If you told us five years ago that a bunch of masked characters singing karaoke while an audience chants “Take it off!” would bring us this much joy, we probably would’ve given you a look as odd as the characters themselves.
But here we are, another season of The Masked Singer Australia has kicked off and we could not be more excited to try and figure out which celebs are lurking behind those masks.
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You know the drill, a bunch of incognito Australians, and sometimes international, celebs perform on stage in front of an all-star panel, Dannii Minogue, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, Urzila Carlson and Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes, who take turns trying to figure out who is behind the character.
This year, we have some truly crazy masks – from a mullet, vampire, pavlova and more. Whoever at Channel Ten comes up with these characters deserves a raise, they’re getting more and more obscure and creative.
As always, many Aussies are sure to be guessing along with the judges from their lounges. So, we’re compiling each clue as they drop to help you figure out who the celeb is before they’re unmasked and yell “I told you so!” at your significant other. You’re welcome.
Mullet
“I’m a mullet of all trades.”
“I’m at home in the water or on land.”
“I’m Mullet, just a knockabout bloke surprised to be here! I’ve spent years by the water and I’ve had my fair share of battles. Those night vision goggles belong to the army! I like the spotlight, but I’ve had more than a few sleepless nights. My answer is to take the show on the road.”
“I’m not really into strict routines. I prefer to improvise. I know it’s not the way to make a big hit but beggars can’t be choosers. I’ve never really been the boss but I have been known to take your breath away. That’s official.”
“I’m the Mullet and I reckon I’ve got this singing thing nailed.”
“I’m just your average mullet, but I’m okay if you’re okay. As someone once told me, if you like it you better put a ring on it. Sometimes you have your eye on something shiny….but it’s not as good as you hope. No matter how far you travel, you can’t leave the real you behind. I’m a jack-of-all-trades. I’ve even taken on the Chinese! Not as a comedian, but you could call me something close.”
“I might be a mullet but don’t underestimate me. My intelligence isn’t artificial….and way better than 20! As a fish, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I’m the Mullet, and I’m beside myself with excitement!”
“I might be a Mullet but I’m not hard-headed like others I know. The night sky is so beautiful. But I prefer the sunshine. I love it like a sibling. I’m no superhero. Just a fish trying to eke out a living in a hostile environment. There’s no shame in that.”
“I was number one once, y’know. But I wasn’t wearing flannelette at the time. Mullets go in and out of fashion. But lucky for me, I’ve got more than 1 string to me bow.”
“I’m Mullet and I’ve got this competition hook, line and sinker!”
“I might be just a Mullet but I’m evolving. Do I need a lighthouse? Nah, it just keeps me awake. You know, I’ve done it all from Z to A, except D, maybe I need a new agent? I had plans, they didn’t always work out. And sometimes that’s a good thing! It’s not like I have satellite navigation. Watch out for the beach!”
“A schoolyard game, this fish doesn’t like schools! I prefer herds. Look at that! At least it’s better than eight.”
“I’m the Mullet and I’m going to rock this competition!”
“I’m a Mullet, you wouldn’t expect me to sing… but you wouldn’t expect me to teach cats to talk proper neither. I wasn’t always going to be a mullet, you know. I was growing up to be a trumpetfish. But that’s okay. I really do like a surprise. There are no walls between us here.”
“I’ve swum with the biggest sharks in the business. I survived. For $8 an hour plus tips. Now scatter. I’m Mullet royalty. A duke! Or maybe an ambassador. And I’m OK with that.”
“I’ve been putting wins in the W column since I was born, isn’t that right Hughesy?”
“And it’s going to be another W tonight!”
“I’m Mullet and tonight’s gonna be another 10 out of 10, I reckon. I don’t have ‘unearthly’ powers like the others, but I’m not here to make up the numbers. Bait is dangled often in front of me. I’ve learned to wait and watch.”
“I’ve got a lot of tools on my belt. And in a former life, not just tools. But I’m more reliable now.”
“Us Mullets don’t have a lot of secrets. And you can’t pull the wool over our eyes. We’re real strict about that.”
