Everything to know about Season 14 costumes, judges, and the secret ‘America’s Insider’

After crowning Gretchen Wilson — aka Pearl — its Season 13 champ back in May, The Masked Singer did something it hasn’t done since its 2019 debut: it vanished from Fox’s fall schedule. The break wasn’t a twist, a gimmick, or a costume malfunction — it was intentional. For the first time in franchise history, the reality behemoth hit pause to give its overworked crew, producers and cast some much-needed breathing room after years of back-to-back cycles (including being the first show to barrel back into production during COVID). Now, eight months later, the glitter cannon is finally being reloaded.

The Masked Singer returns to Fox with Season 14 on Jan. 7, promising new costumes, new secret celebs, and the kind of weekly spectacle the franchise always delivers. Read on for everything to know about the new season.

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When does The Masked Singer Season 14 start?

The Masked Singer kicks off on Jan. 7 with a special two-hour Season 14 premiere featuring a double unmasking (8-10 p.m. ET/PT). One week later on Jan. 14, The Masked Singer will move to its regular Wednesday time-period (8-9 p.m. ET/PT) ahead of the series premiere of Fear Factor: House of Fear hosted by Johnny Knoxville.

Who are The Masked Singer judges?

Fan-favorite panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke, and Rita Ora are back — ready to guess, laugh, and celebrate another season of incredible performances.

Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Rita Ora and Ken Jeong in The Masked Singer Season 13 finale.

Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Rita Ora and Ken Jeong in ‘The Masked Singer’ Michael Becker/FOX

Who hosts The Masked Singer?

Nick Cannon has hosted The Masked Singer since it premiered in 2019 other than an unscheduled break during Season 5 when he caught COVID. Emmy-winning actress Niecy Nash was recruited as the guest host and Cannon returned midway through the season.

How many contestants are there on Season 14 of The Masked Singer?

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. This season boasts the most decorated contestants in the show’s history, and an unprecedented unmasking that will send shockwaves through the competition!

What are the masks for Season 14 of The Masked Singer?

We don’t know them all yet – but Season 14 features some of the most imaginative and outrageous costumes yet, including Eggplant, Galaxy Girl, High Voltage, Pugcasso, Queen Corgi, Scarab, Snowcone, and the Croissants!

What’s the big new twist this season?

For the first time in series history, The Masked Singer is introducing America’s Insider — a brand-new twist that lets fans know a celebrity is competing without revealing which mask they’re under. Season 14’s inaugural Insider is singer, actress, dancer and social media standout Kylie Cantrall, whose involvement will be public knowledge long before the panel catches on. Cantrall won’t unveil her costume until premiere night, but she’ll be dropping clues and behind-the-scenes teases in the lead-up, flipping the traditional Masked Singer playbook on its head.

What are the theme weeks this season?

Season 14 takes its beloved themed episodes to new heights, celebrating some of the most recognizable and nostalgic moments in pop culture history. Fans will be transported through time and fandom with themed nights inspired by the legendary sci-fi universe of Star Trek, the iconic ‘90s teen comedy Clueless, and the beloved animated heroes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The season also dives into the epic love story from the blockbuster film franchise The Twilight Saga, channels the ultimate girl power with a Spice Girls celebration, and brings the joyful, colorful world of Care Bears to the stage.

Adding to the excitement, the competition will take a daring turn with “Fear Night,” featuring none other than Fear Factor: House of Fear host Johnny Knoxville, who joins as a special guest to deliver clues — and a few creepy crawlies — in true Masked Singer style.

In addition, the season will include a special musical anthology episode, “Ozzfest,” honoring the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. The tribute will feature an appearance by Kelly Osbourne (formerly the Ladybug), who joins the show to pay heartfelt homage to her father and his iconic career and long lasting impact on the history of music.

Who has won The Masked Singer?

The winners of the first 13 seasons were, in order, T-Pain as Monster, Wayne Brady as Fox, Kandi Burruss as Night Angel, LeAnn Rimes as Sun, Nick Lachey as Piglet, Jewel as Queen of Hearts, Teyana Taylor as Firefly, Amber Riley as Harp, Bishop Briggs as Medusa, Ne-Yo as Cow, Vanessa Hudgens as Goldfish, Boyz II Men as Buffalos, and Gretchen Wilson as Pearl.