‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14 Premiere Live Recap: Performances & a Double Elimination

The hit FOX singing competition is back for another season to kick off the new year.

Allie Hayes | Jan 7, 2026

Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Rita Ora / FOX via Getty Images

It’s official: The Masked Singer is back for Season 14!

That’s right, it’s time to lock in with your very best guesses on which stars will be taking the stage in elaborate costumes to sing their hearts out for the judges—or “detectives” on this show. After last season saw celebs like Cedric the Entertainer, Audrey O’Day, Flavor Flav and more come through the sparkling set—with the win ultimately going to country star Gretchen Wilson—fans are in for an exciting premiere tonight where anything can happen. Especially considering that, while the show is typically only one hour long, tonight’s premiere is two hours!

What to expect

In case this is your first time watching the show, let’s get you up to speed on the rules.

Hosted by Nick Cannon, the singing competition features a new crop of celebs sporting intricate, identity-concealing costumes and taking to the stage to perform for judges Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke and Rita Ora, as well as the studio audience in attendance, whose votes are combined to choose which mystery contestants stay on for another week. The unknown performer with the fewest votes is then sent home—but not before being unmasked.

“This season promises to be bigger, bolder, and more unpredictable than ever, as 18 brand-new costumes hit the stage—each bringing their own flair, mystery, and vocal power,” a press release from FOX shared on Dec. 4 declared. “This season boasts the most decorated contestants in the show’s history, and an unprecedented unmasking that will send shockwaves through the competition!”

This week’s theme

The premiere episode does not have a theme noted, but there are multiple fun and nostalgic themes slated for the upcoming episodes.

In the aforementioned press release from FOX, the show promises several episodes this season will be themed to beloved pop culture staples, including Star Trek, Clueless, The Care Bears, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Twilight and The Spice Girls. Kelly Osbourne is also set to return after appearing as a contestant on the show during Season 2 to honor her father, Ozzy Osbourne, during “Ozzfest Night.” Jackass star Johnny Knoxville will also be stopping by during this season to celebrate the reboot of Fear Factor, which he will host, titled Fear Factor: House of Fear.

Still, that doesn’t mean fans aren’t in for some incredible performances during tonight’s premiere when the stars go head-to-head across five rounds.

Galaxy Girl vs. Handyman

Galaxy Girl

Galaxy Girl kicked things off, and their identity hints in the pre-roll footage included that they were a successful child star before “walking away” from the limelight. They then came back stronger than ever, calling their return rise “meteoric.” Galaxy Girl took to the stage with an upbeat, out-of-this-world (pun intended) performance of “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” by Chappell Roan.

Ora kicked off the panel, applauding Galaxy Girl’s skills and saying she thought they must be an “international star,” guessing Lindsay Lohan—though Thicke disagreed, saying Galaxy Girl “didn’t move” like Lohan. McCarthy Wahlberg broke down a few of the clues shown in the pre-roll, guessing Jennifer Love Hewitt. Jeong finished up the panel by guessing Emma Stone.

Handyman

Handyman’s hints included growing up on the West Coast, having a Hollywood past and the phrase “Ace of Spades.” The detectives also noted their deep, raspy voice. They then took their turn on the stage, singing a groovy rendition of “Shake Your Groove Thing” by Peaches & Herb. After they finished, Handyman also revealed that their daughter had “dared” them to do the show.

Up first, Jeong noted that “Ace of Spades” was a type of champagne and that actor Idris Elba owned a champagne company. Ora agreed that Jeong was likely on the right track, saying they’re “dealing with an icon.” Thicke interrupted Ora, believing Handyman to be Tone Loc. Ora joked about the interruption, then finished her thought, saying she believed it to be Vin Diesel.

First head-to-head result

The winner of the first head-to-head went to Galaxy Girl, securing their spot in the next episode. Cannon noted that Handyman’s fate would be decided later in the episode.

Pugcasso vs. Queen Corgi

Pugcasso

For clues, Pugcasso noted that they were supposed to “take over the family business,” but decided to go a different route to join an “ensemble of dreamers” instead. They then joked that they were just an “ordinary pup living in an extraordinary world” before taking to the stage to sing “Ordinary” by Alex Warren.

Ora called the performance “extraordinary,” while Thicke and Jeong tried to figure out if Pugcasso was an athlete. Jeong guessed they might be Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, while Ora guessed actor Darren Criss. Thicke finished up the panel by guessing Ryan Tedder from One Republic.

Queen Corgi

Queen Corgi hinted that she might be an influencer of some kind who got their start in college. They also hinted at a possible stint on Saturday Night Live, and said that people call them a “trailblazer.” From there, they sang a rendition of “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from the musical Funny Girl.

Ora guessed that Queen Corgi might be Nikki Blonsky from the musical film Hairspray, while Jeong guessed Maya Rudolph of SNL fame. McCarthy Wahlberg also leaned into the SNL vibes, guessing Aidy Bryant. Queen Corgi confirmed that she’s not new to the stage, but that she is new to performing music live, which stumped the judges.

Second head-to-head result

The winner of the second head-to-head went to Pugcasso, securing their spot in the next episode alongside Galaxy Girl. Queen Corgi’s fate would be decided later in the episode.

