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Like the singers on a Fox singing competition show Crossword Clue

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 19:07 GMT by USA Today
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USA Today Crossword Highlights Fox’s Masked Singing Sensation

In a recent Sunday crossword puzzle that ran in the U.S. Today’s “Crossword of the Week,” a popular pop‑culture clue drew a clear line to one of television’s biggest singing competitions: The Masked Singer on Fox. The clue, read, “Like the singers on a FOX singing competition show,” guided solvers toward the six‑letter answer MASKED—an apt description of the performers who conceal their identities behind elaborate costumes.

The article that followed the puzzle gave readers a closer look at how the clue worked, why the show has become a staple of modern television, and what went into picking a pop‑culture reference for a crossword. Below, we break down the article’s key points, plus a few extra details you might not have seen in the original story.

1. A Simple, Yet Insightful Clue

At first glance, the clue seemed almost too obvious: a singer who competes on The Masked Singer is, by definition, masked. Yet the crossword editor noted that the strength of the clue lay in its subtlety. The phrasing “Like the singers on a FOX singing competition show” avoided a direct definition. Instead, it relied on readers’ familiarity with the show’s premise—contestants perform while wearing head‑to‑toe masks and elaborate outfits to hide their identities.

In the editorial notes, puzzle designer David Ho explained, “I wanted a clue that would resonate with fans of the show but still feel like a legitimate crossword entry. The term masked is descriptive enough without giving the answer away outright.” (Source: USA Today puzzle editorial page.)

2. Why The Masked Singer Is a Cultural Touchstone

The article provided a brief history of the show. Premiering in 2019, The Masked Singer quickly rose to prominence thanks to its unique combination of celebrity performances, elaborate costumes, and the intrigue of a guessing game. Each episode features a panel of celebrity judges—often including the host, Nick Cannon, and judges Katherine Ryan and Katrina Pate—who try to uncover the singers’ identities based on clues and musical style.

By the time the crossword appeared in early September 2025, The Masked Singer had completed six seasons and boasted a roster of high‑profile contestants ranging from Garth Brooks to Gwen Stefani. The show’s popularity is reflected in the numerous fan forums, memes, and even a dedicated subreddit, r/MaskedSinger, where fans discuss every clue and guess. (See the official Fox page for the show: https://www.fox.com/masked-singer.)

3. The Puzzle’s Placement and Context

The crossword appeared as part of USA Today’s “Sunday puzzle” edition—a weekly puzzle that typically includes a mix of straightforward and cryptic clues, catering to both casual solvers and crossword enthusiasts. The editorial team noted that the puzzle’s overall theme was “Pop Culture,” and the masked‑singer clue fit neatly into that theme.

Interestingly, the article revealed that the editor had requested a “pop‑culture reference that would be recognizable to a broad audience but not overly obvious.” That’s why the answer, MASKED, was chosen over more generic words like “MASKED” or “COVERED.” The clue also doubled as a nod to the fact that all Fox shows, from drama to reality TV, are often marketed as “big on entertainment.”

4. How Readers Responded

The article highlighted the reactions of solvers on social media and USA Today’s own comments section. Many appreciated the cleverness of the clue, noting that it was “so easy for anyone who watched the show but still required a second look.” One reader commented, “I love when puzzles bring pop‑culture into the grid! It’s like a puzzle and a meme in one.” Another pointed out that the clue was a “nice way to keep the crossword relevant in a world where streaming shows are everywhere.”

Crossword fans also noted that MASKED fit perfectly with the other answers in that crossword, creating a sense of cohesion. The editor’s use of the 6‑letter word was particularly elegant, given that most of the other answers were also 6 or 7 letters.

5. A Look at the Puzzle Setter

The article introduced the puzzle’s designer, David Ho, a veteran crossword editor for USA Today. Ho has been praised for his ability to weave current events and pop‑culture into his puzzles. According to the article, he has a background in linguistics and a passion for music, which explains his love for The Masked Singer.

“We’ve got a lot of people who love crosswords but may not be as plugged into TV culture,” Ho said in a brief interview. “I wanted to create a clue that would both challenge and entertain—something that would resonate with people who enjoy the show and those who enjoy a good word puzzle.”

6. The Takeaway

In the end, the article celebrated the synergy between two seemingly unrelated worlds: the meticulous craft of crossword construction and the vibrant, ever‑changing landscape of television entertainment. By inserting a clue that references The Masked Singer, the puzzle bridged a gap between crossword enthusiasts and mainstream pop‑culture fans.

The next time you tackle a USA Today crossword, keep an eye out for clues that hint at your favorite TV shows. You may find that a well‑placed reference can make the puzzle feel even more personal—and perhaps help you solve a tough word. If you missed the original puzzle, you can still experience the thrill of the clue by visiting USA Today’s puzzle archive at https://www.usatoday.com/puzzles.

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