> At a Glance
> – 20 strict security rules govern every contestant on Fox’s The Masked Singer
> – Extreme secrecy includes code names, no off-camera talking, and full-body disguises
> – Season 14 adds first-ever “America’s Insider” twist starting Jan. 7
> – Why it matters: Fans get a backstage look at how the hit show keeps identities hidden
Fox’s The Masked Singer returns Jan. 7 for season 14 with Descendants star Kylie Cantrall as the series’ first “America’s Insider,” a twist that reveals one contestant’s identity to viewers while keeping judges in the dark. Executive producer Craig Plestis and judge Jenny McCarthy outlined the 20 non-negotiable rules every celebrity must follow-from costume creation to carpool bans-to keep the mystery intact.
Lockdown-Level Security
Plestis likens the lot to “being in lockdown at a government facility.” Contestants arrive under heavy surveillance, are sequestered in separate areas, and rehearse only during pre-assigned slots when no judges or other singers are present. Security staff monitor every corridor; feeds are shut off so no one accidentally hears a singing voice.
- Separate lots for judges and contestants
- Code names replace real names at all times
- Guests and managers must wear full cloaks
Silence & Disguise Mandates
Talking is tightly controlled: contestants may speak only to assigned producers or choreographers, and even then they whisper on stage. Off-camera, they wear “Don’t Talk to Me” hoodies, visors, and gloves to hide skin tone or body shape.
| Disguise Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hooded sweatshirt | Blocks hair/head shape clues |
| Gloves | Conceals hands, jewelry, skin |
| Visor | Shields face when mask is off |
Phones, smart-watches, and personal cars are banned; talent travels in tinted vans to dodge paparazzi. Every audience member, crew member, and judge signs a strict NDA before entering.
Performance Protocol
All vocals are live-no pre-recording allowed-though singers may change genre or add accents to fool the panel. Costumes, chosen after deep biographical research, must stay on set at all times to avoid accidental leaks. Clue packages are narrated by the celebrities themselves, but voices are re-modulated each season to outsmart online sleuths.
Key Takeaways
- 20 behind-the-scenes rules keep identities secret until unmasking
- Extreme security includes code names, silence orders, and full-body disguises
- Season 14 premieres Jan. 7 with first-ever viewer-known contestant
The elaborate rulebook guarantees every reveal remains a surprise-for judges, audience, and even fellow contestants.