Scarab vs. The Croissants

Scarab

This character was outright referred to as “the most decorated” performer the show “had ever seen.” They noted they’d dined with Brad Pitt and met presidents, and—while others in their position might consider retirement—they were just getting started. Scarab then rocked the house with their rendition of “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele before quoting Beetlejuice to Cannon, saying that the show keeps “saying [their] name” and that they thought it was time they showed up.

Jeong quickly guessed Whoopi Goldberg, but was quickly shot down by the others. McCarthy Wahlberg guessed Viola Davis, and was also met with skepticism. Thicke thought it might be Sheryl Lee Ralph, given the clues, and the others were finally on board.

The Croissants

The Croissants were a team made up of two people, who noted that they were “torn apart” before they were able to return to the spotlight reunited. They also stated that they felt others misunderstood them before performing “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley.

Thicke started by stating that perhaps their references to being “cancelled” might refer to an actual TV show being cancelled, guessing Snooki and The Situation from Jersey Shore. McCarthy Wahlberg also leaned into the reality TV side of things, guessing they might be The Chrisleys, while Ora guessed Spencer and Heidi.

Third head-to-head result

The winner of the third head-to-head went to Scarab, securing their spot in the next episode alongside Galaxy Girl and Queen Corgi. The Croissants’ fate would be decided later in the episode.

Snowcone vs. Stingray

Snowcone

Before taking to the stage to perform “When I Grow Up” by The Pussycat Dolls, Snowcone’s clues explained that they were “misunderstood” after starting their career as a child model. They also had a role on “one of TV’s hottest shows” before being “kicked to the curb,” saying Hollywood “iced them out” and citing “lies” in headlines as the reason for their departure before their comeback.

McCarthy Wahlberg used the abbreviations on the boots (C.O. or O.C.) to guess Misha Barton. Ora went a similar route, guessing Nicole Richie. Jeong continued the Y2K train, guessing Taylor Momsen, given her comeback currently.

Stingray

Stingray’s clues included that they’ve been “everywhere from Michelin to the Met Gala.” They also dropped a lot of famous names their “mother” hung around with, immediately leading the detectives to pin them as a “nepo baby.” Taking to the stage to liven things up with their rendition of “Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees, Stingray revealed they had several friends do the show before, which was why they wanted to try it out for themselves.

Cannon felt confident that he knew who it was, outright calling them a “friend.” Jeong guessed Lenny Kravitz, given the “nepo baby” note. McCarthy Wahlberg guessed Jaden Smith off a Paris-related hint, while Ora guessed Lil Romeo, given his connection to Cannon and his famous parents.

Fourth head-to-head result

The winner of the fourth head-to-head went to Stingray, securing their spot in the next episode alongside Galaxy Girl, Queen Corgi and Scarab. Snowcone’s fate would be decided later in the episode.

Googly Eyes vs. Cat Witch

Googly Eyes

Googly Eyes’s costume was particularly wild, given that it’s the “tallest” the show has ever produced. “Turn Down For What” by Lil Jon was the song of choice for the mysterious performer, whose hints included their ability to get businesses “out of the red and into the black.”

Jeong was quick to guess an athlete based on all of the clues, throwing out David “Big Papi” Ortiz. Meanwhile, Thicke guessed Daddy Yankee. Ora joked about not knowing much about baseball, asking Googly Eyes if they could “tell her the rules of baseball,” to which Googly Eyes said “No.” Ora then guessed it might be Wesley Snipes, believing they might’ve starred in a baseball-related movie.

Cat Witch

During the commercial break, Cat Witch’s secret identity was shown to be Kylie Cantrall. The show revealed one identity to the audience at home for the first time in history, leaving her identity a secret to the judges to give fans a peek into one star’s strategy through the show. Cantrall then took to the stage as Cat Witch to sing “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga.

Ora applauded her “dance presence” alongside Thicke, who added that they were “one of the best dancers they had.” Ora ultimately guessed Charli D’Amelio, while McCarthy Wahlberg guessed Addison Rae. Jeong guessed that it might be Lisa from BLACKPINK, given the clues about their past with makeup.

Fifth & final head-to-head result

The winner of the fifth and final head-to-head went to Cat Witch, securing their spot in the next episode alongside Galaxy Girl, Queen Corgi, Scarab and Stingray. Googly Eyes’ fate would be decided later in the episode.

Who was eliminated?

Of the 11 total contestants competing on this episode, the six who weren’t guaranteed a spot on next week’s show during their head-to-head battles were narrowed down to those with the lowest amount of votes, resulting in their elimination.

The first singer to be unmasked was Googly Eyes, who was revealed to be David “Big Papi” Ortiz.

The second singer(s) to be unmasked were The Croissants, who were revealed to be...a surprise! That’s right, the show blurred the duo’s faces, teasing that their secret identities would be revealed on next week’s show.

When is the next episode?

The next episode of The Masked Singer airs on FOX on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 8 p.m. ET, and we’ll be right back here to recap everything live for you!

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Published Jan 7, 2026

ALLIE HAYES

Allie Hayes is an experienced pop culture staff writer and editor specializing in movies, TV and celebrity news. Before joining the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit team as a Breaking/Trending News Editor, she worked at several outlets including BuzzFeed, The Daily Dot, and Newsweek. When she’s not writing for work (or writing for fun), you’ll find her curled up on the couch reading yet another romance novel, obsessively watching pro wrestling with her friends, or taking blurry photos of her two adorable cats.