The finale of The Masked Singer 2024 aired on December 21, captivating audiences as it unveiled the identities of its remaining contestants, culminating in the crowning of the Panda as the season's champion.
Presented on ProSieben, the event began with host Matthias Opdenhövel welcoming fans, who had been eagerly anticipating the final reveals throughout the eleventh season. The atmosphere was electric as the last four contestants—Willi W., the Qualle (Jellyfish), the Pirate, and the Panda—prepped for their final performances.
Each contestant had crafted their own unique persona, but none captured the audience's heart quite like the Panda. Performing Kelly Clarkson's "Since You've Been Gone," the character warmed the hearts of both viewers and the judge panel, including Palina Rojinski and Rea Garvey. Loi, the voice behind the adorable suit, remarked, "Es hat sehr, sehr viel Spaß gemacht, in den Panda zu schlüpfen" ("It was so much fun to slip inside the Panda"). She humorously added, "I named her Stacy. I think she looks like Stacy."
Next up was the Pirate, who wowed the crowd with his rendition of Bastille's "Pompeii." Throughout the competition, the judges had speculated the pirate's identity, landing on Joris, the talented singer-songwriter. Upon his reveal, Joris reflected on his experience, sharing how much he enjoyed the challenge of performing without the audience seeing his face, saying, "Es war eine unfassbare Reise" ("It was an incredible voyage").
The Jellyfish, unveiled as well-known singer Mandy Capristo, took third place but not without leaving her mark. Despite high expectations for her powerful vocals, her choice of songs, including tracks from the musical Dreamgirls, drew critique from the judge Rea Garvey, who asserted, "Wir sind unter den letzten drei, und Performance ist nicht nur Gesang" ("We're among the last three, and performance is not only about singing"). Nonetheless, Capristo’s emotional connection to the performance was palpable, admitting, "Ich hatte Tränen in den Augen" ("I had tears in my eyes").
Rounding out the competition was Eko Fresh, who portrayed Willi W., described as a playful Christmas-themed character. His departure came first, as he sang *NSYNC’s "Bye Bye Bye" before being unmasked. The lighthearted rapper was well-received, pinpointed early on by both the judges and the audience, showcasing the infectious energy he brought to his performance. Eko revealed his delight post-reveal, emphasizing the fun he had, saying, "Ich habe selten so viel Spaß gehabt" ("I've rarely had so much fun").
Finally, after thrilling performances and audience votes, it was announced: the Panda had won! Loi, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed her gratitude to the crew, the contestants, and the audience. She thanked everyone for their support throughout the season. She stated, "Das ist schon eine Herausforderung, ist schon schwer. Es hat aber super Spaß gemacht und ich bin so dankbar" ("It’s definitely challenging, quite heavy. But it was super fun and I am so thankful"). The viewers were taken back by her grace and humility as she celebrated her victory.
The 2024 season finale of The Masked Singer marked another successful conclusion, enthralling fans with unexpected revelations and powerful performances. With new friendships forged, and unforgettable memories made, the show continues to prove why it remains one of the most cherished formats on television. Fans can relive the magical moments every Saturday on ProSieben.
