The Masked Singer: A Rollercoaster of Controversies and Jaw-Dropping Moments

Over the years, Fox’s hit reality show “The Masked Singer” has entertained audiences with its unique blend of mystery, music, and celebrity reveals. The show’s premise is simple yet captivating: disguised celebrities perform songs while judges and viewers attempt to guess their identities. However, behind the colorful costumes and playful atmosphere, the show has weathered its fair share of controversies. From polarizing political figures to contentious celebrity choices, these incidents have sometimes overshadowed the light-hearted entertainment the show aims to provide. While “The Masked Singer” has successfully featured numerous beloved actors, athletes, and musicians who delighted audiences, certain contestant choices have pushed the envelope too far for some viewers, creating social media firestorms and even causing on-set disruptions among the judges.

The show’s first major controversy erupted in March 2020 when former Alaska governor Sarah Palin was unmasked as the Bear during season 3. Her reveal marked a significant departure for the show as she became the first politician to participate in the series. This expansion beyond the traditional entertainment industry contestants didn’t sit well with many viewers who preferred the show to remain in the realm of Hollywood celebrities. The timing couldn’t have been more unfortunate – Palin’s unmasking coincided with Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson announcing their COVID-19 diagnoses and the NBA suspending its season due to the emerging pandemic. This collision of a polarizing political figure with the early days of a global crisis led many viewers to express their dismay on social media. One viewer captured the sentiment by tweeting: “As if things aren’t mental enough, this evening Sarah Palin was revealed as a Masked Singer. 2020 is killing me, man.” Author R. Eric Thomas similarly remarked, “Sarah Palin was just revealed as one of The Masked Singers and yes we are fully committed to dystopia.”

The controversy surrounding Palin, however, would soon be overshadowed by an even more contentious casting decision in 2022. When Rudy Giuliani appeared as the Jack in the Box in season 7, the show faced unprecedented backlash. The former New York City mayor’s participation leaked months before his episode aired, with reports that judges Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke had walked off the set in protest after his unmasking. Giuliani’s close association with former President Donald Trump and his role in promoting unfounded claims about the 2020 election made him a deeply divisive figure. When the episode finally aired two months after the leak, it confirmed that Jeong had indeed left the stage during Giuliani’s performance without his mask. While Thicke wasn’t explicitly shown exiting, he was noticeably absent during Giuliani’s performance when other judges Nicole Scherzinger and Jenny McCarthy were shown dancing along. This visible discord among the judges reflected the broader public sentiment about featuring such a controversial political figure on what many viewed as escapist entertainment.

That same season also featured another controversial contestant: actress Kirstie Alley, who appeared as the Baby Mammoth. Though not as politically divisive as Giuliani, Alley had raised eyebrows in the years leading up to her appearance with contentious social media posts about the coronavirus pandemic and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Her inclusion further fueled debates about where the line should be drawn regarding contestant selection, with many viewers questioning whether the show was deliberately courting controversy for ratings rather than focusing on pure entertainment. The late Cheers actress’s participation didn’t cause the same level of on-set drama as Giuliani’s, but it added to the growing perception that the show was becoming increasingly political in its casting choices.

Despite the backlash from both viewers and, in some cases, the judges themselves, Fox executives stood firmly behind their controversial casting decisions. Rob Wade, president of alternative entertainment and specials at Fox Entertainment, made headlines in May 2022 when he stated that he had “absolutely no regrets” about including Giuliani on the show. “The Masked Singer is all about delivering jaw-dropping moments, which is exactly what [we] accomplished whether it was on set or with the viewers at home,” Wade told Deadline. His only expressed regret was that the reveal had been spoiled before the episode aired, not the decision to cast the controversial figure in the first place. This response suggested that from the network’s perspective, the publicity generated by controversial contestants – even negative publicity – aligned with the show’s goal of creating memorable, shocking moments.

As “The Masked Singer” continues its run, these controversies highlight the delicate balance the show must navigate between entertainment value and social responsibility. What began as a whimsical guessing game featuring beloved celebrities has occasionally transformed into a lightning rod for political discourse and cultural debate. The show’s willingness to include divisive figures has certainly generated buzz, but it has also alienated portions of its audience who tune in seeking an escape from the political tensions that dominate much of today’s media landscape. Moving forward, the challenge for producers will be determining whether the temporary spike in attention from controversial castings is worth the potential long-term impact on the show’s brand and viewer loyalty. While jaw-dropping moments are indeed part of the show’s appeal, the question remains whether all surprises serve the program’s ultimate purpose of providing light-hearted, family-friendly entertainment.