“I’m Mullet and I’m gonna school the other Masked Singers tonight.”
“From the moment I became the Mullet I became the Mullet! How much of this performance is me and how much is the mask? I really don’t know. This outlandish but brave mask let me act out in ways most of us don’t anymore and a lot of us miss.”
“Mullet isn’t just me mask, he’s me mate! I’d love a quiet chat with him after tonight is over, but Mullet is never quiet!”
Duster
“I’m Duster and I’m always busy, but whether you like me is a matter of personal taste.”
“Why am I a duster? Because I’m never happier than when I’m busy. Do I try to do too much? Probably. That’s because everything has to look just right. Visuals are very important in my game, I’m a self-made Duster. No one gave me a break.”
“At 17 my future was set and fame came with it. The most well-rounded man I know was starry-eyed about what I do. I knew I would be truly ready for public attention if I just stayed in my lane. I’m always on the ball, still, I’ve had my share of ups and downs. But I know victory is always there!”
“Will I win The Masked Singer? I tell the other singers: eat my dust!”
Pavlova
“I’m just as sweet as I look, all the way to my sugary soul.”
“I’m the pavlova. Crusty on the outside but tender inside. I love the kitchen, it’s my happy place. Croissants, eclairs, gateau, vol au vents! If I can make baking a competitive sport I would. Mon Dieu!”
“My dream came to me when I was young. I had a real talent and I haven’t stopped since. How do I keep my gorgeous pavlova figure? Don’t ask. What I’ll say is that when push comes to shove, I manage. I spent a lot of my childhood down south in the hills. I’m Pavlova and tonight’s going to be sweet!”
“Hi everyone! I’m Pavlova and isn’t this fun? I don’t believe in discrimination. Every sweet matters. Not just sweets. I also love gumnuts, yummy. Have I been on Broadway? Almost but not quite. But I’ve had my ups and downs. Who cares? I’m happy with who and where I am. A great pavlova is gonna take time. Just accept it. You don’t want to peak too soon.”
“I’m Pavlova and all I want is my just desserts.”
“I’m Pavlova and I think you’re all sweet on me! You can take it as gospel, that I’m the boss of my kitchen. And across the ditch too. I pour my heart and soul into what I do. Twenty-one grams? It has to be more than that.”
“Some see me as a warrior, others see me as a storekeeper. I’m betting on the warrior. Be good or I’ll make you sleep outside. Does this sugar dissolve in water? I’ve proved that I don’t. Everyone knows I come from tougher stuff than that.”
“I’m Pavlova – and I’m looking sweet for another victory tonight.”
Baby
“I never want to grow up so I can keep doing what a baby does.”
“I’m Baby and I don’t ever want to grow up! I love flowers, I’ve been around them all my life. I’m a baby, so I’m short but not short for anything in particular! Aren’t these animals perfect? Well, I don’t like perfection, it makes me go waa! waa! Am I the type to spit the dummy? I am not! That’s a nasty web you weave when you do that, and watch out for the spider’s bite.
“I’ve been front and centre and I’ve been on the wings. Front and centre is better. I’m Baby and I’m going to get my way tonight.”
“Do I believe I can win The Masked Singer? Of course I do! I’ve crystallised it in my beliefs. And my beliefs are broad. I’m wise beyond my years. There’s nothing school could teach me. And yet the government comes seeking my advice.”
“I’m a baby, so I’m new. A lot of people appreciate that about me. And when I’m big, there’ll be other new babies who need someone.”
“One day, I will have an all-consuming childhood dream. The only thing I want. And it will never happen. I’ll be known for something else. I’m Baby – and I’m gonna catch the other Masked Singers napping!”
“A lot of people look at me. Thousands and thousands at a time. I wanted it to be lots more but that just didn’t play out. Early on, I got used to not being first. I have a distinguished sporting pedigree. Only one of four people to hold this honour. But don’t work up a sweat about it.”
“I like my booties. Do you? I think I’ll wear them forever. They are something I just can’t live without. Wah-wah. Wah-wah. I really like that sound. And I love the sound of steam.”
“I’m Baby and winning The Masked Singer is my birthright!”
