The Masked Singer Season 9 Shocking Reveals: 15+ Celebrities Unmasked And The 'Ding Dong Keep It On' Twist Explained

The Masked Singer Season 9 delivered one of the series' most unpredictable and star-studded competitions to date, culminating in a jaw-dropping finale on May 17, 2023. This season, which premiered on February 15, 2023, on Fox, introduced new layers of complexity and excitement with a game-changing format twist that directly impacted the ultimate winner.

The ninth installment of the American singing competition was defined by monumental celebrity reveals—including a true Hollywood legend—and a new power for the panelists that saved fan-favorite contestants from elimination. The season was ultimately won by the incredible voice behind Medusa, who was unmasked as the chart-topping singer Bishop Briggs.

The Masked Singer Season 9: Host, Judges, and The Full Celebrity Roster

Season 9 maintained the beloved core of the show while elevating the star power both on and off the stage. The familiar faces of the main panel and host guided viewers through the dramatic reveals and high-stakes performances.

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The Panel and Host

• Host: Nick Cannon
• Panelists: Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Nicole Scherzinger

Complete List of The Masked Singer Season 9 Reveals (Entities)

One of the season's biggest talking points was the sheer caliber and variety of the celebrity contestants. From a legendary actor to a multi-platinum a cappella group, the reveals kept both the judges and the audience guessing until the very end. This list details every mask and the celebrity identity beneath it, proving why Season 9 is considered one of the most shocking.

The Finalists:

• Winner: Medusa — Bishop Briggs (Alternative Rock Singer, known for "River")
• Runner-Up: Macaw — David Archuleta (Pop Singer, *American Idol* Runner-Up)

The Champions & Saved Contestants:

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• California Roll — Pentatonix (Grammy-Winning A Cappella Group)
• Mantis — Lou Diamond Phillips (Actor, known for *La Bamba*)
• Gargoyle — Keenan Allen (NFL Wide Receiver)

Other Shocking Reveals:

• Gnome — Dick Van Dyke (Legendary Actor/Comedian)
• Mustang — Sara Evans (Country Music Star)
• Rock Lobster — Howie Mandel (Comedian/TV Host)
• Polar Bear — Grandmaster Flash (Hip-Hop Pioneer)
• Lamp — Melissa Joan Hart (Actress, known for *Sabrina the Teenage Witch*)
• Scorpio — Christine Quinn (Reality TV Personality)
• Doll — Dee Snider (Twisted Sister Frontman)
• Squirrel — Malin Åkerman (Actress)
• Fairy — Holly Robinson Peete (Actress/Singer)
• Moose — George Wendt (Actor, known for *Cheers*)

The Game-Changing 'Ding Dong Keep It On' Bell Twist

Season 9 introduced a major format shake-up that added a thrilling new layer of competition and directly influenced the outcome: the "Ding Dong Keep It On" Bell. This twist gave the panelists unprecedented power to save one eliminated contestant from each of the three competitive groups (A, B, and C).

In previous seasons, once a celebrity was eliminated, their journey was over. The bell, however, allowed a single panelist to unanimously agree to use the save, sending the eliminated singer to the new "Battle of the Saved" round for a chance to re-enter the main competition.

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This twist proved to be critical, as three masks were saved throughout the season: Medusa, Mantis, and Gargoyle. The most significant save was undoubtedly Medusa, who was rescued by panelist Nicole Scherzinger. Medusa went on to win the entire season, making the "Ding Dong Keep It On" Bell the most impactful twist in the show's history.

The bell's introduction ensured that truly talented singers were not prematurely eliminated due to a single off-night or a particularly strong competitor in their group, increasing the overall quality of the later rounds.

Theme Nights, Battle Royale, and The Superstar Performances

Beyond the format twists, Season 9 was celebrated for its highly entertaining theme nights, which guided the song choices and clues, offering viewers a fun, nostalgic trip through music history. The season also continued the high-stakes "Battle Royale" format introduced in Season 8.

The Battle Royale: A High-Stakes Showdown

Following the first elimination and unmasking of the night, the two remaining contestants in each episode faced off in a Battle Royale performance. Both singers performed the same song, often with a unique twist or style, and the winner was chosen by the panel to advance. The loser of the Battle Royale was then unmasked.

This dramatic, head-to-head format ensured that the celebrity with the most compelling performance of the night moved forward, increasing the competitive intensity of every episode.

Memorable Theme Nights and Guest Panelists

The themed episodes were a highlight, providing a structured framework for the competition and featuring special celebrity guests.

• ABBA Night: A tribute to the iconic Swedish pop group, featuring hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia."
• New York Night: Celebrating the music and culture of the Big Apple, which was the night Medusa was saved by the "Ding Dong Keep It On" Bell.
• Andrew Lloyd Webber Night: A theatrical showcase with the legendary composer himself appearing as a guest panelist.
• '80s Night: A nostalgic journey through the decade of big hair and synth-pop, featuring memorable performances of classic hits.

The Unforgettable Dick Van Dyke Reveal

Perhaps the most shocking moment of the entire season—and arguably the series—was the reveal of the Gnome. After a charming performance, the mask came off to reveal 97-year-old Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke. The panel, especially Ken Jeong, was visibly emotional and completely stunned by the presence of a true entertainment icon on the stage.

Van Dyke's participation set a new standard for the show's ability to attract monumental talent, proving that *The Masked Singer* continues to be a must-watch television event that can surprise even the most seasoned viewers. The reveal instantly became a viral moment, cementing Season 9's place in the show's history.