Billy Ray Cyrus Revealed as Owl on The Masked Singer

The celebrity reveal highlighted a growing trend of emotional storytelling on reality TV.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Last night's episode of The Masked Singer delivered a surprising unmasking: Billy Ray Cyrus as the Owl. Beyond the celebrity reveal, the episode highlighted a growing trend in the show - the use of deeply personal clues that resonate with both the judges and the audience. Cyrus became visibly emotional during a phone message from someone with a British accent, identified as 'Lady Owl,' hinting at a significant personal connection.

Why it matters

Reality television has always thrived on drama, but there's a noticeable shift towards more authentic emotional storytelling. Shows like The Masked Singer are increasingly using clues that tap into the contestants' personal lives, creating a deeper connection with viewers. This isn't just about guessing the celebrity; it's about understanding their journey.

The details

The judges' guesses before the reveal were varied, showcasing the complexity of clue interpretation. The show deliberately layers clues, some red herrings, to challenge the judges and keep the audience guessing. The heart monitor clue, for example, could relate to a medical drama role or a personal health experience.

  • Last night's episode of The Masked Singer aired on February 12, 2026.

The players

Billy Ray Cyrus

An American singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as the father of pop star Miley Cyrus.

Jenny McCarthy

An American model, television host, actress, author, and anti-vaccine activist who serves as a judge on The Masked Singer.

Ken Jeong

An American comedian, actor, producer, and television personality who serves as a judge on The Masked Singer.

Rita Ora

A British singer, songwriter, and actress who serves as a judge on The Masked Singer.

Robin Thicke

An American singer, songwriter, and record producer who serves as a judge on The Masked Singer.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The show's producers have not yet announced any plans for future seasons or special episodes of The Masked Singer.

The takeaway

The reveal of Billy Ray Cyrus as the Owl underscores the power of personal connections in reality TV. The emotional response to the 'Lady Owl' message suggested a significant relationship, adding a layer of intrigue to his performance. This strategy elevates the show beyond simple celebrity guessing games and creates a deeper connection with viewers.