The Masked Singer Season 12 Premieres Wed Sept 15 with 15 New Masks, Miley Cyrus Theme and more
The Masked Singer returns for Season 12, with a new lineup of 15 masked contestants, themed episodes, celebrity ambassadors, and familiar faces at the judging panel. The season is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 25 at 8:00 PM, and promises a mix of spectacle, mystery, and the musical surprises that have made the series a hit.
The judging panel — Ken Jeong, Rita Ora, Robin Thicke, and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg — reunite with host Nick Cannon to lead the guessing game as the show marks several celebrations this season. Producers are honoring the 65th anniversary of Mattel’s Barbie and the 40th anniversary of the film Footloose. The season will also spotlight an episode centered on music from Miley Cyrus, presenting tribute performances that tie into the series’ themed nights.
The Masked Singer 12 to feature new and familiar themes
Season 12 brings back fan-favorite theme nights while introducing fresh concepts designed to challenge the contestants and excite viewers. Returning themes include the emotional and personal “Soundtrack of My Life” and the festive “Thanksgiving Night.” New additions expand the show’s musical palette: “Sports Night” blends athletic energy with performance, “60’s Night” delves into classic hits and vintage styling, and a first-ever “Who Are You Fest” presents sets and song choices inspired by unforgettable music festival lineups.
These themes influence every element of the show — from song choices to costume design, set pieces, and the special celebrity appearances woven into each episode. Producers say the themes also play a role in clue delivery, giving viewers and the panel thematic breadcrumbs that could point to the identity beneath the mask. Expect bold staging, playful misdirection, and the high production values that have become synonymous with the series.
Masked Singer Alums will serve as ‘Masked Ambassadors’ for each of the 15 contestants
In a first for the series, Season 12 introduces a “Masked Ambassador” for each of the fifteen contestants. These ambassadors are former contestants and winners who share a personal or professional connection with a current masked singer. Each ambassador offers a strong clue and a public endorsement, giving the panel and viewers the biggest hint the show has yet provided about who may be hiding under each costume.
Among the ambassadors confirmed to appear are familiar faces from past seasons, including Dick Van Dyke (who appeared as GNOME in Season 9), singer-songwriter Jewel (Queen of Hearts and Season 6 winner), NE-YO (COW and Season 10 winner), and former NFL star DeMarcus Ware (Season 11’s KOALA). Their participation adds an emotional throughline to this season: alumni return not only to celebrate the show but to actively help unmask a new set of performers.
The ambassador program is intended to deepen the series’ mystery while offering credible connections that sharpen the guessing game. Because many of the ambassadors know the contestants personally or share industry ties, their endorsements are expected to be meaningful clues rather than simple cameos.
Season 12’s cast of masked characters features imaginative and varied costumes designed to conceal identities and inspire curiosity. Confirmed costumes include Bluebell, Showbird, Buffalo, Dust Bunny, Goo, Strawberry Shortcake, Ship, Chess Piece, Woodpecker, Leaf Sheep, and others. Each costume comes with its own personality onstage, choreography, and vocal direction, making every performance a unique theatrical moment.
As the season unfolds, viewers can look forward to a blend of vocal talent, theatrical costumes, strategic clue drops, and the panel’s signature banter and speculation. With anniversary tributes, theme nights, and the new Masked Ambassador twist, Season 12 aims to keep the series fresh while honoring the signature elements that keep audiences guessing and coming back week after week.