The Masked Singer season 14 is set to debut in January 2026, sparking discussions about the potential return of Nicole Scherzinger as a panelist. However, this might not be the best decision for her career trajectory. Nicole was one of the original panelists on The Masked Singer, joining fellow judges Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, and Ken Jeong when the show launched in January 2019. After successfully serving for ten seasons, she departed the show in 2024, paving the way for Rita Ora to take her place.

Nicole made her exit from The Masked Singer to star as Norma Desmond in the acclaimed West End revival of Sunset Boulevard. Her performance garnered outstanding reviews and earned her the prestigious 2024 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Upon the show’s transition to Broadway, she maintained her role and secured the 2025 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. With Sunset Boulevard concluding its run on July 20, 2025, there’s speculation around Nicole potentially returning for The Masked Singer season 14, but this may not align with her current career momentum.

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Nicole Scherzinger Has Progressed Beyond The Masked Singer

Returning To The Show Would Represent a Step Backward For Nicole

Since her departure from The Masked Singer, Nicole Scherzinger has reached remarkable heights, particularly in the realm of theater. While her love for the show is undeniable, her career has evolved significantly, and a return might hinder her current trajectory. Nicole has captivated a new audience who have come to appreciate her extraordinary talents, especially following her Broadway debut. It would be unwise for her to revert to the role of a panelist on a quirky reality TV program when she is flourishing in her career.

It’s essential to clarify that this sentiment is not a critique of The Masked Singer, which has successfully established itself as one of the premier reality TV shows. Yet, Nicole is not primarily a comedian or a traditional TV figure like Ken and Jenny, nor is she merely a pop star like Robin at this point in her career. She has transformed into a highly respected award-winning actress and vocalist, deserving of opportunities that extend beyond the reality TV genre. At this juncture, Nicole has the freedom to explore various avenues, and returning to The Masked Singer should not be her primary focus.

Moreover, now may not be the opportune moment for Nicole to return to The Masked Singer, especially considering the show has opted out of its fall season, which could signal future uncertainties. While it’s improbable that the show will be canceled post-season 14, it would be wise for Nicole to avoid stepping back into it when her prospects in other entertainment fields look exceptionally bright. A return could be disappointing if the show were to conclude shortly thereafter.

Additionally, should the show experience a decline after her return, Nicole could face unwarranted blame, jeopardizing the reputation she has meticulously built. It’s crucial for Nicole to leverage her current visibility to explore all her aspirations while they are within reach, having already established her legacy with The Masked Singer.

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Nicole Should Prioritize Her Music Career

Nicole Is An Exceptional Singer & Performer

Nicole Scherzinger rose to fame as a vital member of the iconic girl group The Pussycat Dolls, recognized as one of the top-selling female groups in music history. Prior to that, she was a part of the girl group Eden’s Crush, which gained notoriety through the WB series Popstars. Additionally, Nicole has released two successful solo albums titled Killer Love and Big Fat Lie. During her time with The Pussycat Dolls, Nicole received a 2007 Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for the song “Stickwitu.”

On October 8, 2025, Nicole will grace the stage of Carnegie Hall for her debut, performing a selection of songs from both Broadway and pop music. This prestigious venue underscores her rise to prominence in the entertainment industry. Nicole also delighted audiences by performing the Pussycat Dolls’ hit “Buttons” with the cast of Sunset Boulevard during the 2025 Broadway Bares charity event, supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Her performance received glowing reviews, showcasing her ability to engage audiences and reignite interest in her pop music career. Nicole shared moments from the performance on her Instagram, capturing the attention of fans.

In the comments, renowned singer Jewel, who was crowned the winner of The Masked Singer season 6 as the Queen of Hearts, remarked, “This is your era,” perfectly encapsulating Nicole’s recent success. She should prioritize her music career while she is in high demand, as returning to The Masked Singer could distract her from this pivotal moment.

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Nicole Has Established Herself As a Tony Award-Winning Broadway Star

Nicole Should Keep Pursuing Opportunities in Musical Theater

Having won both the Olivier and Tony Awards, Nicole Scherzinger has solidified her position as a prominent figure in theater, and Broadway will undoubtedly seek her talents again. She not only captivated audiences as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard but also received an Olivier nomination in 2015 for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for her portrayal of Grizabella in the West End production of Cats. Additionally, she played the role of Grace in NBC’s musical special Annie Live! aired in 2021.

