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The Masked Singer Brasil

The Masked Singer Brasil is a reality singing competition television series in which contestants perform songs while disguised in elaborate costumes and masks that conceal their identities, with a of experts and the to eliminate performers until the winner is revealed in the finale. Based on the South Korean format , the show emphasizes mystery, clues provided through performances and hints, and the surprise of unmaskings. The series premiered on TV Globo on August 10, 2021, and concluded after five seasons on March 30, 2025, produced by Endemol Shine Brasil in collaboration with Globo's Central Globo de Produção. It was initially hosted by singer Ivete Sangalo for the first four seasons (2021–2024), who appeared in 47 episodes, while the fifth season featured presenter Eliana as host. The panel of investigators varied across seasons, featuring actress Taís Araújo (44 episodes, seasons 1–4), comedian Eduardo Sterblitch (35 episodes, seasons 1–3), singer Simone Mendes (season 1), comedian Tatá Werneck (seasons 2 and 5), actress Sabrina Sato (seasons 3–5), and later additions including actors José Loreto and Paulo Vieira (season 4) as well as singer Belo and actor Tony Ramos (season 5). Each season typically featured 12 to 14 masked celebrities divided into groups, performing weekly with eliminations based on audience and panel votes, culminating in a cash prize that increased over seasons, from R$150,000 in season 1 to R$250,000 in season 5. The production incorporated high-production-value elements, such as custom lighting with Claypaky fixtures for the elaborate stage setups at venues like the WTC Events Center in São Paulo. Notable for its appeal to diverse audiences through humor, music, and celebrity reveals, the series achieved strong viewership on Globo, contributing to the network's reality TV portfolio during its run.

Premise and format

Rules and gameplay

The Masked Singer Brasil follows a competition format where masked celebrities perform songs while concealing their identities, with the goal of avoiding elimination through votes from the and . Each typically features the remaining contestants divided into groups or performing individually, live with accompanying clues about their identities provided via video packages and on-stage hints. Performances are evaluated based on overall entertainment value, including vocals, stage presence, and creativity, rather than technical ability alone. The show airs weekly, with episodes structured around these performances followed by deliberation and unmasking. Voting combines input from the and the of judges. The approximately 120 audience members use individual handheld devices to vote in real-time after each performance or , selecting their preferred contestant by pressing a corresponding number, which generates percentage-based results displayed on screen. The panelists provide commentary, guesses, and decide eliminations after duels, determining safe advancements and those at risk. In a standard episode, the highest-scoring performers advance directly, while the bottom two or three (depending on the round) face an elimination with additional songs; the then decides who is eliminated. Upon elimination, the contestant removes their on , revealing their to the , , and , who announces the results. Advancing contestants remain masked and compete in subsequent episodes until the season's end. A season begins with 12 to 16 contestants, eliminating one per episode through quarterfinals and semifinals, narrowing to three or four finalists for the grand finale, where the winner receives a and, in early seasons, a cash prize of around R$100,000, but does not unmask until after victory. The format has remained largely consistent across seasons, with minor variations such as group challenges or double eliminations introduced in later installments to heighten drama.

Costumes and clues

The costumes in The Masked Singer Brasil are elaborate full-body outfits designed to completely conceal the celebrities' identities, typically representing animals, mythical creatures, or other fictional characters, and are produced by Endemol Shine Brasil, with Season 3 designs in collaboration with designers Gabriel Haddad and Leonardo Bora. These outfits incorporate advanced technologies such as 3D printing for lightweight structures, automated movements, LED effects, and integrated cooling systems to ensure performer comfort during extended wear, involving teams of around 20 collaborators at studios like Bolinha Studios in São Paulo. Materials draw from Brazilian Carnival traditions, including feathers, embroidered fabrics, and translucent elements, emphasizing visual spectacle and functionality like adapted microphones and motorized platforms to enhance performances without revealing silhouettes. Clue packages consist of pre-recorded videos played before each performance, featuring cryptic hints about the celebrity's career, personal life, or cultural references, often delivered with voice distortion to maintain anonymity. These segments provide layered puzzles that encourage speculation among the panel and audience. The guessing process relies on panelists analyzing the clues, the modulated voice, and performance style to speculate on identities, with the host facilitating on-stage discussions and direct questions to the masked performers after each act. Viewers participate via audience votes, but the core intrigue stems from the panel's interpretations during breaks and post-performance reveals. Over time, the format has evolved to include virtual costumes starting in season 4, such as digital representations like Nuvem (Cloud), rendered through for remote or thematic appearances. Early seasons featured thematic groupings, such as in the first and mythical beings in the second, progressing to more innovative designs blending technology and fantasy. Cultural adaptations tailor clues to Brazilian celebrities, incorporating references to local music genres, television history, and national events to resonate with the audience and reflect the participants' ties to the country's entertainment landscape.

