Now in its fourth season, the U.S. version of The Masked Singer is a certified reality competition hit. From its elaborately wild costumes to its wide variety of celebrity contestants, the show has several elements that make it pretty appealing for stars who are approached to participate. However, not every celebrity who's been invited to take part in the fun has been up for it. Some regret it, some perhaps don't—but they all had their reasons. Keep reading to find out which stars turned down The Masked Singer, and for some of our best guesses as to the identity of a current frontrunner, check out The Sun's Latest "Masked Singer" Performance May Have Given Her Away.
1 Nadine Coyle
Nadine Coyle, a member of the former British girl group Girls Aloud, was approached to compete on the U.K. version of The Masked Singer. She told OK! magazine (as reported by Digital Spy), "It felt a bit too close to what I already do for a living. But it's such a fun and great concept!"
Coyle also told the outlet that she knew her bandmate Nicola Roberts had taken producers up on their offer when she heard her voice in a commercial for the show. Roberts went on to win her whole season, so Girls Aloud were well represented despite Coyle's pass.
And for more former groups you used to love, check out 11 Bands That Went on a "Hiatus" But Never Came Back.
2 Laila Ali
But wait, you may be thinking, wasn't Laila Ali the Panda in Season 2? She was! But the former pro boxer could have competed on the first season of The Masked Singer. In her exit interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ali explained that she'd been invited to be on the show in its first year on U.S. television, but that it didn't suit her schedule. That wasn't her only reason, however. Understandably, Ali said she "wanted to wait and see where things were to go anyway." The show became a huge hit almost immediately, Ali signed on to compete in Season 2, and the rest is history.
For stars whose vocal abilities may have flown under your radar, check out 17 Celebrities You Didn't Know Could Sing.
3 Tori Spelling
Like Ali, 90210 star Tori Spelling was a "no" before she was a "yes." In fact, she declined the offer to compete three times before finally singing on and singing as the Unicorn.
"I was like, 'OK, why am I saying no? It's two of my biggest fears: performing and singing," she recalled to ET. "'I'm saying no immediately.' Yet I'm raising five children who I'm telling them, 'You can be anything you want to be. You can do anything!' And here I am already just shutting things down. So I'm just like, 'OK, I guess I have to do this!"
For more entertainment insight sent right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
4 Sharon Osbourne
In 2019, Sharon Osbourne revealed in an appearance on The Talk (via People) that she was in discussion to be on the original judges panel for The Masked Singer, but that she ultimately had to turn down the job because of her commitment to The X Factor U.K. Then, she claims, X Factor boss Simon Cowell fired her from that show for being "too old." Originally, Osbourne had said that it was her decision to leave the British talent series.
Fortunately, that wasn't the end of the reality TV matriarch's relationship with the wacky singing competition show. She's appeared on The Masked Singer as a guest judge, impressing fans with her savvy guessing skills.
For the reality show stars who've flown the highest, check out The 30 Most Successful Reality TV Personalities of the Last 30 Years.
5 Jerry Springer
Some guessed that the Taco—who was revealed to be Dancing With the Stars host Tom Bergeron—was actually talk show legend Jerry Springer. In a 2019 appearance on NBC's Access Daily, Springer (who also competed on DWTS) was coy about whether or not he'd been asked to do the singing show. Rumor has it though that he turned the gig down.
And for more DWTS alumni you forgot about, here are 25 Celebrities You Won't Believe Did "Dancing With the Stars."
Sage Young Sage Young is the Deputy Entertainment Editor at Best Life, expanding and honing our coverage in this vertical by managing a team of industry-obsessed writers.Read moreFiled UnderCelebrities • Entertainment • Music • NewsRead This NextThis "Masked Singer" Has to Be a Pop Star
Her cover of "My Heart Will Go On" stunned judges and fans alike.October 15, 2020The Sun Is a "Masked Singer" to Beat
Fans are almost 100 percent sure that they know who sang "Praying" last night.October 8, 2020"Masked Singer" Fans Know Who the Serpent Is
After his performance of “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)," Twitter was full of theories.October 7, 2020'90s Reality TV Show Stars, Then and Now
From <em>Real World</em> roommates to late-night dating show hosts.October 27, 2020The 18 Most Hated Reality TV Villains
You might have loved to hate these reality show villains—or maybe you just couldn't stand them.August 10, 2020The 30 Most Successful Reality TV Stars
These reality TV stars have found mainstream success outside of the shows that made them famous.July 21, 202019 Reality TV Shows You Totally Forgot Existed
From <em>Gallery Girls</em> to <em>Harry Loves Lisa</em>, these forgotten reality shows might deserve another look.November 22, 201920 Super Successful Musicians Who Got Their Start on Reality Shows
The real stars of "Star Search" and the true idols of "American Idol."October 12, 201910 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016
