The mystery behind one of the most talked-about costumes of the season has finally been solved. In a stunning reveal during the February 11, 2026, episode of The Masked Singer, country music icon and two-time Grammy winner Billy Ray Cyrus was unmasked as the Owl.
The reveal took place during the Season 14 “Twilight Night” special, which celebrated the romantic themes of the Twilight saga and Valentine’s Day. Despite his legendary status and distinctive voice, the panel of judges—including Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora—failed to correctly identify the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer before his elimination.
Season 14 Highlights and Recent Reveals
The current season of the Fox hit has been packed with high-stakes competition and emotional moments. Here are the key takeaways from the latest episodes:
- The Owl’s Departure: Billy Ray Cyrus was eliminated after a dramatic sing-off. His performance of “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri during the themed night was a highlight, though it wasn’t enough to keep him in the competition.
- Tribute to James Van Der Beek: The show recently paid a touching tribute to actor James Van Der Beek, who previously competed as “Griffin,” following the news of his passing. A memorial title card was displayed at the start of the February 11 broadcast.
- Spice Girls Night: Fans are gearing up for the next big event. Tonight’s episode (February 18, 2026) is set to feature “Spice Girls Night,” where remaining contestants will perform hits from the iconic British girl group.
Global Phenomenon and Format Success
Originally based on the South Korean series King of Mask Singer, the American adaptation has solidified itself as a powerhouse in reality television. Since its debut in January 2019, the format has been exported to over 40 countries. In 2021, it was named the best-selling television format globally for the third consecutive year, distributed by MBC and Fremantle.
The show’s appeal lies in its “whodunnit” nature, utilizing electronically masked voices in taped interviews and cryptic clue packages to keep audiences guessing. Season 14 continues this tradition with a cast that boasts a combined total of dozens of Grammy nominations, acting awards, and professional sports championships.
What to Watch For Next
As the competition narrows, “armchair detectives” on social media are already circulating theories about the remaining masks. While some international versions, such as The Masked Singer UK, recently crowned Sugababes vocalist Keisha Buchanan (Moth) as their 2026 winner, the U.S. competition is still in full swing.
Viewers can catch The Masked Singer on Fox every Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET. Tonight’s “Spice Girls Night” promises more clues and another shocking unmasking as the quest for the Golden Mask Trophy continues.