‘The Masked Singer’ viewers will learn a huge secret judges don’t know as season 14 introduces new twist
After more than a decade of dazzling costumes, unpredictable performances, and celebrity surprises, ‘The Masked Singer’ is gearing up for a dramatic reinvention. Season 14 is almost here, and FOX is banking on a bold, first-of-its-kind twist to breathe new life into the mystery-driven series after skipping its usual fall run for the first time since its 2019 debut. This upcoming season sees the return of host Nick Cannon, alongside veteran panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora. Eighteen brand-new contestants are set to compete for the coveted Golden Mask Trophy, including two freshly announced characters, High Voltage and Snowcone.
‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14 arrives after an unusually long break, six months without a single unmasking. Viewers were stunned when FOX confirmed the show would not air during its regular fall slot in 2025, especially after a standout season earlier that year. Season 13 ended on a high note, with country icon Gretchen Wilson claiming victory as Pearl, while pop favorite Andy Grammer finished as runner-up under the Boogie Woogie costume. The unexpected hiatus left fans worried the franchise might be losing momentum or even approaching cancellation territory. But now, FOX is signaling a major comeback, and it all hinges on a twist unlike anything the show has attempted before.
In a surprise Instagram announcement, ‘The Masked Singer’ revealed that for the first time in the show’s history, the audience will know the identity of one contestant before the season begins. The kicker? No one on the cast or crew will know who that celebrity is. The big reveal is set for December 10, days before ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14 goes on air. The teaser video posted online shows a figure clad in a “Don’t Talk to Me” hoodie and reflective face shield. Over the clip, bold text flashes across the screen: “For the first time in 'The Masked Singer' history... You'll know who is under one of the masks. And follow their journey as no one on the cast or crew knows.”
The caption teased viewers further: “Think you can keep a secret? We’ve got the biggest one YET. Keep watching and come back on 12/10/2025.” Although filming for Season 14 has already finished, panelists only learned the contestant’s identity at the end of production. For viewers, the thrill will be watching the panel guess entirely blind, while the home audience already knows the truth. By officially revealing a contestant ahead of time and letting viewers watch the judges stumble and speculate, the show is introducing a fresh angle that could reinvigorate its long-running formula.
After thirteen seasons, fans had begun to notice recurring patterns in clues, performances, and even panelist guesses. This twist flips the script. Many believe this move could be exactly what ‘The Masked Singer’ needs to fend off franchise fatigue. Meanwhile, as per ScreenRant, ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14 premieres Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