“I’m a Baby so I should enjoy dribbling but I don’t! I want the big score, like a gift from heaven. I want to know my future, I don’t think I’ll have to wait long for it all to happen. Not death! Run away, run away!”
“Maybe I should get into music? Although I have so much trouble with choruses, I oppose them one-on-one. I like to play where it’s warm not where it’s cold. Maybe that’s why my family headed north. I’m a baby, and I’m going to take the Masked Singer trophy!”
“We all need to change….but I don’t want you to see my bot-bot. That is something I dread all the time. That and my American Thighs.”
“From the very start, I felt weary. Like an old mid-60s Holden. Lately, I’ve been feeling more benevolent. I’m just a baby, which means I cry when I really want to roar. But I get my voice out there. I’m heard and I have a lot to say. Being a baby means having a lot of trust in others. Whether it’s one other person or a few more.”
“I’m Baby, and I want to win real bad!”
Vampire
“I’m not of this world or the other but you will all be entranced by my unexpected power.”
“I am Vampire and I am eternal. I do not fear the daylight, I embraced it and it embraced me. It fed me when I most needed it. I am the child of Vampires. Who I am runs through my blood, it always has.”
“But vampires age slowly. As a Vampire, I have unexpected power. I don’t wish to be unkind but do not underestimate me. Werewolves fear gold. Vampires do not. We revel in it. The heavier the better.”
“I am Vampire and I am forever!”
“I am Vampire, a creature others should fear. I am a modern Vampire. The old church holds no fear for me. But that does not make me a hero. Unlike most vampires, I glimpsed my future in the Daylight. I knew there would be difficulties but I should fear nothing. Vampires do not concern ourselves with the stupid things.”
“The nations of the earth have cheered me on. Tears have flowed too. I have not slept since my teenage years. My life is like a waking dream.”
“I am Vampire and no Masked Singer can stand against me!”
“I am Vampire. Tremble before me! Am I a creature of Transylvania? Close. But I have walked most of the earth. Like a grand duchess, I rule all before me. Vampires have no age. We are timeless. A lifetime is but a day. I shall never be a crone.”
“The nighttime belongs to Vampires. It is when we work and play. It is what I wanted, long before you ever heard my name.”
“I am Vampire and I shall rule tonight!”
“I am Vampire, mystery surrounds me. Am I a killer? That is a stage I went through. But I love life in all its erratic, blood-pumping beauty. What I wear is proof of that. I was scarred by my childhood. Surrounded constantly by my dream that always seemed to slip away into the distance. I thought I wouldn’t make the cut!”
“Even for Vampires, it is a world for men but I have conquered that world. Being a man that no man could be.”
“I am Vampire and I cannot be vanquished!”
“I am Vampire and my kind shall rule the earth. For too long, I walked between two worlds. Forever in the grey zone. I was unloved by my own but strangers took me into their hearts. It’s important to do the thing you love, without fear. But some people just can’t stay. In my younger years, I was sustained by a craze. Now I walk alone.”
“For Vampires, age is just a state of mind. We can appear as old or as young as we want.”
“I am Vampire and I shall never die in this competition!”
“No one dares stand against the Vampire. Even for a vampire, life has disappointment. The undead have troubles. Are sick and tired. But we stand tall and carry on. Vampires speak many tongues but can be unheard by those closest to us. This is my truth.”
“I am the undead but I live life every day. I have learnt to wait for patience is a virtue. I followed my own golden brick road. But not just gold. When troubles way heavy on your heart, see the world through rose-tinted glasses.”
“I am Vampire and I am queen of the night tonight!”
“Vampire is like me in so many ways. We both walk the space between two worlds, I wasn’t comfortable with that at first but I am now. Time gives wisdom and vampires have a lot of time. Two hearts beat inside this costume, mine and Vampire’s. Hers is fearless and I hope mine is too.”
“I am Vampire and I shall rule tonight!”
Piñata
“I’m Piñata and I’m a glorious thoroughbred steed who loves celebrations.”
