The contestants
Some big names have been revealed this season, including everyone from Olympic champions to ARIA Award winning musicians. Here's who's been unmasked each episode (click through for more info).
Episode One
Celebrity: Mark Philippoussis
Best-known for: World ranking tennis player, also had a reality dating show back in the mid-2000s.
Character: Echidna
Episode Two
Celebrity: Michael Bevan
Best-known for: Cricket legend who's represented Australia at both Test and One Day International level
Character: Hammerhead
Episode Three
Celebrity: Christine Anu
Best-known for: Actress and ARIA nominated musician, who known for her cover of Warumpi Band's My Island Home.
Character: Goldfish
Episode Four
Celebrity: Katie Noonan
Best-known for: Singer for Brisbane group george, and solo artist.
Character: Sloth
Episode Five
Celebrity: Sophie Monk
Best-known for: Radio host, reality show star and former Bardot singer
Character: Dragonfly
Episode Six
Celebrity: Isaiah Firebrace
Best-known for: The X Factor Australia winner, who represented Australia at Eurovision in 2017.
Character: Wizard
Episode Seven
Celebrity: Lucy Durack
Best-known for: Musical theatre star who's starred in Wicked, Legally Blonde: The Musical and more.
Character: Cactus
Episode Eight
Celebrity: Julia Morris
Best-known for: Comedian and co-host of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Character: Kitten
Episode Nine
Celebrity: Simon Pryce
Best-known for: The Red Wiggle!
Character: Puppet
The judges
We caught up with the brilliant Dannii Minogue (who resumed her role as Detective Minogue once again this year...) to chat about how season two has been for her and fellow judges Jackie O, Dave Hughes and Urzila Carlson.
Obviously things have been very different in 2020. How did filming season two compare to season one?
We miss Lindsay Lohan and her fab energy, but wanted to welcome the gorgeous Urzila Carlson to our cast and the vibe has been incredible with the four of us. Urzila is charming, naughty, witty and always makes us belly laugh at life - with all its current curve balls. The four of us communicate constantly on and off screen and enjoy so much making each other laugh. What a great tonic for these crazy COVID times.
The Masked Singer costumes are the stars of the show, and Tim Chappel absolutely stepped up the costumes this year using a host of new technology to create costumes that were visually thrilling and moved in completely new ways. The music moved Jackie and myself to tears and made all four guessing panelists jump up with joy from the incredible music and vocal production by our musical director Dorian West and vocal specialist, Gary Pinto.
You’ve had another successful season with guesses. How does it feel when you get it right?
Ooh, I am so competitive with this show! I love having my sparring partner, Jackie O, and even Dave has had his first win on the board. The grand finale is full of twists and turns with all of the panels’ guesses. Please follow along with me during the grand finale on Twitter hashtag #MaskedSingerAu as I will be there live tweeting and I love to see your guesses and comments (especially fun memes and GIFs) that explain exactly how you are feeling after each performance and our comments.
Are there times when you feel totally stumped for who it could be? If so, how do you go about guessing?
I have been stumped so much this year. Particularly when we started filming this season, I felt I had home-schooling exhaustion and a hazy COVID-brain. The producers had also re-thought the clue packages to keep up with our skill level from season one to make them even harder! I love listening to the voices but also watching body movements and mannerisms to try and guess - as the “clues” can sometimes be there to pull us off kilter.
Can you tell us about what filming the finale was like following the set shutdown?
We completed making The Masked Singer series with technical challenges never experienced anywhere before. For the grand finale it was completely uncharted waters we were heading into! The crew on this show love this show, and we felt like we were in good hands with the enthusiasm of the network and our very talented host, Osher. Every single crew member held tight to a can-do attitude to step up to the challenge of trying to overcome every obstacle.
What I am about to explain doesn’t cover all the technical challenges we experienced, but the day before we filmed the grand finale, the suburb that the studio is located in was hit with a pre-scheduled 24 hour power outage - so absolutely everything in our studio had to be reconnected and checked - this is normally about a week process to set up. For the actual film day, Hughesy and I, and the Masked Singers, were in the Melbourne, Urzila was filming from a set up she created entirely on her own from her hotel room in quarantine in New Zealand, Jackie was in a studio in Sydney, and Osher was in another studio in Sydney! The comms connections were sometimes glitching and from start to finish it felt like a marathon white knuckle roller-coaster ride.
By the time we completed the record and I was packed up and ready to head home, it was very late. We had run hours over time so my legal work permit document for travel had expired, and it was outside of curfew hours in Victoria. Production was scrambling to arrange for all Melbourne crew members to fill out and sign new legal documents before heading home. It’s been worth every challenge and we have been receiving so many messages from friends, family and fans saying the joy it provides and it is giving families some fun and happiness together during COVID. This is an epic production that none of us will ever forget!