Production

Development

Endemol Shine Brasil secured the rights to adapt the internationally successful format The Masked Singer for Brazilian television, partnering with Iessi Music Entertainment and Universal Music in late April 2021 to produce the local version. This collaboration was driven by the format's global popularity, originating from the South Korean King of Mask Singer and adapted in over 50 countries. TV Globo joined as co-producer and broadcaster, marking a significant investment in unscripted entertainment amid the format's rising appeal during the COVID-19 era. The series was officially announced in April 2021, with the first season slated for premiere in the second half of the year. Casting for Brazilian celebrities commenced shortly thereafter, navigating production delays from the ongoing pandemic through remote auditions and safety protocols. was selected as host early in the planning phase to leverage her prominence in Brazilian music and television. The inaugural season received final approval for an August 2021 launch on Globo's Sunday lineup. Creative adaptations tailored the format to Brazilian audiences, featuring clues delivered in and drawing from local cultural references, such as figures and regional icons in designs. Costumes and sets emphasized elaborate, high-production , including advanced lighting and immersive , aligning with Globo's standards for flagship entertainment shows. The debut season's strong viewership prompted Globo to renew the series for a second season in October 2021, shifting it to a weekly Sunday slot starting January 2022. Subsequent renewals followed annually based on sustained performance: season 3 in late 2022, season 4 announced in early 2024 following the end of season 3, and season 5 confirmed in August 2024 for a January 2025 premiere. After the fifth season concluded on March 30, 2025, Globo announced in July 2025 that the series would end, citing programming realignments and declining audience metrics in recent episodes as factors in the decision. No sixth season is planned.

Filming and production

Filming for The Masked Singer Brasil takes place primarily in studios within the metropolitan area. The first season was recorded at the Espaço Golden Hall within the Events Center in . Subsequent seasons, including the fifth, utilized Shine Brasil's facilities in . The sets incorporate elaborate designs enhanced by LED screens that create dynamic, immersive backgrounds synchronized with performances. Production timelines for each season are structured around pre-airing blocks to facilitate secrecy and efficiency, typically spanning several weeks for 10 to 12 episodes. For example, the fifth season's filming commenced in November 2024 ahead of its January 2025 premiere. Early seasons adhered to stringent protocols, including mandatory vaccinations, on-site testing, and isolation measures for participants and members, marking the first Globo program to feature a live post-pandemic restrictions. Technical production emphasizes and spectacle, with voice distortion applied during live performances to mask contestants' identities. is handled using Claypaky fixtures, such as Sharpy Plus RGBW beams, to illuminate elaborate costume reveals and stage effects. The series is directed by Marcelo Amiky, with artistic supervision by Adriano Ricco. High is maintained through non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) binding all crew and participants, combined with logistical measures like isolated transport, hooded disguises, and restricted communication among contestants. Post-production involves meticulous editing of clue packages—pre-recorded videos providing hints about contestants—alongside synchronization of performances and reveals. Opening themes vary by season to reflect thematic elements; the first season featured "Mistério," performed by host .

