Golden Globe winner Taraji P. Henson just made The Masked Singer history as one of the show’s most decorated contestants.
Her elimination during “Clueless Night” shocked viewers nationwide.
The Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-nominated actress performed as Scarab before being unmasked in a double-elimination episode.
She’s now revealing exclusive behind-the-scenes secrets about competing under the elaborate costume and what she’d change if given another chance.
Double Elimination Rocks Season 14
Episode 3 brought drama with two masked celebrities heading home simultaneously. Handyman exited first, revealed as Grammy-nominated rapper Tone Lōc of “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina” fame.
Robin Thicke earned his first correct guess of season 14 with that prediction. Panel guesses ranged from Chuck D to Ice-T before Lōc’s identity emerged.
Then came the stunner: Scarab’s elimination revealed Taraji P. Henson beneath the intricate costume. Rita Ora successfully identified Henson, continuing her winning streak after correctly naming Tiffany Haddish as Le Who Who just one week prior.
Henson Finally Answers Years of Speculation
Henson’s name has circulated as a potential contestant for years. Her decision to finally compete stemmed from persistent fan speculation.
I heard about them guessing me every year, and I was like, well, let me just give the people what they’ve been asking for.
The actress found humor in hearing judges name fellow Hollywood powerhouses. Angela Bassett, Regina King, and Cynthia Erivo all received mentions before Ora landed on the correct answer.
It was just interesting and funny to be under the mask hearing them guess that I’m some of my peers.
The One Judge She Knew Would Crack It
Henson predicted Ora would identify her based on recent proximity. Their previous collaboration on That’s My Jam created familiarity that proved difficult to disguise.
I figured it would probably be Rita Ora because we did That’s My Jam together. She was the last person that I was around in close proximity with, so I was like, it’ll probably be her.
Disappointment settled in when Ora’s guessing pattern indicated recognition. Henson now understands exactly what gave her away.
What She’d Change Next Time
Fans immediately recognized Henson’s signature mannerisms despite elaborate disguising efforts. Social media exploded with viewers claiming they identified her movements instantly.
I could tell as soon as she put her hand up in the air. I could tell as soon as she opened her mouth. I would change my voice. I would do things different.
Her distinctive gestures and vocal patterns became identifiable markers. Experience taught valuable lessons about concealing identity more effectively.
Behind-the-Mask Challenges
Performing under Scarab’s elaborate costume presented unexpected difficulties. Henson doesn’t classify herself primarily as a singer, though she possesses vocal abilities for acting roles.
I can sing, but I don’t put myself in the singing category. It’s something that I do when I have to do it.
Physical restrictions added stress. A tight sock covered her head underneath the mask, preventing skin color visibility if the costume shifted. Accessing teleprompters became challenging when nerves threatened lyric recall.
Despite concerns, breathing remained manageable throughout performances. Comfort, however, never fully materialized.
Tiffany Haddish Surprise
Henson had zero awareness that fellow actress Tiffany Haddish competed alongside her. Production secrecy kept contestants isolated from each other’s identities.
Haddish’s reveal as Le Who Who came just one week before Henson’s elimination. Neither actress suspected the other’s participation during filming.
Breaking Hollywood’s Reality TV Stigma
Henson represents a growing trend of A-list celebrities embracing reality competition formats. Traditional industry hierarchies about “appropriate” projects for established stars continue dissolving.
I don’t care what other people are doing or what the industry says is hot or not. I have a solid fanbase and they follow me wherever I go.
Social media transformed celebrity-fan relationships, eliminating outdated gatekeeping mentalities. Henson follows personal inspiration rather than Hollywood conventions.
She playfully suggested convincing Viola Davis to compete next, since judges repeatedly named Davis as a potential contestant.
Broadway Awaits
Henson’s next project brings full-circle moments with deep personal significance. She’s starring in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre, opening in April.
Debbie Allen directs the production, creating meaningful connections to Henson’s Howard University roots. Allen and Phylicia Rashad established a triple-threat scholarship that enabled Henson to complete college while pregnant.
This is a 360 moment for me and her.
Cedric the Entertainer and Ruben Santiago-Hudson join the cast. Coincidentally, Cedric competed on The Masked Singer last season as Honey Pot, creating another unexpected connection.
Henson and Cedric previously collaborated in Tom Hanks’ film Larry Crowne, making their Broadway pairing a reunion between familiar colleagues.