Unmasked! 5 Shocking Secrets And The Full Story Of The Masked Singer Russian Dolls (Updated 2024)

The Masked Singer has always excelled at delivering jaw-dropping celebrity reveals, but few contestants have ever managed to confuse and delight the panel and fans quite like the Russian Dolls. This intricate, multi-layered costume was the show's first-ever trio, a secret so closely guarded that it took until the quarterfinals of Season 5 to finally crack the case. As of the current date in late 2025, the band behind the masks continues to make headlines with new music and a massive 2024 tour, proving their longevity long after their initial 90s pop-rock breakthrough.

The entire premise of the Russian Dolls—a single, large matryoshka doll that surprisingly split into two, then three, and sometimes even four singers—was a masterful piece of trickery designed to misdirect everyone. Their incredible harmonization and stage presence captivated audiences, but the question of "Who is inside the Russian Dolls?" became one of the most persistent mysteries of The Masked Singer history. The eventual reveal, a band of brothers who defined a generation, was a moment fans will never forget.

The Complete Biography: Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson

The iconic trio unmasked as the Russian Dolls is the American pop-rock band Hanson. Formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1992, the band consists of the three older brothers from the Hanson family. They are best known globally for their 1997 smash hit "MMMBop" from their major-label debut album, Middle of Nowhere. Their longevity in the music industry, spanning over three decades, is a testament to their talent and independent spirit.

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• Clarke Isaac Hanson (The Eldest)
  • Full Name: Clarke Isaac Hanson
  • Date of Birth: November 17, 1980
  • Role in Band: Guitarist, Vocalist (primarily tenor), Bass, and Piano.
  • Key Fact: The oldest brother and a founding member, Isaac is often cited as the band's driving force in their early days.
• Jordan Taylor Hanson (The Middle Brother)
  • Full Name: Jordan Taylor Hanson
  • Date of Birth: March 14, 1983
  • Role in Band: Keyboards, Vocalist (primarily lead and high tenor), and Guitar.
  • Key Fact: Taylor was the lead vocalist on the band's biggest hit, "MMMBop," and is arguably the most recognizable voice of the group.
• Zachary Walker Hanson (The Youngest)
  • Full Name: Zachary Walker Hanson
  • Date of Birth: October 22, 1985
  • Role in Band: Drummer, Percussionist, Vocalist (primarily baritone), and Piano.
  • Key Fact: Zac is the youngest member of the trio and was only 11 years old when "MMMBop" became a worldwide phenomenon, making him one of the youngest Grammy-nominated artists ever.

The Russian Dolls' Journey on The Masked Singer Season 5

The Russian Dolls were introduced as part of Group A in The Masked Singer Season 5, which aired in early 2021. Their multi-person costume, a series of traditional matryoshka dolls, was initially a major source of confusion for the judges and viewers. The costume started as one giant doll, then two, and eventually revealed all three brothers on stage, an unprecedented move in the show's history.

Their performances were a showcase of their incredible vocal blend and musicianship, successfully keeping their identity hidden despite their famous sound. They performed a diverse range of songs, including "Shallow" by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, "Wonder" by Shawn Mendes, and a high-energy rendition of "I'm Still Standing" by Elton John. Their ability to switch between powerful solos and tight three-part harmony was what ultimately convinced fans that they were a professional singing group.

Despite their strong performances, the Russian Dolls were ultimately eliminated in the quarterfinals, losing out in the "Feisty Five" episode. Their unmasking was a massive shock to the panel, with only guest judge Rita Wilson correctly guessing the identity of the pop-rock legends.

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Decoding the 5 Most Clever Russian Dolls Clues

The clue packages for the Russian Dolls were some of the most intricate and misleading of the entire season, cleverly designed to point toward other famous sibling groups like the Jonas Brothers or Lady A. However, every clue, in retrospect, was a direct nod to the band Hanson and their unique career path. Here is a breakdown of the most significant clues and their true meaning:

1. The "15 Replicas" Clue: Cluedle-Doo, the season's clue master, stated, "A Russian Doll can sometimes have 15 replicas of itself." This is widely believed to refer to the staggering number of children the three brothers collectively have. At the time of the show, Isaac, Taylor, and Zac had a combined total of 15 children, a remarkable fact that makes them one of the largest musical families in pop history.
2. The Pop Art Portrait in a Car: One visual clue was a stylized, pop art portrait of the dolls inside a car. This represents the band's early career and family life, as the Hanson family famously traveled across the country in an RV to perform in different states before their major record deal. It symbolizes their humble beginnings and family-first approach.
3. The Snowy Bridge/Winter Scene: A clue package showed the doll walking on a snowy bridge in a winter setting. This is a direct reference to their successful 1997 Christmas album, Snowed In, which remains a popular holiday record and a significant part of their discography.
4. The "M" Block: A large block with the letter "M" appeared prominently in one package. This is the most obvious clue, referencing their signature song, the worldwide hit "MMMBop." The song title itself is practically synonymous with the band's name.
5. The Broken Heart and Independent Spirit: The dolls spoke about being "broken" and "rebuilding," and how they "had to do it on their own." This refers to their decision to leave their major label in the early 2000s and form their own independent record company, 3CG Records. They have been independent artists for over 20 years, controlling their own music and touring, which is a key part of the Hanson story.

Hanson's Latest Updates and 2024 Projects

While their time as the Russian Dolls was a fun diversion, the band Hanson has continued to focus on their music and business ventures. The year 2024 is proving to be a significant one for the trio, marking several major career milestones.

The brothers are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their third studio album, Underneath, which was a pivotal release as their first independent record. To commemorate this, they announced the Underneath: Experience Tour for late 2024, which will see them perform across North America. This tour offers a fresh perspective on their catalog and highlights their two decades of work as independent artists.

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Furthermore, they are releasing a deluxe 20th-anniversary edition of their first indie record and continuing to expand their entrepreneurial efforts beyond music. Their craft beer company, Hanson Brothers Beer Company, which produces the popular Mmmhops Pale Ale, is expanding its availability into new markets, further solidifying the brothers' status as successful multi-industry entrepreneurs. The energy and harmony they brought to the stage as the Russian Dolls is clearly still driving their professional endeavors today.