The excitement of holiday television returned to TF1 on December 20, 2024, as the beloved show Mask Singer aired its special Christmas edition, marking the show's celebratory comeback six months after Agustin Galiana's victory. This special event not only brought joy to its audience but also had fans reminiscing about previous seasons with its lineup of returning contestants.
During the evening, the investigative jury, consisting of popular personalities Chantal Ladesou, Kev Adams, Laurent Ruquier, and Anggun, sought to identify the celebrities hidden beneath elaborate costumes, guided only by their voices and various clues. A distinctive twist for this edition was revealed as nine out of the ten personalities hidden had previously participated, albeit under entirely different guises this time around, showcasing their versatility and musical talents.
Replacing regular jury member and comedian, Véronic DiCaire crowned the Christmas special as the ultimate winner, sporting the Caméléon costume. Her performance showcased her remarkable vocal skills, leaving both viewers and jury members enchanted. Yet, her victory was met with mixed reactions among fans. Online comments reflected disappointment for popular contestant Laurent Ournac, hidden behind the Dragon costume, who finished as the runner-up. "Bon je suis dégoûté pour Laurent, mais je suis trop content pour Véronique Dicaire. Elle a énormément de talent et je l'adore," lamented one viewer on X, highlighting the polarized feelings about the finale.
While many were thrilled by the return of Mask Singer's signature mystery format, discussions around the jury's dynamics added even more intrigue to the night. There was some uproar about Anggun taking the place of Innès Reg for this special evening. Viewers speculated if this choice was linked to the latter's recent controversies stemming from reality show conflicts. Anggun clarified the change is simply due to scheduling conflicts, stating, "Je ne sais pas vraiment pour... mais elle était en plein tournage de Danse avec les stars," ensuring fans understood this transition was amicable.
This special not only allowed contestants like Laurent Ournac, who had been previously edged out, to show their skills again, but also reminded audiences of Mask Singer's unique ability to mix nostalgia with suspense. Fans delighted at seeing familiar characters return, such as the Mariée, portrayed by Laurence Boccolini, and the Squelette, revealed to be Marc-Antoine Le Bret, who had already tantalized the jury with his performance.
The format maintained its classic approach by inviting well-known personalities to disguise themselves and perform, creating layers of mystery through voice modulation and costume changes. Contestants like Natasha St-Pier, hidden under the Husky costume, and Keen'V, who wowed as the Paon, have built up fan followings through previous seasons— prompting renewed excitement around their performances during this one-off event.
Interestingly, the design of costumes played ingeniously with viewers’ expectations. Characters donned new disguises to confuse both jury and audience alike, with even longtime fans speculating on identities based solely on voice and visual gags. This tested the investigation skills of the judges— familiar with past contestants yet faced with new challenges due to the costume swaps.
Viewership numbers were impressive, drawing approximately 2.18 million viewers, translating to 11.4% of the audience, placing TF1 securely third against competitors, France 2 and M6, who both aired new series and finales respectively. For fans of the singing competition genre, this offered compelling entertainment as families gathered around to piece together the musical puzzle.
Looking forward, viewers are already wondering about the next season of Mask Singer. TF1 tantalized fans with teasers as they announced the addition of another humorist, Élodie Poux, stepping onto the jury team for the upcoming 2025 season, assuring audiences they could expect even more surprises and entertainment. The promise of fresh twists indicates TF1’s commitment to keeping the show innovative and engaging for all audiences.
The Christmas special effectively revitalized the fanbase, teasing them with nostalgic elements alongside new surprises, rekindling excitement for the upcoming season. Such moments reflect the show's ability to adapt and thrive, ensuring its spot as a staple of French holiday television.
With its festive spirit and lively cast performances, Mask Singer cemented its place again as the go-to holiday viewing choice, keeping audiences buzzing for months to come. The camaraderie, talent, and charm displayed were heartwarming, creating lasting memories tied to winter festivities.