In addition to her live performances, Nicole voiced Sina, Moana’s mother, in the animated films Moana and Moana 2. For years, Nicole has been establishing herself as a remarkable talent in musical theater, with her rendition of “Memory” from Cats being hailed as one of the most stunning interpretations in theatrical history. She has also redefined the role of Norma Desmond, a challenging task considering the iconic actresses who have portrayed the character before her. Nicole’s vocal prowess is truly exceptional, placing her among the elite singers of her generation.

Through these various roles, Nicole has demonstrated that she is not only a phenomenal singer, but also a gifted actress. Her future is bright, and she is likely to be a top contender for numerous upcoming roles, whether on Broadway or in film projects. If she becomes entangled with the schedule of The Masked Singer now, she might miss out on exciting opportunities. It would serve her best to keep her options open and refrain from returning to the show.

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Nicole’s New Netflix Show Building The Band Offers Greater Creative Freedom Than The Masked Singer

Nicole Can Create New Musical Acts

On July 9, 2025, Nicole’s new singing competition series, Building the Band, will premiere on Netflix. In this capacity, she will serve as a judge and mentor, alongside Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne, while AJ McLean will host the show. Filming wrapped up in August 2024, but the premiere was postponed following Liam’s untimely passing.

Building the Band features a unique format where 50 contestants will form bands without seeing each other, relying solely on their vocal abilities. Initially, their connection will be based on musical synergy. Once the bands are formed, they will finally meet face to face to discuss choreography and style, providing a fresh approach in an industry where appearance often overshadows talent. This innovative concept is a refreshing departure from traditional music competition formats.

Nicole’s history of success with singing competitions makes her the ideal candidate for Building the Band. She played a pivotal role in forming Liam Payne’s band, One Direction, on The X Factor UK. Collaborating with Simon Cowell, she helped assemble contestants Liam, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson into a supergroup, which became one of the most successful bands in history, largely due to Nicole’s innovative vision and belief in their potential.

In contrast, on The Masked Singer, Nicole’s role primarily involves guessing the identities of established celebrities based on vocal performances and clues given. Once the competition concludes, contestants pursue their careers independently, and the panelists have minimal ongoing influence on their musical journeys. However, Building the Band gives Nicole the opportunity to potentially create something extraordinary in the music industry. If she decides to return to The Masked Singer, it could restrict her commitment to future seasons of Building the Band, especially if the new series becomes successful. Thus, it’s imperative for Nicole to evaluate her options and focus on her potential to cultivate new musical acts that could capture global attention.

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Rita Ora Is Excelling as Nicole’s Replacement on The Masked Singer

The Current Panel Exhibits Strong Chemistry

Nicole was a cherished panelist on The Masked Singer, prompting many to question whether Rita Ora could adequately fill her shoes. Fortunately, it has become evident that Rita is doing exceptionally well. Having previously been a panelist on Masked Singer UK, she brought relevant experience to the role. Her established friendship with Ken from their time together in the UK version has contributed to a seamless transition.

During her tenure on The Masked Singer, Nicole captivated audiences with her stunning performances, delivering memorable renditions of songs such as “Memory” and “Fame.” Her talent extended beyond performance; she was also adept at piecing together the clues that led to contestants’ identities. Host Nick Cannon even playfully dubbed her Sherlock Scherzy, highlighting her impressive detective skills that mirrored those of the famous character Sherlock Holmes.

Rita has delivered outstanding performances throughout her three seasons on The Masked Singer, showcasing her ability to make astute guesses. Furthermore, she has established a strong rapport with Robin, Jenny, and Ken, akin to the chemistry Nicole shared with them. Rita has successfully entertained audiences while deciphering the identities of the contestants. It’s reassuring to know that if Nicole opts not to return to The Masked Singer, Rita is a commendable substitute.

Fans of The Masked Singer have adapted to Rita’s presence on the judging panel. Although there remains a sense of nostalgia for Nicole, this may not be the right moment for significant changes. The current panel has developed a strong dynamic, and introducing another shift might disrupt the show’s positive momentum, particularly with the logistical alterations following the decision to skip the fall season. Excessive changes could result in a loss of viewership.

While it would undoubtedly be a pleasure to see Nicole return to The Masked Singer, this may not be the right time for such a career shift. Nicole should continue to harness her recent success following Sunset Boulevard and await the developments of Building the Band before making any decisions about her return. As an extraordinary singer and entertainer, the opportunities for her future are boundless.

Sources: Nicole Scherzinger/Instagram, Nicole Scherzinger/Instagram, Nicole Scherzinger/Instagram