Why did Kevin Hart self-eliminate on The Masked Singer?

The Masked Singer season 11 kicked off with Kevin Hart’s self-elimination. But why did the American comedian and actor choose to leave the show?

Popular guessing game and reality TV show, The Masked Singer has returned for an eleventh season with a new group of celebrities getting ready to hit the stage.

The show sees celebrities perform with their identities hidden behind elaborate costumes, competing for first place until they are asked to unmask.

However, the final performer of Group A in season 11’s premiere chose instead to self-eliminate. Revealed to be Kevin Hart, the actor shared his ulterior goal of coming on the show.

Disguised as “Book,” Hart’s disguise saw him transformed into a cartoonish book, complete with a bowler hat, mustache, and a worm.

Despite being unable to spot any sign of the man beneath the costume, Hart gave himself away almost instantly. Both fans and the panelists alike quickly clued onto Hart’s identity, his performance of Ne-Yo’s So Sick washing away any remaining doubt.

As Robin Thicke correctly guessed who was behind Book’s costume, Hart shocked the panel by removing his costume and eliminating himself. It turned out that Hart’s appearance on the show was all planned to “impress one special friend.”

With a longstanding history of pranks with The Masked Singer’s host Nick Cannon, Hart had decided to surprise his friend on the show. Shouting excitedly, “I got you,” as he revealed his identity, Hart was evidently stoked to see Cannon’s surprise.

“This a prank. You had no idea I was coming here Nick,” Hart exclaimed. “And guess what, there’s nothing you can do about it!”

While viewers and the panel were fans of Hart’s prank, Cannon wasn’t as convinced that his friend’s antics were worthwhile, jokingly claiming that Hart “ruined the show.” He said, “This is stupid, that was the worst performance ever on the history of this show… you embarrassed yourself.”

Nonetheless, Hart dismissed claims he looked “stupid,” insisting instead that he was “very put together.” With Hart’s self-elimination, all other competitors were safe from elimination.