Normani Rumors Swirl as ‘Crane’ Debuts on The Masked Singer; Katseye’s Manon Bannerman Steps Away to Focus on Health

Fans are already arguing that normani is the celebrity behind the Crane costume after the character’s first Wild Card performance on The Masked Singer season 14, even as another music story unfolded with Katseye member Manon Bannerman announcing a temporary break to focus on her health. Both developments have energized social discussion and left audiences waiting for confirmations and next steps.

Is Normani the Crane on ‘The Masked Singer’?

The Crane was the first Wild Card to appear this season and made its debut during week 3, performing only once so far. Judges offered a range of guesses after the performance, but many viewers say the clues and the vocal performance add up to Normani, the former Fifth Harmony member.

During the initial appearance, one judge called the Crane the best dancer of the season and pointed out ballet shoes among the clues, noting names such as Misty Copeland when discussing who the clues might suggest. Another panelist mentioned links to a "Diamonds" motif after seeing a diamond clue, while additional props included a sugar jar and a Nutcracker connection that reviewers tied to a Christmas album. Those elements have been picked over by fans as potential references to the performer's past projects and collaborations.

Social media reactions have been emphatic. Fans broke down the clues and tied them to known moments in the suspected performer’s career — sugar references linked to an opening slot on a major tour, diamond imagery tied to a collaboration called "Diamonds, " and an affinity for ’90s influences called out in commentary. Some viewers even pointed to the vocal runs in the performance and declared that the voice itself sounded like normani.

It remains unconfirmed who is behind the Crane mask; none of the judges guessed Normani during the reveal discussion, and the identity has not been officially confirmed. This is a developing situation and further episodes or an unmasking will determine whether fan theories are correct.

Manon Bannerman's Temporary Break and What It Means for Katseye

Separately, Katseye announced that 23-year-old Swiss member Manon Bannerman is taking a temporary break to focus on her health and wellbeing. Bannerman told fans she was "healthy" and "taking care of myself, " adding that she is trusting the bigger picture as she steps back for now. The decision followed open and thoughtful conversations among the group.

Katseye — a six-member group formed in 2023 — said it fully supports Bannerman and confirmed the group will continue with scheduled performances during her absence. No timeline has been given for her return. The other members are Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung.

The announcement arrives weeks after Katseye performed at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, where the group earned nominations for best new artist and best pop duo/group performance for the song "Gabriela. " The group’s rapid ascent has been accompanied by intense online scrutiny; previous comments from members referenced thousands of death threats received since the band’s formation, and one member described the experience as jarring for the mind. Bannerman has said that the pressure can be "very terrorising on the mind. "

Katseye’s statement emphasized unity and support, and reaffirmed that the group intends to continue showing up for one another and for fans. Fans can expect the group to keep scheduled appearances in Bannerman’s absence, and updates will follow when a return timeline is announced.

Both stories highlight how speculation and personal wellbeing intersect in today’s music coverage: a high-profile guessing game around a masked performance remains unresolved, while a rising pop act pauses to put a member’s health first. Details may evolve as The Masked Singer progresses and as Katseye shares further information about Bannerman’s recovery and the group’s plans.