Hosts and panelists

Hosts

The main host of The Masked Singer Brasil from its premiere in 2021 through season 4 in 2024 was singer , a prominent figure in Brazilian music known for her energetic performances and multiple albums topping charts. In this role, Sangalo announced contestant performances, moderated interactions with the judging panel, facilitated audience and panel guesses about masked celebrities' identities, and oversaw unmasking reveals at the end of each episode. Her charismatic and engaging style, drawing from her background as a live performer, became a signature element of the show's format, helping to build excitement around the mystery and musical elements. Sangalo stepped down after season 4 to focus more on her music career and personal projects, citing challenges in balancing the demanding production schedule with her touring and recording commitments. For season 5 in 2025, Eliana Michaelichen took over as the main host, bringing her experience from long-running variety shows to inject fresh energy into the program. Eliana continued the core duties of announcing performances, guiding guesses, and handling reveals, while emphasizing a lively interaction with contestants and viewers. There have been no co-hosts in any season, keeping the main hosting role singular to maintain focus on the masked performances. The backstage host position, responsible for interviewing eliminated contestants post-unmasking, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, and providing additional clues to the audience, has seen several changes. In season 1, influencer filled this role, recently contracted by Globo and tasked with revealing production mysteries and engaging viewers in guesses. For seasons 2 and 3, singer , the season 1 winner as "Unicórnio," was promoted to backstage host, leveraging her firsthand experience to conduct interviews and explore dressing rooms for hints. Starting in season 4, journalist assumed the position, bringing her broadcasting expertise to continue the tradition of backstage revelations and contestant chats, a role she retained for season 5 to ensure continuity. Occasional guest appearances have featured panelists performing in specials, such as comedian participating in duets during the 2024 episode hosted by to heighten the festive atmosphere. These appearances add variety without altering the core hosting structure across regular seasons.

Panelists

The panel of The Masked Singer Brasil consists of four regular panelists tasked with guessing the disguised celebrities' identities based on performances and cryptic clues, while also providing feedback to enhance the show's entertainment value. Selected from a mix of actors, singers, and comedians, the panel offers diverse insights into vocal styles, cultural references, and clue interpretations, contributing to the program's investigative and humorous tone. In the first season (2021), the panel included actor , singer , comedian Eduardo Sterblitch, and actress , who remained consistent throughout the run. For the second season (2022), (comedian and actress) replaced Simone Mendes, with Sterblitch, Lombardi, and Araújo returning to maintain continuity while adding fresh comedic energy. The third season (2023) introduced (television host) and actor Mateus Solano, replacing Werneck and Lombardi, alongside continuing panelists Sterblitch and Araújo. The fourth season (2024) featured actor and comedian Paulo Vieira replacing Sterblitch and Solano, with and Sato returning for added familiarity. In the fifth season (2025), singer Belo and veteran actor joined as newcomers, paired with returning panelists Werneck and Sato. The following table summarizes the regular panel line-up across seasons:
SeasonPanelists
1 (2021), , Eduardo Sterblitch,
2 (2022)Eduardo Sterblitch, , ,
3 (2023)Eduardo Sterblitch, , , Mateus Solano
4 (2024), , , Paulo Vieira
5 (2025)Belo, , ,
Occasional guest panelists join for select episodes to vary discussions, such as actor in season 4. Notable contributions from panelists include Sterblitch's signature humor, which often injects levity through playful comparisons and jokes during deliberations across his three seasons. Araújo stands out for her detailed clue analysis, adeptly connecting hints to reveal potential identities, as seen in her season 1 breakthrough on the costume. These rotations refresh the panel's dynamics annually, introducing varied expertise to keep guesses engaging and unpredictable.

Seasons

Season 1 (2021)

The first season of The Masked Singer Brasil premiered on August 10, 2021, on , hosted by alongside an original panel featuring , , Eduardo Sterblitch, and Simone. The season consisted of 9 episodes, airing weekly on Tuesdays, and concluded with the finale on October 19, 2021. Filming took place from July 23 to August 19, 2021, at the Events Center in , under strict secrecy protocols that isolated contestants in moletom attire with guardians to prevent identity leaks. The competition involved 12 celebrities performing in disguise, with costumes drawing from animals, mythical creatures, and Brazilian motifs, including Unicórnio (unicorn), Monstro (monster), Arara (macaw), and Gata Espelhada (mirrored cat). These elaborate designs incorporated local cultural elements, such as the Boi-Bumbá inspired by Amazonian folklore and Coqueiro evoking coastal imagery, adding a distinctive national flavor to the international format. In the finale, Priscilla Alcântara was revealed as Unicórnio, securing the win, while Nicolas Prattes unmasked as Monstro to claim runner-up. Early eliminations, including unmaskings in the premiere , heightened suspense by placing unexpected contestants at risk, and the panel's initial guesses demonstrated low accuracy, contributing to the 's intrigue. Production adapted to the with enhanced health protocols, marking a cautious debut amid ongoing restrictions.

