The Masked Singer Australia 2022 has seen a huge shake-up in the last few weeks as Dannii Minogue, Urzila Carlson and Jackie O Henderson announced they were leaving the show due to scheduling conflicts and family obligations.

While Dave “Hughesy” Hughes has stayed on, the three women have been replaced by Abbie Chatfield, Chrissie Swan and Melanie “Scary Spice” Brown.

As reported in episode 192 of the So Dramatic! podcast, a source close to production has revealed that there is actually another reason for the mass exodus.

the masked singer australia judges panellists 2022
Jackie O Henderson, Dannii Minogue and Urzila Carlson have been replaced with Chrissie Swan, Abbie Chatfield and Mel “Scary Spice” Brown. Source: Ten.

“Yes there were scheduling conflicts, definitely with Urzila, however, the real issue was more about pay than anything else,” the source dished.

Jackie O and Dannii Minogue Asked for a Pay Rise

“Jackie and Danni asked for a pay rise this year due to the immense success of the show over the last two years. They thought they were worth more and deserved it, given that the show owes its success to them.”

According to the same So Dramatic! spy, production would not “budge” and give them a pay increase.

“They had a different opinion and think the show’s success is due to the talent and names they can get behind the masks,” they said. “So, they are spending up big on talent this year, instead of allocating more money from the budget to cover the judges’ pay.”


Even though they were unable to get the pay they wanted, there was “no bad blood”, it was just that the show could no longer meet what they were looking for.

“There was no animosity, they just decided it wasn’t worth it.”

For Jackie, she would now be able to spend more time with her daughter, Kitty and for Danni, she was given a better deal overseas hosting an all-new European dating show which was paying her a lot more money.

So Dramatic! Daily podcast

How Much Are the New The Masked Singer Australia Judges Being Paid?

Given her international status (hello, she’s a goddamn Spice Girl), Mel B was paid the most with the 47-year-old believed to have been given around half a million dollars!

As for Abbie — who is quickly gaining HUGE success in the Australian media landscape — she was paid less due to her “inexperience”, however, managed to score herself a whopping $100k.

As for Chrissie, she is already on a contract with Ten.

How Much Was Hughesy Paid to Stay On?

The source also revealed that Hughesy stayed on “because he had to”, given that he’s already signed on with Network Ten and has an overarching contract Hughesy, We Have a Problem.

His radio show Hughesy, Ed and Erin — under the Southern Cross Austereo Radio network — is an affiliate partner with Ten, so it makes sense to use their talent from within their stables.

dave hughes masked singer 2022 judges leaked
The source also revealed that Hughesy stayed on “because he had to”, given that he’s already signed on with Network Ten. Source: Ten.

Abbie is also considered under this umbrella, due to her National radio show, Hot Nights With Abbie with the HIT Network.

Want even more goss? Listen to episode 192 of the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto below!

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