The Masked Singer Season 13 featured many unexpected competitors. Still, the unveiling of the Lucky Duck is perhaps the most surprising reveal yet because of his connection to a pop star. The person behind the mask managed to confuse panelists until Episode 12, when he made the bold decision to take off his mask himself.

“Judging by the way these guys are guessing things, they will get it completely wrong,” Lucky Duck said. “They’ll think it’s Meryl Streep under here. I’m taking this mask off myself.” And the person underneath the disguise was Taika Waititi! Fans of the director will know that he is married to Rita Ora (who has served as a panelist on the show since Season 11, filling in for Nicole Scherzinger), which makes his inclusion on The Masked Singer even more interesting.

The Identity Of Lucky Duck Is Finally Revealed On The Masked Singer

Before Waititi revealed his identity, he dropped a clue about his career, saying, “I spend most of my time on massive movie sets — even bigger than The Hangover. There’s not an Oscar I don’t know.” He won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film Jojo Rabbit in 2020, but has been nominated for three Oscars in total.

There were plenty of clues to suggest the identity of Lucky Duck throughout the season, and fans of Ora (whom he married in 2022) will know that she has previously spoken about his musical talents. “Taika likes to think he can sing. Actually, no. You know what? He can,” she told Entertainment Weekly in an interview in 2024. “He’s actually an amazing guitar player, and he loves music. I don’t know if he’d do the show though. I don’t think he’d be able to survive in that costume for too long.”

At the time, she also expressed her excitement at being asked to fill in for Scherzinger, telling the publication that she was familiar with the show and had no hesitation when asked to join.

Fans React To Taika Waititi Being Revealed As The Lucky Duck

Since his identity was confirmed, The Masked Singer’s official Instagram page has posted several photos of Waititi. One picture shows him waving to the crowd with his mask off, which the caption describes as a “quack-tastic reveal.” Fans have taken to the comment section to share their thoughts.

“This was so fun!! The look on Rita’s face was priceless!!” a comment reads. “So funny…he was really good, too! He’s got moves,” another fan shared. Other reactions include, “He did a great job,” “This actually made me feel inspired,” and “Love this.”

This is not the first time a contestant surprised the panel. Donnie Wahlberg, who is married to panelist Jenny McCarthy, has previously competed on the show as Cluedle-Doo.

A short clip of Rita Ora and Waititi interacting onstage after his identity was revealed was also shared on Instagram. The sweet moment gave a glimpse into their relationship, and fans loved it. “I was grinning so damn much, this is the best surprise EVER!!!!!!” a fan wrote. “I loveeee this,” another comment reads.

Ahead of the finale between Boogie Woogie, Coral, Mad Scientist Monster, and Pearl, here’s a quick recap of the last five contestants to be eliminated from the show: Candace Cameron Bure as Cherry Blossom, Method Man as Stud Muffin, Erika Jayne as Yorkie, Matthew Lawrence as Paparazzo, Edwin McCain as Nessy and Taika Waititi as Lucky Duck.

The Masked Singer airs on Fox Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET. For more The Masked Singer coverage, visit our Reality TV Hub.