Masked SingerMeet
Published on December 13, 2025 EDT See the entire performance from Royal Hen on this week's Elton John-themed episode.

Royal Hen is set to roost on the Masked Singer stage this week, and if the first look is any indication, she's poised to bring some legendary clout to the show.

EW is debuting the exclusive first look (below) at her performance on this week's Elton John-themed night, which of course celebrates the music of the legendary singer. In the clip, Royal Hen gives her best rendition of "Philadelphia Freedom."

EW can also exclusively reveal a few clues to the bird's identity. Her clue package this week mentions she's going to "hold court" and is a "true trailblazer" who "is famous for championing equal opportunities for all and has made it her royal mission to be a voice for the voiceless." Several sports references are made, and we are told she "inspired a new flock of birds" and her "name is etched in history."

In the season 10 special premiere kickoff episode, the Royal Hen herself also teased, "I'm not only known in America, but because of what I did, I'm known around the world."

While we, of course, cannot say for sure, based on the performance above and the few clues we have gleaned, EW has a few guesses about the Royal Hen's true identity.

The strong emphasis on activism and making a difference for equality could suggest someone like Gloria Steinem. However, coupled with the sports references, we think it could be Serena or Venus Williams or — and we could be totally Ken Jeong Wrong here — possibly Billie Jean King.

Hear us out: The song "Philadelphia Freedom" was originally written by John and Bernie Taupin as a favor to King, who was part of the Philadelphia Freedoms professional tennis team. And while we know Masked Singer contestants are not allowed to sing their own songs, there is no rule against singing a song about the contestant. If the Royal Hen is in fact King, it would make for a really touching, full-circle moment that surely would make the Rocketman himself smile.

Royal Hen joins three other brand new contestants in this week's Group B premiere, dubbed "A Celebration of Elton John," which airs Wednesday on Fox at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

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