Season 12 of the widely beloved show The Masked Singer will, to the disappointment of many fans, continue without the vibrant presence of Nicole Scherzinger. Having been a staple on the panel, her absence since season 11, which followed her departure after season 10 in 2023, has left viewers wondering: Why Did Nicole Leave Masked Singer? The answer lies in a blend of exciting career opportunities that have taken her from the judging panel to the bright lights of the stage.
The primary reason for Nicole Scherzinger’s departure from The Masked Singer is her captivating role in the West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, Sunset Boulevard. She took on the lead role in this prestigious production, which premiered in London in September 2023 for a limited 16-week engagement. Her performance was met with critical acclaim, culminating in her winning the coveted Best Actress in a Musical award at the 2024 Laurence Olivier Awards. This significant role required her full attention and commitment, making it impossible for her to simultaneously participate in the filming of season 11 of The Masked Singer.
Nicole Scherzinger on The Masked Singer panel, a popular judge who is taking a break to pursue her Broadway career in Sunset Boulevard.
The success of Sunset Boulevard didn’t end in London. In March 2024, an exciting announcement confirmed that the production would be transferring to Broadway in New York City, starting in September 2024. Nicole Scherzinger is set to reprise her award-winning role, further solidifying her dedication to this project and extending her absence from The Masked Singer for season 12. This transition to Broadway represents a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her versatility and talent on a global stage.
Beyond her theatrical commitments, Nicole Scherzinger has been actively involved in other projects. During the interim between the West End production and the commencement of Broadway rehearsals, she enjoyed a summer of travel and performances. She vacationed around the world with her fiancé, Thom Evans, and graced the stages of various music festivals, demonstrating her continued passion for music and live performance.
Adding another dimension to her busy schedule, August 2024 saw Nicole announced as a judge and mentor for a brand-new Netflix series titled Building the Band. This innovative show, alongside Liam Payne and Kelly Rowland, aims to discover the next big musical sensation with a unique twist: artists initially form connections without seeing each other. Hosted by A.J. McLean, Building the Band explores the dynamics of band formation based on chemistry and musicality, rather than solely on visual appeal. Executive producer Cat Lawson highlighted the show’s unique premise, emphasizing the focus on genuine connection and musical talent, promising audiences a captivating journey of band creation.
In light of these significant and time-consuming commitments – starring in Sunset Boulevard on both West End and Broadway, judging Building the Band, and maintaining her music career – it became clear that Nicole Scherzinger’s schedule simply could not accommodate a return to The Masked Singer for its 12th season.
Who is Replacing Nicole Scherzinger on ‘The Masked Singer’?
To fill the void left by Nicole, Rita Ora stepped in as her replacement for both seasons 11 and 12 of The Masked Singer. Rita Ora, no stranger to the Masked Singer format, having served as a panelist on the U.K. version for four seasons, expressed her excitement about joining the US panel in September 2023. Her return for season 12 was confirmed in June 2024, bringing her own brand of energy and expertise to the guessing game. While Rita Ora has settled into the panel, Fox has indicated that casting decisions beyond season 12 are still open, leaving the door potentially ajar for Nicole Scherzinger’s future return.
Nicole herself has expressed deep affection for The Masked Singer and her role as a panelist. In a previous interview with Entertainment Weekly, she enthusiastically affirmed her desire to remain with the show, emphasizing her love for the Masked Singer family and the enjoyment she derives from the job. Whether her current ventures are a temporary hiatus or signal a longer-term shift remains to be seen, but for now, fans can enjoy her performances on stage and screen while welcoming Rita Ora to the Masked Singer panel.
Returning to The Masked Singer panel for 2024 alongside Rita Ora are familiar faces: Robin Thicke, Ken Jeong, and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg. Nick Cannon continues to host the show, maintaining the consistent lineup that viewers have come to know and love since season 1.
