Billy Joel, is that you?
The Masked Singer is back for an epic eighth season and this time around the show promises to be bigger and bolder than ever. That’s because, in addition to a brand new format, this season features 22 new masked celebrity contestants — the most we’ve ever had.
Another twist? This year each of the costumes are also clues. That means we’re already putting together out best guesses ahead of the show’s big return on Sept. 21. This year the contestants boast a combined 32 Grammy nominations, 16 Emmy wins, eight Gold albums, four Golden Globe nominations, 42 books, 10 Teen Choice Awards, and five Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Curious to see which larger-than-life costumes will be featured this year, as well as what clues we can glean from them? Read on to see all 22 costumes as well as any identifying hints they may contain.
Features to note: Ever wondered what would happen if Groot ventured into the land of Frozen? We imagine it would look something like this silvery snowflake.
Who it could be: Let’s just say Taylor Swift. Because of the scarf featured in the X-Ray clue.
Features to note: Is this mermaid sitting on a stone out of convenience or will she be making a splash from that perch?
Who it could be: Ali Stroker
Extra clues:
She says she’s simply the best
Had a horrible accident and setback, and thought she would never be the same
She has performed for princes and paupers
Has a song in the Library of Congress
Who it was: Gloria Gaynor, famously sang the 1978 song “I Will Survive.”
Unmasked in: Week 4
Features to note: This feline isn’t the first cool cat to be featured on the show, nor will they be the last. But pay attention to the royal blue cape and the gold headdress, not to mention all that bling and the blue fur colouring.
Who it could be: Cam Newton, of Carolina Panthers fame.
Who it was: Montell Jordan, of “This Is How We Do It” fame.
Unmasked in: Week 2
Features to note: This knight in shining armor is riding a golden goose, not a steed. Also, those red feathers are downright regal.
Who it could be: Scot Disick
Who it was: Canadian icon and Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner
Unmasked in: Week 1
Features to note: Lil Wayne was already Robot, which is worth noting when taking in this female costume counterpart. Add in an epic hairstyle and fashion details, and we could be talking about a queen here.
Who it could be: Lil Kim, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Silverman
Extra clues:
She is hiding behind a surfboard and says she’s been lost in the glow of others
Mentions of Pharrell and David Blaine in the clue package
Says she booked a job that changed her life with 86 cents to her name
Honey in the clue package
Mentions the “pretty little spotlight”
She holds her own while touring with a multi-Grammy winner
Who is was: Kat Graham, of The Vampire Diaries
Unmasked in: Episode 5
Features to note: This tiny but mighty bird has a full-out suit rather than feathers, but the bright colours and sparkly kicks are also things to pay attention to.
Who it could be: Spencer Pratt, a.k.a. the hummingbird whisperer
Who it was: NSYNC singer Chris Kirkpatrick
Unmasked in: Week 1
Features to note: These lambs are dressed like Bo Peep, so we may want to sing the classic nursery rhyme to ourselves before catching their performance.
Who it could be: The Chicks, who refused to be political lambs or HAIM
Extra Clues:
A pair of jeans with the word “famous” on the back
Golf
A giant diamond ring
They grew up as “Beverly Hills” besties
They once worked with Paul McCartney
They have travelled the world and been on billboards
They are very familiar with red carpets
These lambs “can’t let go”
“Lambs, we gotta stay hocused… I mean, focused”
A TV and roll of film
‘90s night clue: “Go your own way and cruise the country with your besties! Turn those daydreams into… a reality!”
Features to note: Will this milkshake bring all the boys to the yard? Time will tell. For now, we’re particularly interested in those 3D shades and the macrons on top of the costume, however.
Who it could be: Cardi B did recently launch a spiked whipped cream line…
Extra Clues:
Dropped a mixtape that was “certified fire”
Biggest names in the game have reached out for collaborations—including Wiz and Snoop Dogg
Taylor Swift mention
Rockets, jazz
Never drops the ball
Bowl of peach pits
Has broken records
Who it was: American football running back Le'Veon Bell
Unmasked in: Episode 6
Features to note: Kelly Osbourne was the original ladybug, so who is this male version of the costume? The pinstripe suit and black Warhol hair may be clues…
Who it could be: Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jerry Springer
Extra Clues:
Says he is a “bug in a million”
Courtroom in the clue package
Coffee beans
His work has been called “some of the worst of all-time”
He has a history of public service and knowledge,
Who it was: Jerry Springer, out of semi-retirement to do the show after years of the panelists guessing him.
