Masked singers draw TV viewers

The performers feel free to try different styles, while audiences are addicted to the mystery of guessing their identities

In the finale of The Masked Singer - the American version of the reality TV programme hosted by Nick Cannon (right) - the one-eyed Monster (left) turned out to be rapper T-Pain. Stars appearing in the show included singers Gladys Knight and Donny Osmond,
In the finale of The Masked Singer - the American version of the reality TV programme hosted by Nick Cannon (right) - the one-eyed Monster (left) turned out to be rapper T-Pain. Stars appearing in the show included singers Gladys Knight and Donny Osmond, and comedienne Margaret Cho. PHOTO: FOX
In the finale of The Masked Singer - the American version of the reality TV programme hosted by Nick Cannon - the one-eyed Monster turned out to be rapper T-Pain (above). Stars appearing in the show included singers Gladys Knight and Donny Osmond, and com
In the finale of The Masked Singer - the American version of the reality TV programme hosted by Nick Cannon - the one-eyed Monster turned out to be rapper T-Pain (above). Stars appearing in the show included singers Gladys Knight and Donny Osmond, and comedienne Margaret Cho. PHOTOS:THE MASKED SINGER/ YOUTUBE
Singer-songwriter Ha Hyun-woo on the South Korean version of the show in 2016.
Singer-songwriter Ha Hyun-woo on the South Korean version of the show in 2016. PHOTO: MBC ENTERTAINMENT/ YOUTUBE
Singer-songwriter Ha Hyun-woo on the South Korean version of the show in 2016.
Singer-songwriter Ha Hyun-woo on the South Korean version of the show in 2016. PHOTO: MBC ENTERTAINMENT/ YOUTUBE
Hong Kong veteran singer Vivian Chow on the China version of the show last year.
Hong Kong veteran singer Vivian Chow on the China version of the show last year. PHOTO: VIVAN CHOW/FACEBOOK
Hong Kong veteran singer Vivian Chow on the China version of the show last year.
Hong Kong veteran singer Vivian Chow on the China version of the show last year. PHOTO: VIVAN CHOW/FACEBOOK
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Watching celebrities sing and sashay on stage in wacky head-to-toe costumes, with only their voices and a few clues hinting at their identities, is clearly among the crazier reality TV concepts out there.

The format, which originated in South Korea, has taken off in several countries. The first season of the American version, titled The Masked Singer, ended last Thursday (Singapore time).

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 04, 2019, with the headline Masked singers draw TV viewers . Subscribe