'Masked Singer' Fans Confused with the Virtual Audience That Appeared during Show's Premiere

"The Masked Singer" had to move from a live audience to a virtual crowd following the pandemic outbreak, but fans seem confused as an audience appeared on-screen.

With the coronavirus pandemic still prevalent all over the globe, several live shows had to adapt and make changes, including "The Masked Singer," that implemented a no live audience rule.

Instead, the show's avid viewers could watch virtually from their home, while the contestants played the game, and the judges maintained a six-foot distance from each other.

CONFUSED FANS

Following the premiere of season 4, fans were left confused, wondering if there was an actual live audience or not. Many went on Twitter to air their sentiments over the "illusion" on the show. One tweet read:

"I love how #TheMaskedSinger is pretending like they have a studio audience. The spliced-in audience footage ain't fooling no one."

Others were really struggling to understand how the competition series was able to get a live audience while maintaining social distance and safety precautions.

MYSTERY SOLVED

Rob Wade explained what happened and praised back job staff for making the audience seem true to life. "It feels that through virtual reality and composite and reaction shots, we managed to create the feeling that there were people in the room," he said.

The former Disney Channel star recalled how hot it would get inside the White Swan costume.

Wade, who is Fox Entertainment's President of Alternative Entertainment and Specials, revealed that their edits allowed the new season to feel like the old ones as audiences continue to cheer behind the judges.

A NEW COSTUME

Aside from the high-tech virtual audience, the show is expected to debut a new costume, the first-ever two-headed Snow Owls, which will join the Sun, Giraffe, Crocodile, and Whatchamacallit.

The Snow Owls will be the first duet contestant in the show and kept fans excited over the possible song of choice they will perform. Last season's grand winner was Kandi Burruss, hidden behind the Night Angel costume.

Since her win, the show has been off-air, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. "The Masked Singer" came back on-screen on September 23 and had many surprises for avid viewers.

BEHIND THE MASK

While viewers are enjoying the show, contestants do not have the time of their lives behind the mask. Bella Thorne, who was previously on the show, shared how performances could get uncomfortable.

The former Disney Channel star recalled how hot it would get inside the White Swan costume that she would end up "really sweaty, really quickly" during rehearsals.

Thorne launched into fame in the Disney Channel series "Shake It Up," alongside Zendaya. In the show, the actress attended dance class nearly every day, preparing her for her task on "The Masked Singer."