This weekend, The Masked Singer delayed its 2026 premiere due to concerns that the lyrics of one performance might be offensive.
A contestant on the show, called Red Panda, had their performance edited out after ITV executives worried their song choice might be seen as insensitive, given the recent devastating fire in Switzerland that has claimed at least 40 lives.
The tragic event happened during New Year’s celebrations, and many families are understandably devastated. Officials are still working to identify everyone who died.
As of today, BBC News reports that 24 people who died in the attack have been identified. They include teenagers and citizens from several countries, such as Switzerland, Italy, Romania, Turkey, and France.
With more information coming to light in this upsetting situation, ITV has taken steps to make sure its show isn’t linked to it in any way.
Why was Red Panda dropped from The Masked Singer 2026 premiere?
Red Panda’s first appearance on The Masked Singer 2026 was unexpectedly cut from the show right before it aired, following a recent and serious accident at a ski resort in Switzerland.
So, I’ve heard a fascinating tidbit about one of the masked singers on the show! Apparently, for their debut performance, they chose a real classic – The Trammps’ “Disco Inferno” from 1976. It’s a bold choice, and definitely sets the stage for a fun competition!
I was really looking forward to watching that segment, but after hearing about the terrible fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland – with so many people tragically killed or hurt – I understand why ITV has decided to postpone it. It just feels wrong to air something lighthearted when so much tragedy is unfolding.
The program was shortened by a total of 10 minutes, likely by removing Red Panda’s introduction, performance, and the judges’ comments.
Following the sad news from Switzerland, ITV decided to pull Red Panda’s performance from tonight’s episode of The Masked Singer. This was because the song’s theme and lyrics could have been seen as insensitive given the circumstances.
Investigators are still trying to identify everyone who died in the fire that happened at Le Constellation bar during a New Year’s celebration.
Will Red Panda return to The Masked Singer 2026?
Yes, Red Panda will return to The Masked Singer 2026.
The spokesperson explained that Red Panda hasn’t been eliminated from the competition and will be performing again in future episodes.
The Masked Singer airs Saturdays on ITV1 and ITVX.
Don’t miss The Masked Singer! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app today for daily TV recommendations and the latest entertainment news.
Authors
David Craig writes about TV dramas and comedies for TopMob, focusing on the best new shows and series. Before that, he contributed to Starburst Magazine, hosted the Winter King Podcast on ITVX, and earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Sheffield.
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2026-01-04 15:34