Who Is Lucky Duck? Masked Singer Season 13 Reveal Exposes Taika Waititi

In a twist worthy of its own movie script, The Masked Singer Season 13 pulled off one of the show’s most surprising unmaskings to date—revealing none other than Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi as the voice behind the enigmatic character Lucky Duck.

A Surprise That Left Rita Ora Speechless

The reveal carried even more weight given that Waititi’s wife, singer and panelist Rita Ora, was seated just feet away when he dramatically pulled off the mask during Episode 12, the semifinal round. Her stunned reaction quickly went viral, with clips flooding social media minutes after the episode aired on FOX.

Although Ora had playfully speculated about Lucky Duck’s identity earlier in the season, she had no idea her husband was behind the costume. Waititi’s smooth vocals and sly stage presence had stumped not only his wife but also fans and fellow judges.

“It’s one of the most personal and unexpected reveals in the history of the show,” one long-time viewer commented on X (formerly Twitter).

Lucky Duck’s Role: A Season-Long Mystery

Lucky Duck wasn’t one of the main competitors but functioned more like a wildcard, offering hints and comedic relief throughout Season 13. Much like the Cluedle-Doo twist from Season 5, the character existed to mislead, entertain, and stir up speculation online.

Fans speculated wildly—throwing out names like Ryan Reynolds, Jason Sudeikis, and even Harry Styles—thanks to Lucky Duck’s clever performances and clue packages filled with red herrings.

But the reveal of Taika Waititi, best known for directing Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Ragnarok, added unexpected star power and a uniquely personal twist that elevated the episode beyond mere entertainment.

Why This Twist Mattered

The reveal wasn’t just for shock value. It also shifted the tone of the semifinal episode, which was already packed with tension as Pearl, Coral, Boogie Woogie, and Mad Scientist Monster competed for spots in the finale. Just when it looked like one contestant might be eliminated, Lucky Duck intervened—changing the outcome and sending all four remaining singers to the final round.

FOX’s decision to incorporate such a twist mid-season not only refreshed the show’s formula but also reinforced its unpredictable appeal—crucial for a long-running series in its 13th season.

Taika Waititi’s Secret Cameo: How It Stayed Under Wraps

Producers reportedly kept Waititi’s identity so tightly guarded that even crew members weren’t fully aware who was inside the Lucky Duck costume. Pre-recorded clue segments, vocal distortions, and tight NDAs helped keep the secret until the live unmasking.

Behind the scenes, this wasn’t just a celebrity cameo—it was a coordinated surprise orchestrated by the production team, Ora’s management, and Waititi himself. The goal? To give The Masked Singer its most buzzworthy moment in seasons.

What This Means for the Finale

With four contestants now headed to a two-hour finale, scheduled to air next Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the stakes have never been higher. And with Lucky Duck out of the picture—but not out of viewers' minds—it’s clear the finale will need to work overtime to top this week’s unexpected highlight.

Whether you’re watching for the vocals, the guessing game, or the celebrity drama, one thing’s certain: The Masked Singer still knows how to surprise its audience, thirteen seasons in.