“I’m the Piñata and this time I’m taking a big stick to the opposition. I’ve moved many, many times chasing my dreams luckily I’m comfortable with both home and away. Piñatas don’t have claws usually. I’ve learned to be aggressive, other times I’m soft and cuddly. When I started my career I had the luck of the Irish and my luck never really left me, I bet my name on it!”
“Although I did back the wrong group in Melbourne. My brethren have supported me all the way, to be sure, to be sure. You’d never guess I was a scholar. Looks can be deceiving, right? You haven’t seen everything piñata has to offer, I’ve got plenty of surprises inside!”
“I’m a Piñata which means I can take punishment, but I’ve got plenty of hits under my belt too! In my business, natural talent only gets you so far. To be successful, you really have to try. And no horsing around.”
“I’m colourful – and I’m comfortable with others dressed colourfully. Red, yellow, purple, whatever. And I’m not afraid to unwrap my presents in public.”
“This Piñata ain’t just hanging around! I’m going to fly like I always do.”
Lightning
“This lightning might shock you but be warned, I never strike the same place twice.”
“I am Lightning and you never know where I’ll strike next. Lightning affects the airwaves and my interference got noticed young. I know how to make you notice me. I made other waves when I was young too! Solid stakes, absolutely! But I left the gold behind. Am I driven? More self-directed. Following the path of least resistance, going with the flow, not too many wrong turns. Although one crash did hurt.”
“I’ve been richer and I’ve been poor, nine months a year without a home. Don’t underestimate a good education!”
“Will I win The Masked Singer? Well, Lightning will always have a crack!”
“I am Lightning – high voltage all the time! Do water and electricity mix? Not usually. But I’m flexible in what I do. After all, you’re not 21 forever. Although I ran a good race in Rio I got tired of staying in my own lane. No more. Strike while the lightning is hot. Lightning has a voice – and it has always been heard. Many millions have heard me speak. And I speak for those who have no words.”
“Lightning only goes in one direction. And that made all the difference. I’ve already survived one round of The Masked Singer. Tonight, Lightning strikes twice.”
“I’m Lightning and I have the power to light up the world. Nailed it. Lightning never stays still. I dance about everywhere – and I always have. I hit a town and move on.”
“You might think Lightning fears nothing. But I believe in facing my fears. That’s “So Lightning” of me. I’m not afraid to hand out advice. I’m also not afraid to cry in public. But I am afraid to be alone. I don’t want to be single.”
“I am Lightning. Tonight, hear me thunder!”
“I am Lightning and I am a miracle. You never see one bolt of lightning on its own. We work together, we are here because of each other! No fortune teller could predict I would be here today. For a long time, even I didn’t know where I would be from day-to-day. I just make it up as I go along!”
“Lightning and thunder go everywhere together. In my case, Lightning follows thunder. It is the dance we do.”
“I am Lightning and I promise you will remember me!”
Volcano
“I’m a hottie and you don’t want to be around when this volcano starts smoking!”
“I am the volcano and you never know when I’ll blow my top. Volcanos are here for a long time, not a good time. I know I have some dragon in my history and that’s not unusual. I don’t want to get emotional but I remember when Hollywood called, cultural differences were very big.”
“But I’m someone who believes in grabbing life by the you-know-what. Whatever you think of me, respect my three records although you probably only know about one. Back when I was having the time of my life.”
“Us volcanos believe in fighting fire with fire. Will I blow my top again? You can set your watch by it.”
Atlantis
“I am Queen of the ocean and my mysterious siren call captivates the entire world.”
“I am the great Atlantis and I am the queen of all I see. I am a goddess of water, I am fluid taking many shapes and forms but I have been punished just for being who I am and I have been rewarded for the same reason. I am a creature of the sea, the ocean was my original home. The land holds mystery and disappointment for me.”
“My world is colourful, but you wouldn’t know it. It’s not just black and white. Fashions come and go but words can last forever. Life is like that. I heard the siren of Hollywood many times, but Washington only once. It was one of life’s happy accidents. I am Atlantis and I shall be your queen.”
