The guessing game is on for The Masked Singer [1] season four. During the premiere on Sept. 23, the competition started by introducing us to the first round of contestants in Group A. While there were plenty of intriguing clues for each, it's the Snow Owls that have everyone's attention. Yep, that's right: for the first time ever, this season includes a musical duet! It appears that the Snow Owls are a male and female duo, but are they a married couple or siblings?
Based on the clue video, it's a bit hard to say. While they talked about spending magical Christmases together, at one point the female owl says, "Oh, brother," which could mean they are related. They even note that their appearance on the show is a bit of a "family reunion" for them. Maybe they played siblings on screen? Another telling moment was when the female owl said, "Working with him, he's a prankster — a real wise guy," to which the male owl quipped, "Anything for a laugh," while pulling out a red rose from his pocket. So, what does it all mean? Read ahead for some of our best theories of who could be behind the masks [2].
Are Alexa and Carlos PenaVega the Snow Owls on The Masked Singer?
A handful of fans believe that married couple Alexa and Carlos PenaVega are behind the masks. While Carlos is well-known for singing in the boyband Big Time Rush, Alexa has recorded a few songs of her own. The Christmas reference could also be a nod to their Hallmark movies together.
Are Donny and Marie Osmond the Snow Owls on The Masked Singer?
Judge Jenny McCarthy [4] pointed out that brother-sister duo Donny and Marie Osmond could be some strong candidates for the Snow Owls. Marie even has a song called "Paper Roses." Although, Donny previously appeared on The Masked Singer [5] during season one, so we're not sure if the show would bring back a former contestant.
Are Brandy and Ray J the Snow Owls on The Masked Singer?
Another popular theory is Brandy and Ray J. Not only are the two siblings, but they have also worked together on several occasions, including their 2010 reality series Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business. Maybe that's what the clue "family reunion" meant?
Are Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara the Snow Owls on The Masked Singer?
Judge Ken Jeong guessed Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara because there was a rose featured in the clue video, which could be a reference to their Schitt's Creek [6] characters Johnny and Moira Rose. The two are longtime friends and costars, so it would make sense that The Masked Singer [7] chose them as their first duo.
Are Maia and Alex Shibutani the Snow Owls on The Masked Singer?
Based on the snow theme and sibling references, some fans think Olympic ice dancers Maia and Alex Shibutani are behind the masks. There were also a handful of words like "spin" and "figure" in the clue video.
Are Vince Gill and Amy Grant the Snow Owls on The Masked Singer?
Judge Robin Thicke guessed husband-and-wife duo Vince Gill and Amy Grant. Not only are they an iconic singing couple, but Amy is known for her Christmas albums.
Are Chip and Joanna Gaines the Snow Owls on The Masked Singer?
One theory floating around is that Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines are behind the masks. Not only were there references to a farmhouse and prey/pray, but there was also a street sign that read "Magnolia," which is the name of their business [8].
Are Julianne and Derek Hough the Snow Owls on The Masked Singer?
Many fans believe the Snow Owls are actually dancing sibling duo Julianne and Derek Hough who have frequently teamed up together. Fun fact: they actually sang "Say Something" [9] during their Move! Live on Tour, and it sounds pretty similar to the Snow Owls' performance.
Are Nick and Vanessa Lachey the Snow Owls on The Masked Singer?
Another celebrity couple who could be the Snow Owls are Nick and Vanessa Lachey. While Nick is known for singing in 98 Degrees, Vanessa also has a tie with the Christmas clue — she's been in a handful of holiday TV movies.
Are Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black the Snow Owls on The Masked Singer?
Another popular theory is country singer Clint Black and actress Lisa Hartman Black based on how similar their voices are to the Snow Owls. Clint is well-known for covering "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" for the 1998 animated film of the same name, which connects to that Christmas clue. There was also a pearl reference in the clue video, which could be a nod to the couple's daughter Lily Pearl Black.