Interview: For Ken Jeong, ‘I Can See Your Voice’ isn’t just one note [VIDEO]

When people used to hear the name Ken Jeong the most often thought was of his very revealing scenes in The Hangover but there’s much more to the actor who made Mr. Chow notorious. Jeong is a family man, a very successful physician and much of his comedy flows from his personal life. He’s also the host of two of television’s most popular reality competition shows: The Masked Singer and the new I Can See Your Voice, both on FOX.

His Netflix special, You Complete Me Ho, received rave reviews which isn’t at all surprising for an actor with Jeong’s comedy pedigree. Whether it’s Sullivan and Sons, Community, or Dr. Ken, Ken always delivers whether he’s the straight man or adding levity to a scene. Not bad for a guy who got his start being on stage competing in the Mr. Buccaneer Beauty Pageant.

When he’s not performing to sold-out shows in on London’s West End or trying to figure out who is behind the diamond-studded panther mask on The Masked Singer, he’s the host of Fox’s I Can See Your Voice, whose second season is slated to being September 23rd, which has done quite well in the ratings. While on the surface, this show appears to be like most game shows, but really it is very unique. All of these contestants in one way or another are in desperate need of this life-changing money (the grand prize is $100K) and the path to winning isn’t easy at all. Out of 5 singers, the contestant has to decipher through a series of various challenges which one has a great voice without hearing that person sing one note. They do get some help from a panel of celebrity detectives that often include Cheryl Hines, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Joel McHale. What sets this gameshow from the others is the genuine compassion Ken feels towards each contestant. If it were up to him, he’d give them all the grand prize. It’s pretty clear that it’s not about tricking these contestants, he wants to change their lives.

We were lucky enough to have an extended sit down with Jeong recently to discuss his time in the Mr. Buccaneer male beauty pageant, his early days in comedy, an encounter with Adam Sandler, and what makes I Can See Your Voice special.

Ken Jeong is Emmy eligible for Outstanding Host of a Reality or Competition Program for I Can See Your Voice on FOX.

Photo: Michael Becker / FOX