“I am Atlantis – deep, mysterious and powerful. Am I Chinese? It would be easy to have that belief. But I wasn’t there long. The west was where my ambition led me. Like the waves, my path has not been straight. But like water, nothing can hold me back for long.”
“Words have been my life but also my greatest danger. You don’t like what I have to say? Many others do. Don’t confuse me for a shop girl. Or Marilyn either. Perhaps I am a do-gooder? I would be happy with that.”
“I am Atlantis – and no one can resist a force of nature.”
“I am Atlantis and I am bringing the storm! I am who I am – although the papers may not agree. That’s my trouble. But children believe in me and I believe in them. My voice has been my downfall and my saviour. But I learnt from the greatest when I knew so little. And what I achieved is epic.”
“The great Atlantis has no true nemesis. No enemy. But there is still much to fear in my home.”
“I am Atlantis and I shall have my justice!”
Dolly
“Pull this dolly’s string and I’ll talk, but I’m going to be the dolly I want to be.”
“Hello, I’m Dolly and I’m quite the young lady but underneath is a different story. Just because I am a dolly doesn’t mean I’m a toy. I’ve always aimed high, good enough is never good enough. Things have to be just so.”
“I don’t mind a bit of back and forth. In fact, I’m rather famous for it. Everyone expects Dolly to be a good girl. Well, I’m the type of Dolly I want to be. My dreams aren’t what they used to be. I’ve been through a change and I’m definitely off the leash. People think Dollys should be seen and not heard. Well, not this Dolly.”
“I’m Dolly – and there’s more to me than you think. I’m a Dolly…not a Dolly bird. After missing my dream in Sydney, 2004 was when I made my mark. Am I the Queen? Yes. But also the Joker. Was it my dream to be a Dolly? No, it wasn’t. But I’ve made a career of being in the right place at the right time.”
“The heart is unpredictable. It has its needs. But remember: tomorrow is a brand new day. I’m Dolly and let me warn you: I’m nobody’s plaything!”
“I’m the Dolly and you’re learning not to underestimate me. Dollies don’t usually have a lot to say unless you pull their string. But this Dolly will never be silenced! Dollies are meant to like pretty things like rainbows, but they just make me angry. Not that I like to make waves. Actually… I do like it!”
“Hmm, it’s hard to decide what sort of Dolly I should be. So many choices. That one? Or maybe this one? Which version of Dolly do you prefer?”
“I’m Dolly and I sound as pretty as I look!”
“I’m Dolly and I grab everyone’s attention. Don’t accuse this Dolly of being shallow. When rejected I don’t give up I just come back stronger and brighter. Some dollies seek the limelight, not me I just do my thing and fate does the rest. It’s a Dolly’s prerogative to change her mind, even an industrious Dolly like me – that doesn’t make me a diva!”
“You don’t have to be fit to be a Dolly but I can’t imagine life any other way. Let’s get physical!”
“This Dolly has stopped playing. This is business!”
“Am I a wise Dolly? I don’t know about that, but I know my group is. I’ve known the pleasure of diamonds my entire life. Nothing else will do. Is that how I got my peaches and cream complexion? Only my mother would know.”
“Nobody dreams of going back to where they started from. Well, almost nobody. Now, I’m moving forward. Where? Not A to Z because I put Z behind me. Am I hot? For a while, I was well below proper body temperature. Am I nerdy? Now you’re closer.”
“I’m Dolly and I’m here to play hard!”
“Dressed like this, Dolly has to steer slowly. But on the inside, I’m always on the go casting around for fun. With my special two hands, I shouldn’t box. I’m quite good, but I’m not the fairest of them all. My age of achievements is over. I’m happy off grid.”
“This Dolly looks pretty in pink. But what’s my favourite colour? White? That doesn’t sound right. Maybe violet or indigo. On a clear night like this, you meet many stars. But it all moves in cycles.”
“I’m Dolly and I’m feeling playful!”
“At first sight, Dolly isn’t like me at all, but then you see she has a certain grace and a level of whimsy that makes me laugh. It’s not an easy costume, but that gives me an even greater sense of achievement!”
“Dolly’s big, she’s bold and she’s beautiful! How can I not love Dolly? I’m Dolly and I sound as pretty as I look.”
