Keisha Buchanan Crowned Champion of The Masked Singer 2026
Keisha Buchanan has emerged victorious on the popular ITV programme The Masked Singer, winning the 2026 edition after weeks of speculation. The Sugababes star, who performed under the guise of Moth, captivated audiences with her final rendition of Rihanna's 'Only Girl (In the World)', ultimately defeating competitors Conkers and Toastie.
Following her unmasking, Keisha expressed sheer delight at her achievement. She remarked, "I have been a fan of the show for many years. I absolutely loved it. I really started to embrace Moth! I haven't done many things by myself, so this was so necessary to bring me out of my shell." She also noted that presenter Maya Jama correctly guessed her identity early on, adding to the excitement.
The runners-up were revealed to be This Morning presenter Ben Shephard and former EastEnders star Mica Paris, making for a star-studded finale that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Tumultuous Sugababes Journey and Eventual Reunion
Keisha Buchanan's career has been marked by both triumph and turbulence. As a founding member of the Sugababes, formed in 1998 alongside Siobhan Donaghy and Mutya Buena, she experienced significant lineup changes over the years. Siobhan departed in 2001, citing feelings of being bullied by Keisha, though Keisha has consistently denied these allegations, and the pair have since reconciled.
Mutya exited in 2005 due to postnatal depression, with Amelle Berrabah stepping in. In a surprising turn, Keisha was replaced by Jade Ewen in 2009 while still officially in the band, an event she described as emotionally and financially devastating.
The group disbanded in 2011, but in a heartwarming twist, the original trio reunited in 2013, reclaiming their name officially in 2022. They have since performed at major events like Glastonbury, stating that the timing felt right to come together again, putting past differences behind them.
A Harrowing Car Crash and Personal Reflections
In 2024, Keisha disclosed a terrifying incident from the previous year, where she blacked out while driving, resulting in a serious car accident. Sharing images of the aftermath, which showed a destroyed telephone box and police vehicle, she expressed gratitude for her survival, saying, "Thank you Jesus for my life. Thankful for another year... will speak more on the cause behind the black out another time. Just happy to be here."
This event highlighted the personal challenges she has faced beyond the spotlight, adding depth to her public persona.
Controversial Moments and Career Evolution
Keisha has not shied away from controversy, such as in 2018 when she posted a photo from a 2006 Prince's Trust event with King Charles. In the image, she gave him a noticeable side-eye, commenting, "My shade was so real that day, obviously I was polite etc but I couldn't help but think of Diana. Mmm hmmm." This moment showcased her candid nature and willingness to speak her mind.
Reflecting on her career, Keisha has spoken about the grueling schedule of the Sugababes in the 1990s, where they had only four days off a year and sometimes managed just two and a half hours of sleep. On the Smallzy's Surgery podcast, she shared, "There was once I remember being - I was still living at home with my mum, and I saw my brother once that year. I didn't see him for an entire year."
Today, she emphasizes a happier and more controlled work environment, with the reunited Sugababes having greater say over their commitments. "I think the difference between then and now is that we are given our diary, well, given offers, and we can say yes or no. And, you know, Siobhan has kids, so we have to work around that," she explained, highlighting their current collaborative and balanced approach.
Keisha Buchanan's journey from Sugababes fame to Masked Singer champion illustrates a resilient and evolving career, marked by personal growth, professional challenges, and triumphant returns.
