Elle King, the popular singer known for her hit “Ex’s & Oh’s,” recently shared her uplifting experience on FOX’s new game show, Nation’s Dumbest. In a unique twist on the genre, the show invites celebrities to compete in a series of challenges designed to test their intelligence rather than their physical prowess. King, along with eleven other prominent figures, participated in this entertaining and enlightening competition, which premiered on July 15, 2026.
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Throughout the series, contestants including Ice-T, Andrew Yang, Carmen Electra, and JoJo Siwa face off in various intellectual tasks, all under the guidance of host and comedian Jack Whitehall. The aim of the show is to find the brightest star among the group, while the remaining participants edge closer to being labelled “The Nation’s Dumbest.” In the inaugural episode, King triumphed over former presidential candidate Yang, becoming the first contestant to graduate from the series.
Reflecting on her journey through the show, King revealed that she struggled with her educational experiences as a child, citing challenges such as ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome. She had to repeat kindergarten, and as a result, she often felt insecure about her intelligence. Participating in Nation’s Dumbest was her chance to confront those insecurities and affirm to herself that she is more intelligent than she has often believed.
During a press event in Los Angeles held on July 9, King described her experience as transformative. “A lot of the show really surprised me,” she explained, acknowledging how the challenges took her back to her school days, leaving her feeling vulnerable yet invigorated. King noted that stepping back into an academic setting pushed her out of her comfort zone, prompting her to question, “Why did I sign up for going back to school?” However, she also found the process to be immensely healing and fulfilling.
The singer’s competitive spirit was a driving force behind her decision to join the show. “I just love the concept of it, and I love logic and puzzles,” she remarked, adding that her desire to succeed in a light-hearted, humorous environment appealed to her. King stated that at this point in her life, she wanted to focus on enjoyment and laughter, making her participation in the show a valuable experience.
Despite the show’s somewhat comedic title, King felt a strong connection to its premise. “You have to continue to push yourself a little bit. Don’t judge a book by its cover, right?” she said, expressing how her initial apprehension regarding the title was dispelled once she engaged with the concept. “Once I read past that part, I was like, ‘Oh, this is perfect. They’re doing something right. They know.’” Her enthusiasm highlighted the show’s blend of intellect and entertainment.
Joining King in the celebrity lineup are well-known figures such as Jon Heder, Anthony Michael Hall, Hilaria Baldwin, and Dr. Drew Pinsky, who also showcased their skills in the pursuit of smarts. The collaborative and competitive atmosphere among such a diverse group of personalities promises to keep viewers engaged.
Nation’s Dumbest airs on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu. With an emphasis on clever challenges and celebrity engagement, the show seeks to redefine how audiences perceive intelligence within a fun and entertaining context, while also touching on deeper personal narratives.
Through her candid reflections and her unexpected victory, Elle King has highlighted the redeeming power of competition and self-discovery. Her journey exemplifies how stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to personal growth, alongside the humour of life itself.