Season 2 (2022)

The second season of The Masked Singer Brasil premiered on January 23, 2022, on , building on the success of the inaugural season by introducing refinements to while maintaining core elements like elaborate costumes and clue-based guessing. Aired on evenings, the season consisted of 13 episodes and concluded with the finale on April 24, 2022. It featured 16 new celebrity contestants divided into three groups (A, B, and C), an expansion from the previous season that allowed for more diverse performances and included the first duo costume, e Maria Bonita, portrayed by and Lexa. The themes leaned heavily into mythical and fantastical elements, exemplified by the winning costume Dragão, alongside others like Leoa and Camaleão. Season 2 marked notable production enhancements, including a higher scale of staging and visual effects to heighten the spectacle, as well as the introduction of group elements through the duo performance, which added collaborative dynamics to the competition. Priscilla Alcântara, the winner of season 1 as Unicórnio, returned in the new role of backstage host and interviewer, providing behind-the-scenes insights and interacting with eliminated contestants. Some unmaskings incorporated surprise callbacks to season 1 clues, creating continuity and fan engagement, such as references to prior performers' hints that puzzled the panel. Comedian Tatá Werneck joined the judging panel alongside returning members Eduardo Sterblitch, Taís Araújo, and Rodrigo Lombardi. The season culminated in the finale with three remaining contestants: Dragão, Camaleão, and Leoa. Actor David Junior, performing as Dragão, emerged as the winner after delivering standout renditions, including a cover of "" by , securing the Masked Singer trophy. Runner-up Thiago Fragoso as Camaleão and third-place finisher Lucy Alves as Leoa rounded out the top contenders, with the finale emphasizing emotional unmaskings and celebratory performances. Notable early eliminations included veteran singer as in the premiere episode and pagode artist Dudu Nobre as Bebê, which set a tone of high-profile reveals throughout the run.

Season 3 (2023)

The third season of The Masked Singer Brasil premiered on January 22, 2023, following a sneak peek episode aired on January 15, 2023, and ran for 12 episodes until its conclusion on April 9, 2023. The season featured 12 celebrities competing in elaborate costumes inspired by nature themes, including DJ Vitória-Régia (a water lily DJ), Abelha-Rainha (), and others drawing from and like turtles, dinosaurs, and alligators. Priscilla Alcântara continued serving as the backstage host, providing behind-the-scenes insights throughout the competition. This season marked the first major refresh to the judging panel, with television presenter and Mateus Solano joining as new panelists alongside returning members and Eduardo Sterblitch. Clues were designed with increased complexity, incorporating layered visual, auditory, and narrative elements tied to the contestants' backgrounds to heighten the mystery and viewer interaction via app voting. In the finale, singer Flay emerged as the winner performing as DJ Vitória-Régia, while singer and television host Larissa Luz placed as runner-up as Abelha-Rainha; the third-place finisher was Babu Santana as Jacaré. Several notable unmaskings throughout the season, including high-profile celebrities like actress as Vovó Tartaruga and singer Thiago Oliveira as Coruja, generated significant buzz and boosted social media engagement, with the program reaching over 98 million people across platforms. These reveals contributed to the season's cultural impact, emphasizing the show's blend of music, mystery, and celebrity surprise in entertainment.

