The Masked Singer Double Elimination Boots Icons of ’90s Music, Groundbreaking ’10s Sitcom

If not, it will be a double-elimination, as just one singer might survive and make it to the quarterfinals in a few months. Within the meantime, Buffalos, Ship, and Woodpecker wanted to do all they may to outlive two rounds of competitors right here!

The “Soundtrack of My Life” theme introduced out feelings from the panel and from the contestants, hiding their tears behind their masks. Their heartfelt and impactful tales helped form who they’ve change into as superstars.

However who’re they? And which ones superior to the quarterfinals? As Nick would shout, “you already know what to do!”

Let’s soar proper in with this week’s masks. And don’t fret, earlier than we get to the unmasking(s), we’ll make you energy via the horrible (and sometimes good) guesses made by our illustrious panel of Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora first. We do that as a result of we love … to torture you.

Together with the panel’s guesses, we’ll be sharing some web hypothesis, too, so for those who do not wish to be doubtlessly spoiled (as a result of they’re superb at this), it’s possible you’ll wish to skip previous the guesses sections.

(“Excessive Hopes,” Panic! on the Disco) It was a stability between skilled confidence and youthful bravado on both finish as Ship laid it down vocally and with a lot improbable angle within the opening strains, Buffaloes maintained their persistently robust vocals, and Woodpecker was giving all the things. She strikes and bounces in a manner that you simply solely see in somebody very younger and really assured, if not bordering on cocky. She’s feeling herself at this level. We’ll see how all three really feel after their solo performances.

(“As a result of the Evening,” Patti Smith Group) Ship sailed easily into these vocals effortlessly, although she did not fairly have as a lot aggression in her interpretation as the unique. That stated, she’s so seasoned and conscious of her vary and her voice, she didn’t make a incorrect transfer. Simply as we had been hoping she’d give herself a vocal second, she pushed that ultimate refrain greater and put a stamp on a really assured and powerful efficiency.

Guesses: Ship shared that she felt linked to Patti Smith’s “As a result of the Evening” as a result of she, too, felt shipwrecked and misplaced at one level in her life. She described her existence as “broke” and “dwelling off of a $2 burrito,” with one half for lunch and the opposite for dinner.

Then, although, she signed on to sing backup on a global tour, exhibiting a rowboat as she talked about it. A photograph of John Wayne was additionally featured, whereas on stage we obtained a letter written, “Congrats on the Finest New Artist win! You’re a true main girl. -LeAnn ’98.”

“This observe is from probably the most treasured moments of my profession. And it meant the world to obtain such recognition from such a gifted girl like LeAnn Rimes,” Ship defined. Later, when requested what she’s discoverad about herself on this journey, Ship added, “I am such an introvert, that is reall stressing me out. However I’ve to say, I have been watching this present with my daughter, and we love you, and thanks a lot for having me right here. I hope to go all the best way.”

For Footloose week, Ship opened up about her personal highschool expertise, sharing that she was fairly the mover and shaker in her teen years. She was a cheerleader, class president, and even obtained voted promenade queen. However a critical harm left her sidelined and in a boot for a 12 months.

It was at this level that she turned to music, significantly the household piano. She used it as her remedy, she defined as we noticed her opening a crimson, heart-shaped window. She additionally represented her foot harm with a medical boot and a pair of white cowboy boots, whereas we additionally noticed a raven earlier than she dropped the traditional phrase, “knocking on heaven’s door.”

Her huge on-stage clue got here out as a wall of lockers. Inside one was a shot of Kevin Bacon from Footloose beneath Whoopi Goldberg beneath Melissa Etheridge. Ship defined, “I am three levels of Kevin Bacon” via her connection to Etheridge.

Season 6 winner Queen of Hearts (a.okay.a. Jewel) had the dignity of being the Masked Ambassador for Ship, who shared that her life has modified from “indignant to serene on a dime” after a fast begin to her profession. She stated she had “huge hits, made historical past,” however then misplaced management of it.

