Overview
- The 13th season premiered on Wednesday, September 16, with a record 16 masked celebrities split into four-per-episode blocks.
- Under the new quad format two of four performers are eliminated each early episode so two advance directly to the semifinal.
- ProSieben recorded the shows in Cologne before broadcast, replacing the Joyn live-app vote with decisions by the rate team and the studio audience.
- Episode 1 revealed and eliminated Isabel Edvardsson (as Emily Wau) and Ben Zucker (as Bubble), with reports that Zucker sang in a higher register to mislead and Bubble’s costume weighed nearly 10 kg.
- The overhaul drew mixed reaction from fans and some rate guests who criticized loss of live voting and midweek scheduling, while producers say the changes ease celebrity booking and boost surprise moments.