‘The Masked Singer 12’ episode 1 recap: Who was the ‘jaw-dropping reveal’ in ‘Who Can it Be Now?’ season premiere?
“The Masked Singer” is reaching new heights in Season 12. Panelists Ken Jeong, Rita Ora, Robin Thicke and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg return as the series commemorates acclaimed franchises “Barbie” and “Footloose,” along with the iconic artist Miley Cyrus in a pop culture-piercing night that salutes her music catalog. Nick Cannon returns as host.
Tonight’s episode will feature showstopping performances from five all-new masked celebrities and a jaw-dropping reveal no one saw coming! Get ready to singalong in the all-new “Season 12 Premiere: Who Can it Be Now?” episode of “The Masked Singer” airing Wednesday, September 25 (8:00-9:02 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Read our live blog below.
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The Season 12 contestants boast a combined 21 Grammy nominations, 14 Emmy nominations, and 202 film appearances. Five of them even know Taylor Swift!
New this season, clues are everywhere and hidden in all-new places: strategically embedded in costumes, in song choices and on-stage moments. And for the first time in the show’s history, viewers will get the biggest clue yet as each of the 15 masked singers will be endorsed by a celebrity Masked Ambassador. These Ambassadors, all alums of the series, have a special connection to each singer and provide major new clues about their friends’ identities.
Keep refreshing/reloading this “The Masked Singer” live blog for the most recent updates.
8:00 p.m. — “Previously on ‘The Masked Singer’!” In the Season 11 finale, Goldfish won the Golden Mask trophy and removed her mask to reveal “High School Musical” and “Spring Breakers” star, Vanessa Hudgens. Gumball (Scott Porter) finished in second place. But enough about last season, let’s kick off Season 12!
8:02 p.m. — William Shatner (Season 8 Knight) opens up tonight’s episode, lauding the first 11 seasons and 186 unmasked celebrities. Then Rita emerges, singing “Who Can it Be Now?” by Men At Work before Nick announces this will be “the biggest season yet!”
8:06 p.m. — The first performer this season is Buffalo. He’s dressed like a cowboy, but Robin notes, “He looks like an athlete.” So who is Buffalo’s Masked Ambassador he has a strong connection with? None other than Season 5 champ Nick Lachey (Piglet). Nick says, “Hey, what’s up guys? It’s me, Piglet, winner of Season 5. I am so pumped to be part of an exclusive club of Masked Singer Ambassadors, here to endorse our friends. My vote goes to the Buffalo! Raised in the grasslands, the Buffalo had it tough — sleeping in roach-filled beds at night and practicing at bus stops by day.” Buffalo says, “That’s right, Piglet. But thanks to a big cattle call, it was game on. From there, I was traveling the world, the Walk of Fame and starring in two of the biggest sit-coms of all time.” Nick then calls Buffalo “a national treasure” and “always the center of attention” at Nick’s Super Bowl parties. Visual clues included a football poster at the bus stop, photos of Betty White and Vanna White, and a film reel.
8:10 p.m. — Buffalo is singing “(I Just) Died In Your Arms” by Cutting Crew and he’s got chops! In a shocking twist, a second Buffalo emerges with an equally powerful voice. No wait, there’s three! Who is this powerhouse trio?! Whoever it is, this was one heck of a season opener. As an additional clue, Nick sent the Buffalo a gift for good luck: A crown. The panelists guess Buffalo are B2K (Jenny), Earth, Wind & Fire (Rita), and the other three members of 98 Degrees (Robin).
8:15 p.m. — The next performer is Woodpecker, a sultry diva who knows how to strut her stuff. Jenny mentions she’s “an itty-bitty thing” with “dancer legs.” Woodpecker’s ambassador is Jenifer Lewis (Season 11 Miss Cleocatra), who says, “I have top secret information on someone I have known since her start. She’s been called a mogul, a CEO and she even became friends with Beyoncé. This bird is a baddy.” Woodpecker adds, “That’s a lot to live up to. I try not to think about all that. I’ve just been taught that the only doors that will open are the ones you knock on, so I knocked on them all! And now, I’m trying to be the youngest billionaire. I want to prove that I can do anything. That’s why I’m here! The singing, the dancing…bring it on!” Visual clues included red sports tape with the word “NEXT” printed on it, a framed sign that says “Family,” and an S.A.T. score card.