She felt utterly forgotten for years earlier than reclaiming her profession, and actually, lastly having fun with the profession she all the time needed. However that profession is in contrast to this stage, with Ship admitting that is scary as a result of it is “uncharted waters.”

Jewel, although, thought that was cause sufficient to do it, encouraging Ship to “steer in the direction of your fears head on, similar to we did all these years in the past collectively.” She stated that by doing so, she’d be “unsinkable.”

Alongside the best way on this first clue package deal, we noticed sculptures in an artwork museum, a aircraft, a clock on it set to roughly 11:35, a $15,000 Needed poster, and an outdated TV with antenna crossed to make an “X.” Is that for Era X, X Issue, or possibly even the X-Males? Her on-stage reward was a glittery cowboy hat.

Rita thought of the raven and Sarah McLachlan’s “Blackbird.” “However there could be unhappy puppies within the clue package deal,” Jenny quipped earlier than Robin began tossing out acquainted guesses earlier than circling again to McLachlan’s piano prowess. Ken, in the meantime, once more tried to twist the chook right into a Sheryl Crow.

“You already know who’s my main girl?” Ken requested, to which Jenny interrupted earnestly to answer, “Jenny McCarthy.” He went on to guess VMA’s Finest New Artist Alanis Morissette, who wrote “Firefly” for Jewel. The issue, although, is that Alanis has a very distinctive voice, Ken … and that ain’t it!

Rita went into the Finest New Artist Grammys class to seek out Norah Jones, whereas Jenny was pondering Joan Osborne briefly earlier than winding her method to the guess the web’s been circling since day one. Paula Cole has a Finest New Artist Grammy, too, coming just some years after she joined Peter Gabriel’s world tour as a backup singer, changing Sinead O’Connor.

(“Put Your Data On,” Corinne Bailey Rae) Woodpecker introduced her strongest vocal efficiency of the season simply when she wanted it, providing a velvety tone that caressed the opening verse. There was a milky throatiness we have not heard from her earlier than. Within the refrain, we obtained some falsetto and hints of vary. She nonetheless performs like an newbie, with some moments that are not as dynamic vocally and in stage presence, however she’s grown rather a lot in simply three performances.

Guesses: For the “Soundtrack of My Life” theme, Woodpecker channeled the robust ladies in her life, together with two grandmothers and an aunt, who she stated all lived beneath the identical roof along with her at one time. Whereas speaking about her grandma listening to her personal information, we noticed a turntable, South American on a globe, a cheeseburger, and an image of Regina Corridor.

When requested what she needs to say to her Masked Singer superfan grandma, Woodpecker replied, “Oh Grammy, I’m so grateful to have you ever in my life. I hope I’m making you proud on this tight corset!” Her time capsule clue was [[XXXXXXX]].

In Week 2 we discovered that Woodpecker’s hero is … Woodpecker. This obvious former youngster superstar talked about rising up within the highlight and getting scrutinized for all the things from desirous to kiss a boy to put on heals or — oh my! — utilizing curse phrases.

A few of her visible clues included a tiny brown briefcase, a yellow rubber duckie, and a director’s chair. Her on-stage clue for Week 2 was Kevin Bacon’s footwear from Footloose. She defined, “One other chook from The Masked Singer household, and mine, shares their fashionable obsession with footwear with me.”

Season 11’s Miss Cleocatra (a.okay.a. Jenifer Lewis) was Woodpecker’s TMS ambassador, who had love for an artist she’s recognized because the begin of her profession. She known as her a mogul and “stylish CEO,” touting she even turned associates with Beyoncé.

Woodpecker shared that she was taught the one doorways that open are ones you knock on, “so I knock on all of them.” Her objective now’s to be the youngest billionaire, proving alongside the best way that there is nothing she will be able to’t do.

