‘The Masked Singer’ First Look Features Explosive, Moody Cover of Bastille’s ‘Pompeii’ By Celebrity in ‘Ship’ Costume (EXCLUSIVE)

“The Masked Singer” is back later this month, and Variety has the first look at one of the opening performances — as well as a reveal of two more costumes. First up, here’s “Ship,” who performs a slowed down, moody version of Bastille’s “Pompeii” in the season premiere episode airing Wednesday, Sept 25th on Fox.

And then, there are two more costume reveals: “Leaf Sheep” and “Woodpecker,” who join “Ship” and the previously revealed “Chess Piece.”

New this season, clues will be “strategically embedded in costumes, in song choices and on-stage moments.” And the fifteen celebrity contestants will be endorsed by a “celebrity Masked Ambassador,” made up of previous participants including Dick Van Dyke (Season 9’s Gnome), Jewel (Season 6 winner as the Queen of Hearts), Ne-yo (Season 10 winner as the Cow) and DeMarcus Ware (Season 11’s Koala).

As previously announced, “The Masked Singer” returns next month for Season 12 with a new batch of theme nights, including tributes to Mattel’s Barbie as it hits its 65th anniversary, and the film “Footloose” as it marks its 40th anniversary.

Miley Cyrus will also be honored with an episode devoted to her music catalog, while also new is a “Who Are You Fest,” featuring music from “memorable festival lineups,” as well as a “Sports Night” and a “60’s Night.” Tentpole themes that are back include “Soundtrack of My Life” and “Thanksgiving Night.”

Back for the new season, which returns Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on Fox, are panelists Ken Jeong, Rita Ora, Robin Thicke and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg. Nick Cannon returns as host.

In the 2023-24 broadcast season, The Masked Singer averaged a 0.6 Live + 7 Day rating among adults 18-49 and 5.9 million multiplatform viewers season-to-date according to Fox. The show continues to be Fox’s No. 1 unscripted series, a feat it has accomplished each season it has aired.

Vanessa Hudgens won the Season 11 crown as Goldfish, beating out Scott Porter, who had performed as Gumball. Other performers last season included Thelma Houston (Clock), Chrissy Metz (Poodle Moth), Corey Feldman (Seal) and Clay Aiken/Ruben Studdard (Beets), Jenifer Lewis (Miss Cleocatra), Kate Flannery (Starfish), Charlie Wilson (Ugly Sweater), DeMarcus Ware (Koala), Colton Underwood (Love Bird), Sisqó (Lizard), Billy Bush (Sir Lion), Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs), Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound) and Kevin Hart (Book).

“The Masked Singer” comes from Fox Alternative Entertainment. Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis and Cannon are executive producers, while Seitchik serves as showrunner. The series is based on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.