'The Masked Singer' Season 11 judge Rita Ora tearfully thanked her fellow judges for welcoming her to the Fox show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Masked Singer' Season 11 welcomed Rita Ora as its fourth panelist after Nicole Scherzinger left the Fox show. However, in the finale episode of the Fox show, the panelists, Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg and Robin Thicke, got emotional after Rita showed gratitude to them for the warm welcome.
Rita graced the judge's seat after Nicole quit the Fox show to star in the upcoming film, 'Sunset Boulevard'. Rita appeared to be a temporary replacement for Nicole and fans could expect Nicole to return to the judge's chair. However, Rita got emotional during the finale and reflected on her Fox show journey. Jenny gave a quick shout-out to Rita and thanked her for stepping in for Nicole this season.
Rita tearfully thanked her fellow judges for the incredible experience and entertaining performances. Rita's emotional speech brought Fox show panelists into tears. However, Rita shared on her Instagram, Can’t believe tonight is the big FINALE of The Masked Singer US!!" She added, "It’s been an incredible experience being part of the judging panel, and I’m so grateful to have witnessed such amazing talents!! 🏆💞."
Rita Ora correctly guesses 'The Masked Singer' Season 11 winner's identity
Rita Ora is new to 'The Masked Singer' guessing game but she has nailed it. She surprisingly correctly guessed the winner Goldfish's identity which was her close friend, Vanessa Hudgens. However, Vanessa claimed that she has been dropping hints since the beginning.
Vanessa noted, "The first performance was a song by Olivia Rodrigo, who played Gabriella in the High School Musical series. And my second song was 'Baby Come Back'. That was my first single, and I was literally singing some of the same ad libs and licks that I was singing when I was like 16 years old."
However, the judges were unable to identify her at the beginning. Rita was also close to unmask Scott Porter who was in Gumball's costume. She noted that Gumball might be Scott's 'Friday Night Lights' co-star Taylor Kitsch.
Will Rita Ora return for 'The Masked Singer' Season 12?
Rita Ora might not return for 'The Masked Singer' Season 12 considering her recent emotional speech which was more of a farewell. The Fox show fans could expect Nicole Scherzinger, who would soon make her Broadway debut in 'Sunset Boulevard', to return to the unmasking show.
Nicole has moved from London to New York for the Broadway show which is scheduled to open on October 20. However, Nicole could film season 12 of the Fox show in the summer before 'Sunset Boulevard' begins. The upcoming instalment of 'The Masked Singer' is speculated to air in fall 2024.
'The Masked Singer' Season 11 is now available to stream on Hulu