Former 'The Masked Singer' competitors share advice for season 6 newcomers
LOS ANGELES - We’re closing in on a new season of "The Masked Singer" — and in anticipation of the premiere, former contestants are "unmasking" their advice to the future singers of season 6.
The season 5 winner underneath the pig costume was revealed as iconic singer Nick Lachey, famous for being in the 90s boy band 98 Degrees — and in a newly released video by FOX, Lachey said he tries to channel his "inner kid and have fun."
"You can’t describe this experience to anybody in words. You have to actually do it," Lachey continued.
Lachey, 47, told FOX Television Stations "The Masked Singer" reinforced how much he loves music and performing.
"More personally, I’m proud of myself for overcoming some of the challenges that you encounter on that show. It’s really hard to sing in that costume, and at the beginning, I wasn’t sure that I was going to be able to get through it, to be honest with you. It was really tough," Lachey revealed. "Coming out of it, I can definitely say it was worth every second."
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Pop singer JoJo, who was the runner-up behind Lachey also gave some wise words of advice: "Don’t give up on yourself."
In season 4, another boy band member took the stage — Nick Carter, and after a fierce battle, the singer, known for being in The Backstreet Boys, was unmasked as the colorful, pink crocodile and ultimately placed third in the show’s finale.
"When you put in the mask, you’re free, and you really can just kind of just let anything go," Carter said in the video.
Other contestants including singers Wiz Khalifa and Jesse McCartney chimed in with their own advice.
"Be yourself, stay creative," Khalifa said.
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"Pick your songs wisely," McCartney suggested.
Another season 5 competitor was none other than actress Tamera Mowry, most notably known for her role in the hit television show, "Sister, Sister."
She suggested, "Allow yourself to show up. you’ll actually shock yourself."
While Mowry is known for her vibrant and outgoing personality on the television screen, earlier this year she shared she had fears and insecurities while competing on the show.
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"There were times when I wanted to flee. Like I was just so afraid, but I showed up. And I think that is the lesson. Whenever you just allow yourself to show up, you’ll actually shock yourself," Mowry revealed.
And Bret Michaels, who rocked out on season 3, said performers need to "leave it all out there on the stage" and "live in the moment."
But ultimately, another third season contestant, and winner, Kandi Burress said you should ultimately "just have fun."
What we know so far about ‘The Masked Singer’ season 6
In addition to amazing costumes, wildcards have also returned to "The Masked Singer" stage. Each group will feature several wildcard celebrities entering the competition for a chance to win the coveted Golden Mask Trophy.
And let’s not forget about the panelists. They will once again battle it out for the Golden Ear Trophy, with Jenny returning as the champion with two Golden Ears.
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Singer Robin Thicke, who is also a judge on the show, shared in the sneak peek video that he will perform a duet with someone in the upcoming season — so stay tuned.
"The Masked Singer" season 6 premieres with a special two-night event starting Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. on FOX.
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About the writer: Stephanie Weaver is a Los Angeles-based journalist. She is a host of the national streaming show, LiveNOW from FOX, and is a digital reporter for FOX TV. Find her on Facebook and Instagram at @StephWeaverTV.