Unmasked in: Episode 5
Features to note: This constrictive costume means we might not have a dancer on our hands, but then again who knows with this show. What we do know is we’re paying extra attention to the cards Fortune Teller holds: photos of past contestants Sun, Snow Owls, and Lemur.
Who it could be: Billy Joel, who was married to Christie Brinkley (Lemur) and has performed with LeAnn Rimes (Sun). Oh, and Clint Black (one of the Snow Owls) played harmonica for Joel during the recording session for “Light As The Breeze.”
Who it was: Daymond John
Umasked in: Episode 3
Features to note: This isn’t just any regular old ear of corn — it’s a French ear of corn. Add in that headpiece and glittery green frock and this costume screams old Hollywood glam.
Who it could be: We had Macy Gray vibes before we learned Maize was a man.
Extra clues:
An ingénue
Has been an emcee
A potential Bravo or Andy Cohen connection
A yellow bird
Maize mentions “frozen to their seats,” which could mean Frozen.
Who it was: Mario Cantone, of Sex and the City
Unmasked in: Week 4
Features to note: It’s not a pirate, it’s not a rat, but it’s a strange combination of both. We have a feeling this celeb has seen some things in his life, but we’re also paying particular attention to that mini rat in his hand.
Who it could be: Pauley Shore
Who it was: Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham
Unmasked in: Week 2
Features to note: All that glitters is gold with this impressive costume, which is slightly ethereal in nature. We have a feeling this is one powerful singer and someone with an understated but impressive stage presence.
Who it could be: Amber Riley
Extra clues:
- Harp mentions “landing the role of a lifetime”
- She once auditioned for (and didn’t make) the biggest show in the world as a teen
- She has awards for acting, singing, and comedy
- There is a witch hat and a Christmas cupcake in the clue package
Features to note: A walrus in a rain jacket with a seagull on its head? Looks like this walrus is going fishing. It’s also one of the cutest costumes in Masked Singer history.
Who it could be: Jordan Fisher
Extra Clues:
Local mall, teen heartthrob
Career began in the ‘90s
Has tap-danced with a late-night legend
Flannel shirt, leather jacket, floppy hair
A famous catchphrase
A cat named Jenny
Heart with a musical note on it
Who it was: Joey Lawrence, one of the ultimate ‘90s superstars (Blossom). Woah!
Unmasked in: Episode 6
Features to note: Just in time for Halloween, this pumpkin-of-a-scarecrow is here to give us all the treats. Could this be a Halloween lover or someone tied to scary movies? Heck, maybe there’s an Oz connection in there too. Whoever it is, there’s a crow connection that has to be a clue.
Who it could be: Conan Gray, whose debut album was Kid Krow.
Features to note: Could this avocado be from Mexico, like the famous brand? Or perhaps the contestant hails from sunny California?
Who it could be: Ken Jeong, pulling a Nick Cannon.
Features to note: This costume brings a whole new meaning to the term 'bridezilla'. Now the real question is, is this contestant one in real life, or did she just play a bride who stressed over every single last detail until the big day?
Who it could be: Jennifer Tilly, a.k.a. Bride of Chucky
Features to note: This is either one tall performer or they’ve got a freakishly strong neck. Either way, we’re getting total Little Shop of Horror vibes here.
Who it could be: Rick Moranis. Or if we’re focusing on the fly portion of the costume, Lenny Kravitz.
Features to note: It’s hard not to get vaudeville vibes from this furry little critter — the only thing missing is a handlebar moustache. Then again this could be a Belgium or German performer, and the only thing missing is a stein.
Who it could be: Jerry Springer
Who it was: Monty Python actor Eric Idle
Unmasked in: Week 1
Features to note: This costume is what would happen if Willy Wonka and the Mad Hatter had a baby. It’s also worth noting there are four legs to this costume, so we could be dealing with two performers instead of one.
Who it could be: Darren Criss
Features to note: Another trio? Another trio. These impressive costumes are unique but also feature similar details, like the creepy red eyes, belts, and wraps that are clearly doing a poor job of containing all those muscles.
Who it could be: Steve Martin of “King Tut” fame, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase.
Extra clues:
- In their clue package they mention In Living Color
- We watched them grow up
- The guys say siblings are close, leading us to believe they’re brothers
- The Fox, a.k.a. Wayne Brady appears in the clue package
- Blueprints also show up in the clue package
Who it could be: the Wayans Brothers.
Who it was: The Brady Bunch boys, a.k.a. Barry Williams, Christopher Knight, and Mike Lookinland
Features to note: A cowboy getup and country singer vibes for sure.
Who it could be: Let’s go with Lil Nas X.