What was your favourite performance of the season?
Queen’s performance of Blinding Lights by The Weeknd. I loved hearing a new take on this favourite song of mine, and I could listen to it over and over. The dark moodiness captured a lot of the ‘feels’ of 2020, I wish the performances were available to add to my Spotify playlists. I would also totally be first in line to buy plush dolls, if they made them, of the Masked Singer characters. I think they should make them next year!
The ratings
The show's first season was a ratings smash, pulling in a whopping 1,162,000 viewers for its debut episode and closing its run with 1,372,000 viewers.
The success seems to have continued this year, with the program consistently coming through as the night's top entertainment program. Here's how things have looked in 2020:
Episode One, Monday 10 August
Main program: 733,000 viewers - 10th most popular show of the day
Reveal: 823,000 viewers - 7th most popular show of the day
Episode Two, Tuesday 11 August
Main program: 818,000 viewers - 6th most popular show of the day
Reveal: viewers: 942,000 viewers - 5th most popular show of the day
Episode Three, Monday 17 August
Main program: 767,000 viewers - 8th most popular show of the day
Reveal: 929,000 viewers - 5th most popular show of the day
Episode Four, Tuesday 18 August
Main program: 806,000 viewers - 6th most popular show of the day
Reveal: 916,000 viewers - 5th most popular show of the day
Episode Five, Monday 24 August
Main program: 692,000 viewers - 11th most popular show of the day
Reveal: 786,000 viewers - 7th most popular show of the day
Episode Six, Tuesday 25 August
Main program: 717,000 viewers - 9th most popular show of the day
Reveal: 810,000 viewers - 6th most popular show of the day
Episode Seven, Monday 31 August
Main program: 729,000 viewers - 10th most popular show of the day
Reveal: 938,000 viewers - 5th most popular show of the day
Episode Eight, Tuesday 1 September
Main program: 681,000 viewers - 10th most popular show of the day
Reveal: 797,000 viewers - 5th most popular show of the day
Episode Nine, Monday 7 September
Main program: 775,000 viewers - 7th most popular show of the day
Reveal: 918,000 viewers - 5th most popular show of the day
Unmasked, special behind the scenes episode, Tuesday 8 September
592,000 viewers - 9th most popular show of the day
The final three
There's just three contestants remaining heading into the finale on Monday night, here's what we know and who we think they might be:
Bushranger
The clues
- “I’m not afraid to take the gloves off... and get my hands a little dirty.”
- “Why am I the Bushranger? Because I’m not afraid to stand up and take what I want. I’m proud of my heritage. My past is important to me. Like a true Bushranger, I took the path less travelled and I have never regretted it. That’s because I’m a fighter from a family of fighters. In fact, I became famous punching above my weight. But a successful Bushranger knows when to hide. Sometimes the only way to survive is to turn the light out, it’s better than crying and rusting my helmet. I was a pioneer, the first of my kind, but others followed in my path and more will come in future. I’m a Bushranger and it’s time to stand and deliver.”
- “My heritage is important to me, and that will be true no matter where I was born.”
- “For my very first performance, the Bushranger was going to steal the show. So put your money on Bushranger to win this whole dang thing, yee-haw. Like a true Bushranger, I’ve got the country in my heart. I’m very comfortable with horsepower, like other women before me. But I’m never comfortable being just the one thing. It’s important to always be growing. Roses are my favourite. I was for a while part of the Kelly gang, now I’m on my own. But you’re never on your own when you have family and over the years I’ve discovered that ink stains. But right now, nothing’s getting under my skin. I’ve got my armour on and it’s time to take the competition head on.”
- “I am the voice behind one of the most famous sounds in Australia.”
- “Last time on this stage I came out firing and I stole a heart. Although I’m all wrapped up in metal, Christmas is my favourite time of the year. And those magical Christmas songs. It’s the present that gave me my future. You have to follow your dreams, but do it in your own way. It helps if you have a good role model to follow around. It’s hard work getting people all over the country to hand over their money. But working hard gives me a buzz. Now I know that whoever we pretend to be, we can only be ourselves and forget the criticism. As Madonna said - “express yourself”. So that’s what I’m going to do. ”
- “This is my childhood rocking horse. I’m passing this horse onto my children to continue my happy memories.”
- “Music has always been in my life. This isn’t my first rodeo. I’m proud to walk in my family’s footsteps. My clan is strong and my mum is dedicated to her roots. In my business sometimes you have to swim with sharks. I did, and it was the lowest I have ever fallen. I am a disciple of hard work and imagination, it’s how you get to be a champion and eventually take on the world. When Americans get to their feet for you, you’re own your way. I’m the Bushranger and I’m here to take what’s mine.
