The Audience on ‘Masked Singer’ Season 4 Isn’t Real – Here’s How They Followed COVID-19 Protocols.
The hit singing competition show returned for season four on Wednesday night (September 23) with returning host Nick Cannon and judges Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong, and Nicole Scherzinger.
The Masked Singer is back!
As viewers might notice as they watch the premiere, it appears as if there is an audience in the studio, however, no one is actually in the stands because of COVID-19 safety protocols.
“It feels that through virtual reality and composite and reaction shots, we managed to create the feeling that there were people in the room,” Fox Entertainment’s President of Alternative Entertainment and Specials Rob Wade shared with Deadline.
“It’s going to feel very much like [previous seasons], it’s not going to feel different,” Robcontinued. “You’ll notice that the audience will feel like it’s behind the judges.
The one thing I’m expecting is for people to say is ‘How come they’re not COVID friendly? The audience aren’t wearing masks.’
Through various quarantining and various camera tricks, we’ve managed to do it.”
Rob also mentioned that production now includes regular testing, zoning, social distancing, sanitization, and non-sharing communal areas for the judges, contestants and crew.
“We went above and beyond the outlines of the CDC and local authorities in order to keep people safe,” Rob mentioned.
If you missed it, Then for season four!