Masked Singer fans convinced the Badger is US superstar Ne-Yo after secret UK visit and music video clue

THE Masked Singer fans are convinced The Badger is US superstar Ne-Yo.

Viewers think the So Sick singer, 41, is the voice behind the contestant, who impressed in the second series' opening episode on Saturday.

The Badger sang Nina Simone's iconic song, Feeling Good, on Saturday night and left judges Davina McCall, Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan flummoxed by his identity.

The panel's guesses were all over the place, with judges throwing around suggestions like David Myers, Andy Serkis, Idris Elba, or Jay Kay.

However, fans reckon the character's distinctive vocals belong to household name, Ne-Yo.

Viewers worked out that the Let Me Love You singer was in the UK performing with Stefflon Don in September - which is when the show was filmed.

The same month, Ne-Yo also shared several snaps with his wife Crystal Renay in a location that resembled London thanks to the buildings in the backdrop.

However, the singer coyly didn't include a geo-tag on the photos.

The Badger also performed with a motorbike onstage - and fans pointed out that Ne-Yo rides one in the music video for his hit, Closer.

The Masked Singer fans flocked to Twitter to air their theory that the Badger is Ne-Yo.

"How are people not getting that the Badger on #TheMaskedSingerUK is Ne-Yo?! I won’t be told otherwise," one wrote.

"Ok I’m convinced the Badger on Masked Singer is Ne-Yo," another agreed.

"Ne-Yo is definitely the Badger! The closer music video with the motorbike," a third insisted.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor was the first celebrity to get kicked off the show and was revealed to be the singer behind Alien.

She was axed after landing in the bottom three and losing the singing challenge.