8:20 p.m. — Woodpecker is singing “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus. She has a good voice, but not enough to convince me she’s most known for being a musician. Still, Rita thinks she recognizes this voice. The additional clue sent from Jenifer is a framed “World Record.” The panelists think Woodpecker could be Willow Smith (Ken), Cardi B (Rita), Halle Bailey (Rita) or Keke Palmer (Robin).
8:25 p.m. — Third up tonight is Leaf Sheep! What’s a Leaf Sheep? I’m not sure, but it’s a pretty cool costume. Leaf Sheep’s ambassador is DeMarcus Ware (Season 11 Koala). He says, “Keeping my identity a secret was pretty tough to handle, but I know someone who can manage it all…the GOAT! Er, sheep?” Leaf Sheep adds, “I know, I know, you’re very confused right now, and so was I until about three days ago. But the Leaf Sheep is a real thing, look it up! These days, I’m a little sluggish, but you should have seen me in my prime. I made a total splash, scored headlines, topped the country’s charts, even revived a franchise. And now I’m here to keep the good times rollin’.” DeMarcus chimed in, “Based off running the same circles, I think your glory days are still ahead.” Visual clues included a quarter, the #1 and a cowboy seahorse.
8:30 p.m. — Leaf Sheep is singing “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw. He’s not a good singer. In fact, I’m not sure he’s hit one note in the correct key lol. Oh well, he’s having fun up there and the crowd looks like they are too. The additional clue from DeMarcus is a Hall of Fame trophy. The panelists think Leaf Sheep could be Tom Brady (Jenny), John Elway (Ken) or Troy Aikman (Robin).
8:35 p.m. — Next to the stage is Showbird! This is a bright and colorfully feathered character. Her ambassador is former guest panelist, Joel McHale, who calls Showbird “a good friend.” She responds, “Thanks, Joel. Honestly, I’m just as confused as you are. I never imagined all of this for myself. I was a total tomboy growing up, and a total nerd. Legos, Comic-Con, the works. I thought I’d keep things a little more humble, low-key, modest.” She adds she was in “some of the biggest blockbuster movies ever, unlike Joel.” Visual clues included a book called “Advanced Singing 401,” a rack of shimmering clothes, bedazzled boots and a golden gavel.
8:40 p.m. — Showbird is singing “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige. She’s got a good voice, but I doubt she’s a professional singer (sorry if she is). For an additional clue, Joel sends her some movie popcorn. The panelists think Showbird could be Jennifer Hudson (Ken), Taraji P. Henson (Rita) or Kerry Washington (Robin).
8:45 p.m. — The final Group A singer is Ship. This is one impressively detailed costume. Ship’s ambassador is Jewel (Season 6 Queen of Hearts). She says, “I was surprised at how much depth there was to the competition beneath the surface. That’s something that I think will serve someone that I’ve always had a great relationship with, the Ship.” Ship adds, “I know how quickly the tides can change from angry to serene on a dime, and my life has been the same. My career set sail at a rapid clip. I had massive hits, made history, but I lost control. I became lost at sea, and at times felt totally forgotten. It’s taken me years to find my way back to shore, but I finally got the career I’ve always wanted. And that’s why being here is so scary, because once again I’m in unchartered waters.” Jewel tells her to steer “towards her fears head-on, just like we did all those years ago together.” Visual clues included a small airplane with a clock on it, a “Wanted” sign with a $15,000 reward, and television antennas (or rabbit ears?).
8:50 p.m. — Ship is singing “Pompeii” by Bastille. This is definitely a seasoned performer and possibly a music legend. Easily the most impressive vocal of the night. For an additional clue, Jewel sends Ship a silver cowboy hat. The panelists think Ship could be Cyndi Lauper (Rita), Joan Osborne (Jenny), Enya (Robin) or Sarah McLachlan (Robin).
9:00 p.m. — The panelists and studio audience have voted. The contestant with the least amount of votes and unmasking tonight is Leaf Sheep. But before he does, the panelists give their final guesses: Troy Aikman (Robin), Billy Bob Thornton (Rita), John Elway (Ken) and Tom Brady (Jenny). At last, Leaf Sheep takes off the mask and reveals himself to be two-time Super Bowl champ John Elway! Ken was right! Next week, Group A will return for “Footloose Night.”
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