- "While touring New Zealand I pretended to be a different musician and signed autographs in their name.”
- “I’m a dreamer. But you achieve your dreams through hard work, even if it makes you sweat. Being rewarded for hard work is justice, and not many Bushrangers talk about justice. I’m not afraid of competition, I’ll take on the world. I might never be the one but nothing ventured nothing gained. Still, you can’t win ’em all. You just gotta take it day by day. Bushranger’s never do what you expect. Surprise is important. It takes planning, take my word. Right now, I have just one job. To stand tall and give my best. And that’s what I’m going to do.”
- “Dylan Alcott is pretty tough, so it might be no surprise that he and I once went head-to-head and I came off second best.”
- “My early career was in the shadows, underplayed. Then ‘pow’ all eyes were on me around the world. Now my work has a new base. I’m not shy, I can’t afford to be. But at least I’m not heading south anymore. I’ve made some big moves in my life, and there are big moves to come. I used to be a Puppet of the night, but things change and now I sing a rainbow. This Puppet will sing up something big tonight. No strings attached.”
- “I have never planned my career. I prefer to follow the opportunities as they occur and let them open me up to life and to new experiences. I believe that kindness in everything is my only guide.”
Our guess: With so many references to roses and boxing throughout the season, we reckon its actress and singer (and boxer Lionel Rose's granddaughter) Bonnie Anderson.
Frillneck
The clues
- “I’ve always been a stand-up guy who hangs with birds of a feather”
- “I am Frillneck because under pressure I can go real slow. I’ve waited a long time to get where I am. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes with the puppet masters. I’m not someone who works 9 – 5. I feel for people who have to struggle all their lives. I know what it’s like to work and be savaged by those you serve. I love my country and I love its history. I just want everyone to get a sporting chance but knocking down tall poppies can be fun too. I’m known for my opinions. When I have something to say you’ll know it and here’s what I have to say now. I’m going to win The Masked Singer.”
- “I’m theatrical and comfortable putting on a show.”
- “I gave 100% last time and I got everyone up. And you’re all going to learn that you ain’t seen nothing yet. In life you never know what the right move is, so I like to task risks. They don’t always pay off but no pain, no gain. And remember, your critics aren’t always right, that’s why sometimes you have to ignore the rules. It’s easy to be judged in our society, but we also love a larrikin even when they get caught in stockings. And I don’t care what Miley Cyrus says. I’m not always recognised, and people don’t believe who I say I am. That’s okay, because I don’t always enjoy being in the sun. But now, I’m back in the spotlight and I’m here to stay.”
- “What I do now wasn’t my first choice of career. Or my second. Or even my third.”
- “What you don’t know about me would fill a book. Maybe I’ll write that book. I love to tell an Australian story, or maybe not. What I do is very diverse. Some of it would scare your socks off. It’s hair-raising. But I don’t want you to think of me as some kind of monster, I just believe that when you’re in the middle you need to go big or go home. Most of my life I’ve worked with others, but sometimes you have to go out on your own before the horned lady sings. Well, there’s no horns tonight, just frills and it’s my turn to sing.”
- “I played this kalimba for Nelson Mandela.”
- “I am Frillneck. I’m rock and roll and so much more. I know I have anger management issues but I’m protective of my babies. Each and every one was a difficult birth. Although it can be tough sticking to the straight and narrow, I don’t love one dolly more than any other. I’m not seen as the literary type, I get i.t But when you turn things around, everything’s surprising in the middle. I’m patriotic - don’t ever question, even success from around the world can’t stop me from returning home. Now it’s time to give you the performance you had to have.”
- “Most of my days are spent in solitude, interrupted only by the very worlds I create.”
- “People don’t believe what I say about myself. They think I’m telling a whopper but almost everything about me is real. Except my work, that’s as fake as anything. Kids see me for what I am. Even though others can’t see me at all. What a hoot. I’m an artist, but what kind exactly? I’m not quite sure myself but I do know that I have an active imagination. I can create entire worlds. To do what I wanted to do I had to move far away, several times. No town is big enough for what I do. Let’s see if tonight’s stage is big enough for Frillneck.”
- “Jack Black and I were both fascinated with the same incredible creature. But Jack’s exposure was a lot less than mine.”
- “My early career was in the shadows, underplayed. Then ‘pow’ all eyes were on me around the world. Now my work has a new base. I’m not shy, I can’t afford to be. But at least I’m not heading south anymore. I’ve made some big moves in my life, and there are big moves to come. I used to be a Puppet of the night, but things change and now I sing a rainbow. This Puppet will sing up something big tonight. No strings attached.”
