Now in its fourth season, the U.S. version of The Masked Singer is a certified reality competition hit. From its elaborately wild costumes to its wide variety of celebrity contestants, the show has several elements that make it pretty appealing for stars who are approached to participate. However, not every celebrity who's been invited to take part in the fun has been up for it. Some regret it, some perhaps don't—but they all had their reasons. Keep reading to find out which stars turned down The Masked Singer, and for some of our best guesses as to the identity of a current frontrunner, check out The Sun's Latest "Masked Singer" Performance May Have Given Her Away.
1 | Nadine Coyle
Featureflash Photo Agency/ShutterstockNadine Coyle, a member of the former British girl group Girls Aloud, was approached to compete on the U.K. version of The Masked Singer. She told OK! magazine (as reported by Digital Spy), "It felt a bit too close to what I already do for a living. But it's such a fun and great concept!"
Coyle also told the outlet that she knew her bandmate Nicola Roberts had taken producers up on their offer when she heard her voice in a commercial for the show. Roberts went on to win her whole season, so Girls Aloud were well represented despite Coyle's pass.
And for more former groups you used to love, check out 11 Bands That Went on a "Hiatus" But Never Came Back.
2 | Laila Ali
Featureflash Photo Agency/ShutterstockBut wait, you may be thinking, wasn't Laila Ali the Panda in Season 2? She was! But the former pro boxer could have competed on the first season of The Masked Singer. In her exit interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ali explained that she'd been invited to be on the show in its first year on U.S. television, but that it didn't suit her schedule. That wasn't her only reason, however. Understandably, Ali said she "wanted to wait and see where things were to go anyway." The show became a huge hit almost immediately, Ali signed on to compete in Season 2, and the rest is history.
For stars whose vocal abilities may have flown under your radar, check out 17 Celebrities You Didn't Know Could Sing.
3 | Tori Spelling
DFree/ShutterstockLike Ali, 90210 star Tori Spelling was a "no" before she was a "yes." In fact, she declined the offer to compete three times before finally singing on and singing as the Unicorn.
“I was like, ‘OK, why am I saying no? It’s two of my biggest fears: performing and singing," she recalled to ET. "'I’m saying no immediately.’ Yet I’m raising five children who I’m telling them, ‘You can be anything you want to be. You can do anything!’ And here I am already just shutting things down. So I’m just like, ‘OK, I guess I have to do this!"
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4 | Sharon Osbourne
Kathy Hutchins/ShutterstockIn 2019, Sharon Osbourne revealed in an appearance on The Talk (via People) that she was in discussion to be on the original judges panel for The Masked Singer, but that she ultimately had to turn down the job because of her commitment to The X Factor U.K. Then, she claims, X Factor boss Simon Cowell fired her from that show for being "too old." Originally, Osbourne had said that it was her decision to leave the British talent series.
Fortunately, that wasn't the end of the reality TV matriarch's relationship with the wacky singing competition show. She's appeared on The Masked Singer as a guest judge, impressing fans with her savvy guessing skills.
For the reality show stars who've flown the highest, check out The 30 Most Successful Reality TV Personalities of the Last 30 Years.
5 | Jerry Springer
s_bukley/ShutterstockSome guessed that the Taco—who was revealed to be Dancing With the Stars host Tom Bergeron—was actually talk show legend Jerry Springer. In a 2019 appearance on NBC's Access Daily, Springer (who also competed on DWTS) was coy about whether or not he'd been asked to do the singing show. Rumor has it though that he turned the gig down.
And for more DWTS alumni you forgot about, here are 25 Celebrities You Won't Believe Did "Dancing With the Stars."