Season 4 (2024)

The fourth season of The Masked Singer Brasil premiered on January 21, 2024, and concluded on April 7, 2024, spanning 12 episodes broadcast on . The season featured 12 celebrity contestants performing in elaborate costumes with diverse themes, including animal-inspired designs such as and , alongside innovative virtual elements. A standout innovation was the introduction of the first fully virtual contestant, Nuvem (Cloud), a digital avatar representing a blue server cloud that performed remotely and advanced to the semifinals before being unmasked as comedian Eduardo Sterblitch. Guest panelists appeared more frequently than in prior seasons, adding fresh perspectives to the investigations alongside the core panel. Notably, and Paulo Vieira debuted as permanent panelists, replacing Eduardo Sterblitch and Mateus Solano. The season emphasized dramatic unmaskings from the drag and music industries, with reveals including singer as Guerreira (Warrior) and composer Luiza Possi as MC Porquinha (Little Pig DJ), highlighting emotional narratives tied to performance arts. In the finale, and singer Silvero Pereira, known for his drag portrayals, won as Bode after delivering powerful renditions, while Ludmillah Anjos placed as runner-up as Preguiça.

Season 5 (2025)

The fifth and final season of The Masked Singer Brasil premiered on January 12, 2025, and concluded on March 30, 2025, spanning 12 episodes broadcast on . This season featured 12 celebrity contestants performing in disguise, with masks inspired by iconic characters from Brazilian telenovelas, such as Odete Roitman from , reflecting the show's thematic ties to Globo's dramatic heritage. The competition emphasized vocal performances and clue-based guessing, culminating in emotional unmaskings that honored the series' legacy. Hosted by , who took over from starting this season, the program introduced fresh dynamics while bidding farewell to the format through special tributes, including nostalgic segments revisiting past seasons' highlights. Panelists included returning members and Belo, alongside and , who received a surprise trophy for accurately guessing the most contestants throughout the season. The finale on March 30 showcased the last three performers—Odete Roitman, Foguinho, and Sol—in a high-stakes showdown, with Odete Roitman emerging as the winner, portrayed by actor and singer Diego Martins, who also earned a R$250,000 prize. Runner-up Foguinho was revealed as actor and singer Jonathan Azevedo, known for his energetic performances that ignited the stage, while third-place Sol was unmasked as singer and actress Jeniffer Nascimento, whose portrayal drew from the resilient protagonist of the Vai na Fé. Notable unmaskings included early reveals like Ruth e Raquel as dancers Scheila Carvalho and Sheila Mello in the premiere episode, tying into the show's history of surprise celebrity pairings, and Candinho as actor , evoking emotional callbacks to classic Globo narratives. These moments underscored the season's role as a poignant endpoint, blending competition with heartfelt reflections on the program's five-year run.

Reception

Viewership

The viewership of The Masked Singer Brasil has been measured primarily by Kantar Ibope Media in key Brazilian markets such as (SP) and (RJ), where ratings are reported in points representing the percentage of television households tuned in. Episodes typically averaged between 9 and 21 points across its five seasons, reflecting strong initial performance that gradually declined amid scheduling changes and format fatigue. Seasonal averages varied significantly, with the first season achieving the highest overall engagement due to its novelty on Tuesday nights following prime-time novelas. Subsequent seasons shifted to weekends, impacting reach but maintaining leadership in their time slots. The following table summarizes average ratings in Greater São Paulo:
SeasonYearAverage Rating (Points)Notes
1202120.8Peaked at 22 points in episode 3; finale reached 20.7 points.
2202214.5Finale peaked at 16 points, a season high.
3202311.0Debuted at 9.3 points; maintained mid-teens in RJ market.
4202412.7Grew 4 points from season 3 premiere to 13 points.
520259.7Finale aligned with average despite host change; 11.8% drop from season 4.
The program consistently ranked among Globo's top 10 weekly broadcasts in its early seasons, particularly season 1, where it outperformed competitors like No Limite in direct time-slot battles. Social media engagement amplified its popularity, with the hashtag #TheMaskedSingerBR trending on platforms like (now X) weekly during airings, driven by reveals and performances. Internationally, episodes were available for streaming on , Globo's platform, enabling global access for and format enthusiasts. The show's unique mystery element contributed to higher engagement than similar reality formats like , which averaged lower ratings in comparable slots during overlapping periods. High viewership in initial seasons aligned with positive critical feedback on its innovative disguise concept.

