garcia was behind the massive mask. The panelists even threw out wild guesses like John Lithgow and Chris Pratt for the giant creature, but audiences couldn’t miss those Hurley vibes once Cyclops started dancing, making his unmasking another shocker for the ages.
8. Rudy Giuliani as Jack in the Box – Season 7
Controversy erupted when former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani popped out of the Jack in the Box costume mid-season, prompting Ken Jeong to walk off in protest. While clues hinted the polarizing politico was inside, no one believed the show would actually let Giuliani compete. His unorthodox Masked Singer appearance made major headlines, for better or worse.
7. Ninja as Ice Cream – Season 2
When the frozen treat melted to reveal popular gamer Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, fans of the esports icon went nuts while everyone else muttered, “who?!” The Twitch streamer knew his reveal would stump the less internet-savvy, cementing his unmasking as a total shock for the mainstream masses.
6. Mickey Rourke as Gremlin – Season 4
Oscar-nominee Mickey Rourke had the judges utterly perplexed as to which Hollywood star was hiding as the gnarly Gremlin. His first performance showcasing gritty vocals didn’t ring any bells. So when Rourke abruptly ditched his steaming mask due to discomfort, the panelists reeled to see the actor abruptly exiting the competition.
5. Sarah Palin as Bear – Season 3
Jaws dropped when the former Alaska governor clawed off her furry Bear head to cap off a wacky “Baby Got Back” performance. No one expected to see the conservative politician-turned-pundit dancing and singing on reality TV.
4. Lil Wayne as Robot – Season 3
The hype reached a fever pitch heading into Season 3 after Lil Wayne was leaked as a contestant. However, fans still couldn’t believe it when the legendary rapper powered down his mechanized disguise. Neither could the floored judges, who dubbed it one of the biggest surprises ever.
3. Donny Osmond as Peacock – Season 1
The golden-voiced Peacock had everyone under his spell with smooth moves and silky vocals from his very first number. His fabulous finale performance of “Shake a Tail Feather” made it clear a professional entertainer was hiding in the feathers. However, when icon Donny Osmond flashed his winning smile, the audience erupted to witness superstar magic.
2. Dick Van Dyke as Gnome – Season 9
When the Gnome removed his sparkly mask to reveal TV legend Dick Van Dyke, the panel and crowd completely lost it. Judge Nicole Scherzinger sobbed happily, while seeing 97-year-old icon still singing and dancing with boundless charisma.
1. Kermit the Frog as Snail – Season 5
The iconic Muppet stunned everyone by sliding out of his glittery Snail shell in the game-changing Season 5 premiere. Kermit became the first non-human celebrity to compete, leaving the audience and panelists emotional over the childhood icon.
