A Fox Entertainment executive says the media “spoiled” Rudy Giuliani‘s controversial appearance on The Masked Singer, which prompted shock among the audience and judges on the show.
In mid-April, Giuliani was revealed as the contestant inside the Jack in the Box costume on the show after he performed classic rock hit “Bad To The Bone” by George Thorogood. Although the audience didn’t know which disguise Giuliani was in, his appearance was anticipated after Deadline reported on it back in February.
Rob Wade, president of alternative entertainment and specials at Fox Entertainment, said the company has no regrets allowing Giuliani on the show, but shared disappointment that the surprise was revealed months before airing.
“Yeah, absolutely no regrets,” Wade said, according to Variety. “The marketing is all about delivering jaw-dropping moments, which is exactly what the casting accomplished. And whether it was on set or with the viewers at home I suppose my only regret or surprise was obviously the reveal was spoiled [by the press], but kudos to you guys.”
“Just please don’t do it again,” he added. “Thanks a lot.”
Fox had teased Giuliani‘s appearance as “the biggest event in ‘Masked Singer‘ history,” but the element of complete shock fizzled.
Some believed that the song for the former advisor of ex-President Donald Trump had been cut out of the show because of the long wait. After the first few episodes aired, it was speculated he had been dropped over the initial backlash due to the political controversy swirling over him. Giuliani was a key figure in the storm of voter fraud allegations over the 2020 presidential election, which was handily won by President Joe Biden. He eventually appeared on this season’s seventh episode, which aired April 20.
When host Nick Cannon helped the former New York City mayor take off his mask, he wasn’t recognized right away by the judges.
“Is that Robert Duvall?” judge Nicole Scherzinger asked.
“No, that’s not Robert Duvall,” judge Ken Jeong replied, visibly upset.
In February, Deadline reported that two of the show’s judges walked off stage after Giuliani’s identity was revealed. However, in the edited on-air version, only Jeong left the stage.
“This is definitely something I never would have guessed,” judge Robin Thicke said, chuckling.
Moments later, Jeong said “I’m done,” and stormed away.
Though judges, fans and general naysayers disapproved, Giuliani said he was a fan of the show and had fun singing.
Giuliani told Cannon in a post-performance interview that he went on the show for his family, especially his granddaughter.
“I want her to know you should try everything, even things that are completely unlike you and unlikely. And I couldn’t think of anything more unlike me or unlikely than this,” he said.
Newsweek reached out to Giuliani for comment.
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