Fox Exec Defends Casting Rudy Giuliani on ‘The Masked Singer': ‘No Regrets’

Carson Burton The lineup of films premiering in the narrative, documentary, short film and episodic selections at the 2022 Bentonville Film Festival’s competition program have been released today, the Bentonville Film Foundation announced. The annual festival is set to run in-person from June 22-26 in Bentonville, Ark, with a virtual component having an extended run from June 22 to July 3.Led by “Thelma and Louise” star and vocal feminist Geena Davis, the festival aims to amplify female, non-binary, LGBTQ, BIPOC and people with disabilities’ voices in entertainment.

The Masked Singer, the Fox reality show that doubles as a surreal talent show and a rehabilitator for disgraced politicians, ended its latest season on Wednesday night. Look away now if you don't want to know the result but Firefly was crowned the winner and was then revealed to be Teyana Taylor.

SPOILER ALERT: Tonight, the seventh season finale of The Masked Singer unveiled its ultimate winner, once again offering the surprise answer to its mystery voice.

*Caution: Spoilers ahead!

 season 7 crowned an all-new champion on Wednesday! After some truly breathtaking performances from the final three contestants, one costumed crooner ended up walking away with the Golden Mask Trophy!Going back to tradition — after having a finale with just two contestants last season — this season's big showdown pitted the top three singers against one another for an ultimate musical showdown.The Prince, The Ringmaster and The Firefly — who all happened to be from Team Good — each took to the stage to sing their hearts out, with The Prince kicking off the evening.The frog-costumed crooner wowed with a stunning performance of Coldplay's «Viva La Vida» that garnered a well-earned standing ovation from the panel and the audience.However, with this being the final, all three contestants brought their A-game, and Firefly upped the ante with a sultry, jaw-dropping rendition of «Bag Girl» by Usher. She showed off her moves and danced with the panel, leading panelist Nicole Scherzinger to gush, «Tonight, at this finale, you are the one to beat.»The Ringmaster then took the stage and brought the first round of the finale to an emotional close with a powerful performance of Sara Bareilles' «Gravity» that saw her hitting some truly next-level high notes.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeSPOILER ALERT: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 7, Episode 10, of “The Masked Singer,” “Season Finale: I’m Team Good, Thanks for Masking,” which aired May 18 on Fox.It came down to a battle of the Good in the season finale of “The Masked Singer” but only one could emerge victorious: Singer/actress/dancer Teyana Taylor.“The Masked Singer” ended its seventh season with three finalists, all from “Team Good,” competing for the Golden Mask trophy. Landing behind the Firefly, “The Goldbergs” star Hayley Orrantia came in second place, as the Ringmaster, while “Call Me Kat” star Cheyenne Jackson earned the bronze as the Prince.For Firefly, Robin Thicke and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg guessed right, with Taylor. Nicole Scherzinger thought it was Monica, and Ken Jeong guessed Alicia Keys.

Judge Robin Thicke thinks he’s solved another mystery in the season finale of Fox’s “The Masked Singer.”In this exclusive sneak peek at Wednesday night’s episode, the show’s season finale, Thicke adds up all the clues and comes up with a definitive answer on who he thinks The Prince is (the one in the frog costume). Check out the clip below to watch Thicke layout the evidence.Heading into the season finale, Firefly, Ringmaster and The Prince are still in the game.

is coming to a close on Wednesday with a performance-packed finale! The Ringmaster, The Firefly and The Prince will face off, but only one will take home the coveted Golden Mask Trophy.However, before the celebs are revealed at long last, the panel of celebrity detectives will first have to make their final guesses at what stars are inside the elaborate costumes.In this exclusive sneak peek from Wednesday's season seven finale, Ken Jeong has a surprisingly solid prediction about the true identity of The Ringmaster, and he even gets host Nick Cannon on board with the possibility.«Well, I gotta go back to the clues,» Ken say, referring to the many hints presented in the character's various clue packages over the course of the show. «You know, there was not snow, but. As in Hailee Steinfeld!»«What about this: Mouse dressed as  a princess? Disney? She's a star of Hawkeye! A horse? She was Oscar-nominated for » Ken says, before noticing what he thinks is a look of incredulity on Nick's face.

Feeling fine! Rudy Giuliani‘s appearance on The Masked Singer sparked plenty of controversy, but a Fox executive said that he doesn’t feel remorse about having the politician on the show.

Rudy Giuliani’s stint on “The Masked Singer” had exactly the impact the network was looking for.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeFox execs finally addressed the controversy surrounding Rudy Giuliani being cast on “The Masked Singer,” and according to Rob Wade, the president of aalternative entertainment & specials at Fox Entertainment, the company has “no regrets.”The network brass was asked about Giuliani’s casting on Monday morning during a conference call announcing the network’s new fall lineup. “Yeah, absolutely no regrets,” Wade said.

Fox bosses have defended the casting of Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump’s former lawyer who helped spread baseless lies that the 2020 Presidential election was stolen, on The Masked Singer.

Fox has even more costumes and tunes in store with The Masked Singer set to return for its eighth season.

The Material Girl isn’t hung up about the latest backlash she’s receiving. At 63, Madonna managed to make jaws drop once more after she teamed up with digital artist Beeple to create an NFT that leaves little to the imagination. The NSFW graphics depict the singer fully nude while giving birth to butterflies, insects and trees.The collection also includes a 3D model of her vagina.

because he was recorded, like when he was recorded calling a senator on January 6 trying to get him to overturn the election results, or when he was recorded butt-dialing a reporter talking about how he needed cash, or when he briefly appeared in the “Borat” sequel.“Rudy records himself saying incriminating things all the time! Before he talks to anyone, he should pat himself down to make sure he’s not wearing a wire,” Meyers joked.You can watch Meyers’s full segment in the video here and above.

*Caution: Spoilers Ahead!

s wild and unpredictable season is nearing its grand finale, as Wednesday determined which contestant would be taking the last spot in the final three.The Queen Cobras, Space Bunny and the Frog Prince all took the stage for the last showdown of Round 3, and each sang their hearts out for the chance at making it all the way to the end of the line.However, only one could claim the spot — meaning fans were in for a double elimination! Which also meant finally learning who some of the costumed crooners really are!After all three of the elaborately crafted characters sang their heart out, it came time for the three to go back-to-back singing alternating verses of Katy Perry's hit «Roar» — and all three slayed their performances, making the audience vote particularly difficult.However, two (costume) heads had to roll, so the first singer to get the proverbial axe was the Space Bunny!Before unmasking, the panel of celebrity detectives -- including Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong and Nicole Scherzinger — made their final guesses. While Jeong's guess of Owen Wilson was way off, McCarthy was closer when she suggested Sean Kingston.