The Masked Singer is one of the country’s most talked-about shows, thanks to its cryptic clues, star power and its recent shutdown after it was rocked by a wave of COVID infections on set.
But how the stars are voted off has raised concern.
This year, the pandemic restrictions in Victoria have seen the show’s studio audience moved online.
Forget the judges, it’s the producers who have the voting power Image: Channel Ten
Before filming, eager fans were asked to sign up to watch the tapings and place their vote.
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But doubt and disappointment has been cast on the validity of their participation after fans flocked to a Facebook group to point out the show appeared to be recycling their webcam audience appearances across several episodes!
“They like mixing up the Zoom meetings,” said a fan, who noticed two of their separate audience appearances had appeared on the same episode.
What’s more, one audience member from the 2019 season reveals she suspects the voting is fudged.
Voting has been a cause for concern Image: Channel Ten
“You’re handed an iPhone so it appears you’re voting, but it all seems fake,” says the source.
According to one industry insider, it’s the producers who likely dictate who gets eliminated – based on contracts and availability of the celebrities – and not so much the show’s four judges and audience.
How much say do the judges really have? Image: Channel Ten
Concerns have been raised that the eliminations have been planned Image: Channel Ten
“The eliminations are decided based on contracts,” says the source, who adds that it’s often hard to book in big names for long filming days.
“The judges decide who goes home during the taping, but there’s a lot of pre-planning that makes sure the right celebrities are competing against one another.”
Over the weekend, the show was rocked by scandal yet again when it was revealed production had been shut down just hours before the season finale after seven dancers had tested positive to COVID-19.
“The entire production team, including the masked singers, the host and panellists are now in self-isolation. They are all being monitored closely and are in constant contact with medical authorities,” a statement from Channel 10 said.
The show will continue to air episodes as usual on Mondays and Tuesdays. As for how they will tackle the grand finale remains to be seen.