Visible clues included an SAT reply sheet, gate signal studying “Household,” and crimson sports activities tape studying “Subsequent.” Her on-stage clue “Ambassador Present” was a “World Document” plaque, suggesting she may need a type of, too!

Rita considered a “hustler, like me,” touchdown on Letitia Wright, who’s a multi-hyphenate along with her personal manufacturing firm. Ken admitted he does not know who it’s, so he went with Willow Smith, whereas Jenny wasn’t tremendous assured in her Regina King. Nick did not’ say he knew who it was, however was getting that youthful vibe from her.

That newest on-stage clue positively helped Robin out, who tied the cheeseburger to Good Burger 2 and a social media star who famously wears glasses in plenty of her TikToks, Liza Koshy. Ken, although, thought of the globe to presumably discuss with a Golden Globe and presenter Regina Corridor, who offered Finest Comedy to Quinta Brunson.

Jenny, although, questioned in regards to the earlier “Household” clue and the kid star hints to seek out her method to Tatyana Ali from The Contemporary Prince of Bel-Air. However the web is skewing youthful than all of these guesses, although many are so near what they’re pondering. She did star in Good Burger 2, and he or she was on a household sitcom, however it was black-ish, and we’re rising increasingly more persuade that that is Marsai Martin — who’s additionally fairly recognized for her spectacles.

(“Bittersweet Symphony,” The Verve) Buffalos did an amazing job of arranging this vocal into three-part concord, whereas sharing leads and having their moments. We had been positively digging the choreography, as properly, which solely additional proves that these boys have been at this for some time and positively know how one can share the highlight and complement each other as performers and singers.

Guesses: The trio selected The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” for his or her third efficiency as a result of they linked with that bittersweet feeling. Of their clue package deal, they opened up about shedding a guiding mild that impressed them as they had been breaking via after they misplaced him immediately.

They stated that they sang collectively whereas laying him to relaxation and thought that is likely to be it for them, however they know he’d need them to proceed. Visible clues within the package deal included a Lifeless Finish signal, a ringing bell, and camouflage umbrella.

“We have been on this business for a really very long time,” certainly one of them stated on stage after their efficiency. “We have gained rather a lot and we have misplaced rather a lot. The attractive factor is, we’re right here proper now sharing our story with you.” The opposite two circled round him in help as he obtained emotional.

The on-stage clue was a t-shirt that reads “Halftime Present,” with the reason, “This halftime t-shirt has aged over time, like us, however we are able to inform you this efficiency was in entrance of one of many greatest audiences on this planet.”

Their second clue package deal noticed the trio describe themselves as rebels who discovered one another alongside the best way by no means actually cared what different individuals stated about them. It emphasised that they are humorous — whereas suggesting some would possibly assume they take themselves too critically — and that they are wealthy. Like, manner wealthy.

Their bar-set package deal included an emphasis on three beer mugs, a recreation of poker, and a black “poison” bottle. Their clue got here out as a mini-“Motown” tractor. “We’re somewhat drained proper now as a result of we’re busy utilizing this tractor to mow lawns throughout city,” they defined.

Season 5 winner Piglet (a.okay.a. Nick Lachey) shared a seemingly singular Buffalo’s story in his first clue package deal, speaking about his tough upbringing in “roach-filled beds at night time.” In the course of the day, he practiced at a bus cease. When Buffalo talked about catching his huge break at a cattle name, we noticed pictures of Betty White and Vanna White.

From that auspicious starting, Buffalo went on to journey the world and star in two of the most important sitcoms of all time. Nick got here again to name Buffalo a “nationwide treasure,” in addition to the focus at his Tremendous Bowl events. Further pictures included a poster of a soccer participant at that bus cease and Buffalo holding up a movie reel.

Buffalo’s closing line was, “Simply you wait,” which evokes Hamilton. Their-on-stage clue the primary week was a crown.

