'The Masked Singer' season 9 shares 1st look at Squirrel ahead of premiere
LOS ANGELES - "The Masked Singer" season 9 officially premieres on Wednesday, and FOX shared an exclusive first look at one of its contestants that fans will see this season: Squirrel.
The bushy-tailed contestant will make its debut later in season 9, according to the show. Other costumes announced so far include Medusa, Gnome, and Mustang.
Season 9 will change up the game with a new "Champion of the Masked Singer" format, meaning every episode will feature a sudden elimination and double unmaskings.
![MS-S9_SQUIRREL_V2-1.jpg](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox29.com/www.fox29.com/content/uploads/2023/02/932/524/MS-S9_SQUIRREL_V2-1.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
The Squirrel from season 9 of FOX’s "The Masked Singer" is pictured in a provided image. (Credit: FOX)
Panelists on the show include actor and comedian Ken Jeong, television personality Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, and singer-songwriter Robin Thicke, as well as show host Nick Cannon.
There’s also a new twist entering the competition, the show said. For the first time ever, panelists will have the opportunity to save a singer from looming elimination with the "Ding Dong Keep it On" Bell.
"The Masked Singer" Season 9 premieres Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, followed by an all-new "Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test."
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This story was reported from Cincinnati.