Taraji P. Henson made a standout reality TV appearance this week on The Masked Singer Season 14’s latest episode, where she was revealed as the celebrity behind the elaborate Scarab costume. The actress, celebrated for her work on screen and stage—and recognized with nominations across the Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, and Golden Globes—ended her journey on the show during “Clueless Night,” a double elimination that also saw rapper Tone Lōc unmasked as Handyman.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Henson explained that she decided to take part after years of fans speculating she might be a masked singer. “I heard about them guessing me every year, and I was like, well, let me just give the people what they’ve been asking for,” she said, revealing a playful motivation behind her choice. But once the mask was on and performances began, nerves set in; Henson confessed that singing under a cumbersome costume posed challenges, especially since she doesn’t primarily identify as a singer.
Despite the pressure, Henson embraced the experience and even reflected on how she might have done things differently. With fans and panelists alike recognizing her through familiar mannerisms and vocal cues, she joked that changing those traits could have prolonged her time on the show. Panelist Rita Ora ultimately was the one to correctly guess her identity, drawing on past collaborations that may have hinted at Henson’s presence beneath the mask.
Henson also used the interview to spotlight what’s next for her career. She’s set to return to Broadway in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, directed by Debbie Allen—a full‑circle moment given their shared history at Howard University. The role marks a meaningful chapter for Henson, merging her artistic roots with her continued evolution as a performer.