Kebab
“Everybody loves a late night kebab, but this kebab might be a bit saucy for the sensitive types.”
“Yeah I’m the Kebab and I reckon I got the lot. I never stop. I’m at it all day every day, there’s nothing else I ever wanted to be. I’m like the inner-city; quiet at times but a bit of hot sauce, I go off. A real wild one!”
“I’ll let you in on a little secret. I get kissed by strangers! It’s the tender meat that does the trick. It’s great being the kebab and working for yourself. If you’re not the type who needs other people, hey man be cool, move on bro! I’m the Kebab and I can be spectacular!”
“I’m the Kebab and I’m totally satisfying! We kebabs have a long and proud history stretching all the way back to William the Conqueror. But me? I’m Australian as. A real beach baby. Catch you later!”
“Do you know why kebab vans have wheels? Because we’re always on the move. But we keep coming back to the best spot. Do you remember the first time you had a Kebab? Unforgettable, right? Is the first time always the best?”
“I am the Kebab – and I’m all saucy tonight!”
“Yeah, I’m the Kebab – always ready for a big night! I spilled some fat here on Tuesday. This isn’t the first time I’ve cleaned up.”
“A bit more. You can’t have too much bleach! Am I right?”
“There’s a lot of lambs for meat out there. But don’t stick your head up…because you might lose it. Kebabs can be amazing or dreadful. Either way, we enjoy ‘em, right?”
“I’m the Kebab – and I’m in for a great night!”
“Hey, I’m Kebab! You know you like me. You know, I’ve been compared to other types of food, like I’m Australia’s answer to a hot dog. Yeah, no! I’m a Kebab! But I wasn’t always happy being a kebab, the life of a fast food can be lonely. Kebabs are a little exotic, I know I am!”
“You never describe me as white bread. And vanilla? Forget about it. Do you know the secret to a great kebab? It’s all about the filler. I mean filling! Lamb, beef, chicken, doesn’t matter! Anything you can find in the deli.”
“I’m Kebab and you’ll love every moment with me!”
“I’m Kebab and I reckon I’m everyone’s guilty pleasure! I like to look good. Nobody likes a messy Kebab. And as a kebab, I’m pretty desirable. A certain celebrity thinks so too. Wink wink. But what happens on the kebab van, stays on the kebab van.”
“I shot for the moon once. Did I aim too high? I don’t think so. One taste of a Kebab and you know I’m a winner. But it’s an Aussie flavour others don’t appreciate.”
“I’m the Kebab, and I’m the King of late night!”
“I’m the Kebab and I know you want some! Am I beef? Wouldn’t say that, mate. Am I chicken? I’ve proved I’m not. I might be lamb. Lamb to the slaughter. Am I Australia’s favourite late night, high energy treat? Yes I am. Better than some stuff I’ve eaten.”
“I love the nightlife. It’s when I do my best work. Off duty, I like to frock up for fun.”
“I’m the Kebab and I reckon I’m delivering up something real tasty tonight!”
Professor
“I am Professor. I want to experiment and push the boundaries of our reality.”
“I’m the Professor and I want to make the world a better place. Am I opinionated? The answer must be yes but that’s not news. Knowledge is very important to me, even if it’s not the type you find at university. Our mother universe is huge, the possibilities for love are just as big as long as we have some faith.”
“I’m a Scientist. I don’t believe in conspiracy theories. I’m always searching for the answer for the right cues. I like to think outside the square, it makes me an outsider but that’s okay. I like to break stereotypes and go where others don’t. I am Professor, I’m going to win The Masked Singer.”
“I am Professor – and the universe is my playground. Success in my field comes when you least expect it. It can be a young scientist’s game. But it is all a search for the meaning of life and love. Understanding is the heart of science. There are some things science can’t do yet. Like work out why everyone likes Mary. Or make the perfect beer.
“I don’t have the Nobel Prize – yet. But you need more than ten fingers to count the big awards I’ve won. It’s the side projects that add colour to my life.
“I am Professor – and I know how to win The Masked Singer!”
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