Eliana Michaelichen made her much-anticipated debut as the host of the Brazilian version of The Masked Singer this past Sunday, December 22, 2023. Excited for this new chapter, Eliana described the occasion as, "Hoje é um dia tão importante porque é a minha chegada no Masked Singer. Que honra chegar nesse clima de Natal," emphasizing the significance of entering the festive season with the show’s special Christmas episode.
Broadcast on the popular network Globo, Eliana took over the hosting duties from Ivete Sangalo, who previously made the show popular among viewers. The change was aimed at reinvigorosing the program's appeal. Eliana graced the stage dressed beautifully, exuding confidence and charisma as she interacted with the audience and the talented panel of judges.
The special episode featured guest performances from notable Brazilian personalities, including Susana Vieira, Padre Marcelo Rossi, Tony Ramos, and others. Each artist took to the stage to share their gift of music, creating moments of joy and connection amid the holiday spirit. Eliana expressed her gratitude to the judges, stating, "Olha quem está ali! Eu posso dizer que tenho amigos queridos, que estão fazendo parte da minha vida neste momento tão especial e profissionais que uma vida eu admirei, né?" This heartfelt acknowledgment demonstrated her enthusiasm for collaborating with the star-studded lineup.
The performances included stunning renditions of traditional holiday songs, with Susana Vieira and Tony Ramos delivering a beautiful duet of "Pela Luz dos Olhos Teus," originally composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Miúcha. Other highlights featured Sabrina Sato and Nicolas Prattes performing “No Meu Coração Você Sempre Vai Estar” from Disney's “Tarzan,” and Tatá Werneck showcasing her drumming skills along with her singing. Meanwhile, Belo brought forth messages of faith and hope with “Noites Traiçoeiras,” and Eliana herself shared the stage with sertanejo artist Daniel for their rendition of “Ninguém Explica Deus.”
Despite the vibrant spectacle, viewer reactions were mixed. While many celebrated her introduction to the show, others expressed skepticism on social media, with some saying, "Totalmente perdida" and others commenting on how the program seemed more suited for Ivete Sangalo. "Linda, mas adoro a Ivete, o programa era a cara dela," said one fan. Another added, "Desculpa, mas ela é a cara do SBT," indicating they felt Eliana was more aligned with her previous network.
Eliana’s emotional entrance and her efforts to make the show uniquely hers sparked numerous discussions among fans. While the notorious social media chatter reflected divided opinions, many sympathized with the challenges of stepping onto such a beloved platform. The Christmas special not only highlighted Eliana's distinct hosting style but also set the stage for what is sure to be her continued evolution throughout the series.
Although these early reviews reveal varying feedback, there appears to be optimism for Eliana's tenure as host. Bringing her years of experience, charm, and distinct persona to the forefront, the episode serves not only as the perfect holiday celebration but also hints at the promise of something delightful and engaging as the season progresses.
Overall, Eliana's debut as the host of The Masked Singer promises to be exciting with the potential for growth, as she works to define her role amid the chorus of opinions surrounding her performance. Time will tell if she can put her own unique stamp on the show, much like her predecessors.