- “I have never planned my career. I prefer to follow the opportunities as they occur and let them open me up to life and to new experiences. I believe that kindness in everything is my only guide.”
Our guess: There's been a lot of references to theatre performance and bugs throughout the season, so we reckon this is none other than actor and Beetlejuice the musical composer, Eddie Perfect!
Queen
The clues
- “My sporting pedigree can’t be denied... and doesn’t that just take the cake!”
- “I am the Queen. I’m in control of all I’ve made and desire to rule the world. Only The Masked Singer stands in my way. My glorious stature doesn’t register in my humble beginnings. I was expected to be known by my Italian works but turned away and followed my own Royal path by popular demand and I have been rewarded with the rarest of metals. I remember the cold times as a child and yet I was never cool. Yes, I have known the highs and the lows, sometimes at the same time. Life doesn’t take you where you think it will, even if you’ll be a queen one day. Thirteen times I’ve been a bridesmaid but never the bride. Now it’s my turn. I’m already a queen but I will be crowned the Masked Singer.”
- “I certainly served my apprenticeship, but it wasn’t on TV.”
- “A Queen can be many things. Even when I was very very naughty, I was applauded by my greatest critics. Nobody puts baby in the corner. I’m comfortable in public, crowds don’t bother me. Although I do like to travel by coach. Yes, there have been many stages in my life. Sometimes I am the Queen and sometimes the jester. But my sporting heritage cannot be denied. This is not my first time at being piggy in the middle. But I didn’t let that experience stand in my way. Every Queen reaches for the stars, standing on the shoulders of our loyal subjects. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but tonight will be my checkmate.”
- “I’ve been to a polo club but I’ve never played polo.”
- “One wasn’t always a Queen. But it is a real title, awarded by the good folk of this country who have supported me repeatedly. Achieving that is not a fly by night operation, or even 12 nights. As befitting a Queen my first professional performance was for Britain, I took the applause not knowing if I could make it last but it just didn’t feel like home. I knew I needed to look elsewhere for fulfillment. Do people find me funny? In other words, do I have nil seriousness? I will not have it. I am the Queen. I’m not just one of the crowd and I intend to stand out tonight.”
- “These are the very first love letters I ever received, and a reminder of an important time in my life.”
- “Being in the spotlight can play with your head. You don’t know who you are from one month to the next, but I had one principle from the very start so I kept a level head. After all, nobody wants to go ‘pop’. The Masked Singer is tough, especially getting near the pointy end. It’s like facing gladiators in the Colosseum. I hope nobody calls me ‘terrible’. But you never have to tough it out alone when your heart is in harmony with another. Growing up, I rejected dance. But still ended up being a dancing girl. I have never met a dance I didn’t enjoy. When you’re the Queen you can do anything, but choosing what to do - that’s tough. We all write our own future, and you can write it as you like it. My immediate future is on the stage tonight, impressing you, my loyal subjects.”
- “My great grandfather was an early member of the Communist Party of Australia. He loved Stalin and taught himself Russian from books.”
- “As the Queen my royal duties can be demanding. I have lost count of how many times I have helped my fellow man. I might be the Queen but I couldn’t do it without help. Being a Queen gives me access to the greatest designers and stylists. Do you like my dress? I also look good in white, which I’ve worn more than once. I do love a wedding. But to be honest, I didn’t do badly in a divorce either. I was singing before I could speak. But would that be my future? With my voice, there would be no ARIAs for me. I am the Queen and I will win The Masked Singer, even if it’s my last day on Earth.”
- “When Jay Z and I played the same gig, he was very persuasive but I worked that crowd just as hard.”
- “I am your Queen, a real Queen. It’s often a title passed down through families, but I did it my way. The sound of white has been very good to me. Where is my King? Perhaps there was a legal separation, but the wedding was something special even if it’s not forever. I have been accused of having no seriousness. Me? The Queen. I rule the whole country with fairness. Although I do prefer the metropolitan area. I am the Queen. I am independent and a master of all I survey. And I shall soon be awarded another crown, The Masked Singer.”
- “I’m obsessed with the art of storytelling and music is my medium. Stories lift me up, give me hope and make me feel less alone in the world.”
Our guess: If this is anyone other than musician, composer and Australian Eurovision representative Kate Miller-Heidke, I will eat that crown. It was the Jay-Z reference that really sold this for me, with KMH and the rapper appearing at Coachella the same year. Oh, and that Miller-Heidke also has a song called The Last Day On Earth, seemingly referenced in this clue - "I am the Queen and I will win The Masked Singer, even if it’s my last day on Earth.”
The Masked Singer finale takes place this Monday at 7.30pm on Channel 10.
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