Jenny was selecting up some B2K vibes, however as an alternative took the bell to the Liberty Bell and Boyz II Males, who did carry out at a Tremendous Bowl Halftime Present. The web has been leaning extra towards the Boyz, however there’s nonetheless a contingency who assume it is likely to be Bell Biv DeVoe, leaving this essentially the most undecided masks but!

Ken, although, stated it is positively not Boyz II Males as a result of he is aware of “precisely who that is.” He then dropped Bone Thugs-N-Concord, which had Nick actually falling out. Rita’s Black Eyed Peas guess wasn’t significantly better as a result of they do not sing like that. Lady, please!

A more durable highway this week, however it greater than doubtless comes right down to Ship and Woodpecker. Buffalos outperformed them each, and pulled heartstrings on the similar time! There isn’t any manner this studio viewers would dump them after one thing like that.

As for the women, we nonetheless assume Ship is extra polished than Woodpecker. So although we suspect they will each go dwelling earlier than the top of the night time, at this stage, it felt extra like a Woodpecker exit for us, although we do know these younger audiences like a younger artist. So we would not be stunned to be stunned.

However we weren’t stunned, because the viewers agreed with us, sending Ship and Buffalos into the Battle Royale spherical and Woodpecker again to the nest.

• Robin Thicke: Liza Koshy
• Jenny McCarthy: Tatyana Ali
• Ken Jeong: Quinta Brunson
• Rita Ora: Keke Palmer

We’re fairly positive the panel missed the mark on this one, shedding deal with plenty of the clues and that physique language. We expect the web has been on the cash with this one because the starting and it is truly black-ish youngster star all grown up, Marsai Martin. And that is precisely who it was!

Marsai shared that she’s been watching The Masked Singer because the starting, calling it “superb.” She went on so as to add, “Truthfully, singing has simply been out of my consolation zone for the longest time, so I feel to have the ability to be behind the masks and change into this sure character, this sure facade, in a manner, it is so enjoyable and thrilling.”

(“Go Your Personal Approach,” Fleetwood Mac) Ship strained her vary a bit and did not fairly nail it as strongly as she absolutely meant, however nonetheless gave a really robust efficiency, very a lot within the model of the unique. This register is true in her wheelhouse and he or she positively sounded snug on the observe. Buffalos continued to make their case for simply successful the entire damned factor (although we have solely met a 3rd of the contenders) by completely making the music their very own, rearranging it right into a traditional R&B jam with silky clean vocals. This was butter melting down our ear canals, very similar to they in all probability had been doing all via the heights of their profession.

As a lot as we love Ship, with all that energy and poise and beauty up there, she had the unhealthy misfortune of touchdown in a gaggle with Buffalos. Ultimately (for now), there may be just one and that one needs to be Buffalos.

There was no “bullshp” from the panel — who had been the one ones to vote this spherical — as they rapidly made it official, sending Buffalos into the quarterfinal, and Ship again dwelling to benefit from the present along with her daughter.

• Robin Thicke: Amy Lee
• Jenny McCarthy: Paula Cole
• Ken Jeong: Alanis Morissette
• Rita Ora: Sarah McLachlan

Ken and Robin had the worst guesses primarily based on voice alone as Alanis has a much more distinctive sound and Amy has the potential to go greater extra confidently. Of the remaining two guesses, Paula Cole was lining up extra with the clues and her general vocal vibe was positively extra what we had been listening to — plus, the web lastly landed on this similar guess.

Did Jenny get her first proper guess? “Ken, am I gonna break your streak?” she requested her fellow panelist, earlier than that is precisely what occurred. At the least Ken was gracious about it.

Paula shared that the entire concept of the present makes her uncomfortable, however then she thought, “There’s a lot chance if you decide up your bravery and also you do one thing outdoors of your consolation zone. And so I pushed myself, after which it is simply enjoyable.”

The Masked Singer shifts to Group B for a “Sports activities Evening” theme subsequent Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.