On December 20, 2024, French television took its festive spirit to new heights with the special Christmas episode of Mask Singer airing on TF1. Hosted by the charming Camille Combal, this unique edition brought together four iconic investigators from previous seasons: Chantal Ladesou, Kev Adams, Anggun, and Laurent Ruquier. Together, they tackled the delightful challenge of unmasking celebrities hidden under extravagant costumes.
The Christmas special featured ten beloved characters, each adorned with regalia reminiscent of past seasons, allowing fans to relive cherished memories. Among these returning figures were the Husky, the Bride, the Spider, the Camel, the Chameleon, the Skeleton, the Dragon, the Lion, the Monkey, and the Peacock. What set this occasion apart was not merely nostalgia but also the introduction of intriguing new contestants.
One of the highlights of the evening was the performance by the impressive impersonator, Véronic DiCaire, who shined bright as the Chameleon. Not only did she deliver captivating renditions, but she also secured the coveted trophy, marking this as her first appearance on Mask Singer. "She was hidden under the costume of the Chameleon!" reported Télé 7 Jours capturing the excitement of her incredible reveal.
Larusso, who previously triumphed on the show, took to the stage anew, this time donning the Monkey costume, once worn by Alizée. With her reputation from her earlier success, expectations were high for her performance. Yet, it was the Dragon’s transformation, executed by the renowned French comedian Laurent Ournac, which stirred up remarkable emotions among viewers. "The Dragon touched the internet users particularly..." noted Télé 7 Jours, showcasing the heartfelt connection fans established with the finalists.
The competition was fierce on this splendid evening. Ten contestants were vying for the title, and each matchup opened with their face-to-face performances. From the Bride, portrayed by the beloved host Laurence Boccolini, to Natasha St-Pier hiding under the majestic Husky costume, audiences were treated to extraordinary entertainment.
Former contestant Djibril Cissé appeared yet again, this time masked as the Lion, reviving fond memories from the show’s first season. Despite the familiarity of the renowned masks, the twist came when contestants wore different costumes than their original appearances. The challenge for the investigators was substantial, leading them on complex trails of clues and performances.
The finale saw the Dragon and the Chameleon battling it out for first place. Both dazzled panelists and viewers alike with their vocal prowess and theatrical flair. Yet, it was the vocal adaptability and enchanting stage presence of Véronic DiCaire as the Chameleon which left the most significant impact, leading her swiftly to victory. Following her impressive win, viewers have already begun buzzing with excitement over upcoming seasons. With one long-time fan exclaiming, "The show has never been so much fun and innovative!", it’s evident the special succeeded beyond expectations.
Viewership numbers reflected this triumph as well, with Mask Singer continuing to reign as one of TF1’s most adored programs, holding audiences captive year after year. The show has seen around 95 different personalities across six seasons, establishing its place as a staple of entertainment for both casual viewers and dedicated fans.
The nostalgia mixed with fresh entries ensures the series remains vibrant and engaging, proving once again why Mask Singer holds such well-deserved popularity among audiences. With the next season approaching soon, anticipation is reaching fever pitch, as viewers eagerly await the new twists and familiar faces awaiting them.
This unique Christmas special exemplified holiday cheer through community and entertainment and confirmed Mask Singer as not just another reality show, but as part of the viewer’s cherished holiday traditions.
