Golden Globe winner Taraji P. Henson just shocked The Masked Singer fans by revealing herself as Scarab during the show’s Clueless Night episode.
After years of being guessed as a contestant, she finally decided to give fans what they wanted.
But her time on stage was cut short in a surprising double elimination.
Now she’s opening up about the experience, revealing what she’d do differently and what’s next for her career.
Answering Years of Fan Speculation
Henson’s appearance on The Masked Singer season 14 wasn’t random. For years, judges had been throwing out her name as a potential contestant, and she finally decided to make it happen.
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 Oscar-nominated actress competed as Scarab, with producers teasing throughout the season that one contestant was “the most decorated” celebrity ever on the show. Judges suspected Scarab was exactly that person.
Rita Ora Breaks Her Winning Streak
During the episode, panelists threw out impressive guesses including Regina King, Angela Bassett, Cynthia Erivo, and Taraji P. Henson herself. Rita Ora, fresh off correctly identifying Tiffany Haddish as Le Who Who the previous week, continued her hot streak by nailing Henson’s identity.
Henson admitted she saw it coming from a mile away.
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. And the way she started guessing, I was like, ugh, she’s gonna get it.
Reflecting on What Went Wrong
Looking back, Henson realized her recognizable mannerisms gave her away almost immediately. Fans commenting on social media said they clocked her identity from simple gestures.
I could tell as soon as she put her hand up in the air. I could tell as soon as she opened her mouth.
If given another chance, she knows exactly what adjustments she’d make.
Well, all of my mannerisms. I would change my voice. I would do things different.
Behind the Mask Challenges
While Scarab’s costume looked stunning and relatively manageable compared to bulkier designs, performing in it presented unexpected difficulties. Henson faced multiple obstacles that viewers never saw.
Singing proved particularly stressful under the elaborate headpiece.
I’m not really a singer. 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. So I was very nervous, because if I drop the lines, if I choke, I need to be able to see the teleprompter, it was a little stressful.
The technical aspects added another layer of complexity. Producers place tight “socks” over contestants’ heads beneath the masks to prevent skin color from showing through if the costume shifts. While Henson worried this might restrict her vocal performance, she managed to push through.
Surprise Encounters and Double Eliminations
Clueless Night proved particularly brutal, sending home both Scarab and Handyman. Rapper Tone Lōc was revealed as Handyman after panelists correctly picked up on hip-hop clues scattered throughout his performance.
Henson had no idea fellow comedian Tiffany Haddish was competing alongside her until Haddish’s elimination the previous week.
Not one idea. Not a clue.
Breaking Hollywood’s Reality TV Stigma
As one of television’s most decorated performers, Henson’s appearance raises questions about whether A-list celebrities are becoming more comfortable with reality competition shows. Her perspective is refreshingly straightforward.
I don’t think about it. I do what I wanna do. I do what moves me. I do what excites me and inspires me. 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. So I think those days are over now because of social media.
She’s even considering recruiting friends for future seasons, jokingly suggesting Viola Davis should compete since judges repeatedly guessed her name.
What’s Next: Broadway Comeback
Fans won’t have to wait long to see Henson’s face fully visible again. She’s heading to Broadway for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, directed by legendary choreographer and director Debbie Allen.
The production opens in April at the Barrymore Theatre, featuring Cedric the Entertainer and Ruben Santiago-Hudson. For Henson, this represents a meaningful full-circle moment.
This is a 360 moment for me because, you know, Debbie Allen and I, and Phylicia Rashad, we have the HBCU ties at Howard University and I won the triple-threat scholarship. That’s how I was able to finish college when I was pregnant.
Interestingly, Cedric the Entertainer competed as Honey Pot during The Masked Singer season 13, creating another unexpected connection between Broadway and reality competition television.
While her masked stint may have ended prematurely, Henson’s willingness to take risks and embrace unconventional opportunities continues defining her career trajectory. Whether behind elaborate costumes or commanding Broadway stages, she remains committed to following her artistic instincts wherever they lead.