Critical reception

The Masked Singer Brasil has been lauded by critics for introducing an innovative format to Brazilian television, effectively blending elements of music performance, , and celebrity guessing games in a way that provided much-needed during the . Reviews highlighted the show's vibrant production values, including elaborate costumes and sets that created a sense of spectacle and joy, distinguishing it from more conventional reality programming. The series' emphasis on surprise reveals of diverse celebrities, coupled with high production quality, contributed to its positive reception, earning an average user rating of 7.3 out of 10 based on viewer feedback. Critics praised specific strengths such as the engaging celebrity unmaskings and the show's growing inclusivity, particularly in later seasons where drag performers like Diego Martins, who won season 5 as the character Odete Roitman, brought broader representation to the competition. Media outlets like and noted the program's ability to foster interactive guessing trends on , making it one of the most discussed TV shows in during its early runs. The series also received international recognition with a nomination for the Awards in the entertainment category, underscoring its global appeal and production excellence. However, as the series progressed to its fifth season, some reviewers pointed to criticisms of its repetitive format, which led to perceptions of staleness and contributed to the decision not to renew the show. Additional critiques focused on occasional unfairness in clue design and dynamic changes, such as the introduction of virtual characters, which some felt undermined the live performance authenticity. Despite these issues, the program left a cultural legacy by boosting participants' careers; for instance, season 3 winner Flay used her victory to rehabilitate her public image and advance her music endeavors following previous controversies.

Special episodes

The Masked Singer Brasil has produced a limited number of non-seasonal episodes, focusing on thematic performances, celebrity duets, and lighthearted unmaskings rather than competitive eliminations. These specials adapt the core format by shortening the runtime to approximately one hour, incorporating festive or celebratory elements, and emphasizing and nostalgia over high-stakes guessing games. One early special, "Ivete e os Mascarados," aired on October 9, 2022, coinciding with Brazil's . Hosted by , the episode featured duets between the singer and returning masked performers from previous seasons, alongside a tribute to the late sertaneja artist . Highlights included renditions of Sangalo's hits such as "A Lua Que Eu Te Dei" and "Tempo de Alegria," with the masked guests performing in their original costumes. The format prioritized collaborative singing and surprise reveals, drawing an audience through Sangalo's star power and the emotional homage. The most recent special, "The Masked Singer Brasil: Especial de Natal," broadcast on December 22, 2024, introduced four new masks themed around Brazilian Christmas traditions, including elements like and holiday folklore. Presented by , with a panel featuring , , Belo, and , the episode included celebrity guests such as Junior Lima, who performed a of "Libertar" (a hit from the duo ) with Werneck, evoking nostalgia for the 1990s pop duo. Other participants encompassed actors like Dani Calabresa and Nicolas Prattes, singer , and Padre Marcelo Rossi, who sang "Deus Está Aqui" in a with Belo. The content focused on festive performances, secret invitations by the panel, and casual unmaskings, serving as a preview for the fifth season while avoiding structured competition. Despite the holiday timing and nostalgic appeal, the special achieved low viewership, marking 9.9 points in the Kantar Ibope ratings for , the program's worst performance of the year.

International adaptations

The Masked Singer Brasil forms part of the expansive international franchise inspired by the South Korean program , which premiered on MBC in and quickly became a global phenomenon through its distribution by . The format has since been adapted in over 50 countries, spanning continents and incorporating local cultural elements to engage diverse audiences. Produced in partnership with Shine Brasil for , the Brazilian edition debuted in 2021 as one of several Latin American versions of the show, joining established adaptations in countries such as , , and . While the emphasizes and elaborate costumes worldwide, the Brazilian production integrated regional flair, including clues drawn from national history and pop culture, to resonate with local viewers. The series concluded after its fifth season on March 30, 2025, with Globo announcing no plans for or . This final season marked a commemorative milestone for the network's 60th , featuring costumes inspired by iconic characters from telenovelas, but produced no direct spin-offs or exports of elements like costumes or clues to other adaptations.