Spoiler alert: Details below for “The Masked Singer” season 12, episode 1, “Season Premiere: Who Can It Be Now?”, which aired on Fox on September 25th.
As a singer, John Elway is also a great football player, a two-time Super Bowl champion (XXXII and XXXIII) with the Denver Broncos, and the legendary athlete became the first celebrity to take off his mask on “The Masked Singer,” season 12 of which began on Wednesday night.
At Leaf Sheep, Ken Jeong correctly guessed Elway, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg thought it was another NFL legend, Tom Brady, Robin Thicke also went to football with Troy Aikman, and Rita Ora said it was Billy Bob Thornton.
Elway sang Tim McGraw’s “I Like It, I Love It” during his performance. “I’ve been feeling a little down lately,” Elway, who plays Leaf Sheep, said while introducing the song in a voice-over on the pre-recorded package. “But I wanted you to see me at the height of my powers. I was a huge success. I made headlines, I topped the national charts, I revived a franchise, and now I’m here to keep the good times going.”
John Elway, who plays Leaf Sheep, is the first celebrity to take off his mask on this season of “The Masked Singer.”
Season 12 kicked off with an introduction to the show from William Shatner (Season 8’s “Night”): “After 186 celebrities across 11 seasons of The Masked Singer, it’s the only show that keeps viewers guessing, wondering and dying to know: Who’s next? ” From there, panelist Rita Ora sang a remixed version of Men at Work’s “Who Can It Be Now?”
Season 12 will see the return of host Nick Cannon, joined by panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Robin Thicke, with Ora also returning as host for the second consecutive season, filling in for Nicole Scherzinger.
The Masked Singer season 12 themed episodes include tributes to Mattel’s Barbie doll in its 65th anniversary and the film “Footloose” in its 40th anniversary. Miley Cyrus will also be honored with an episode dedicated to her music catalog, and a new “Who Are You Fest” will feature music from a “memorable festival lineup” and also add “Sports Night” and “60s Night.” Returning tent pole themes include “Soundtrack of My Life” and “Thanksgiving Night.”
New this season, clues will be “strategically embedded in outfits, song choices and on-stage moments,” and the 15 celebrity contestants will be supported by “celebrity masked ambassadors,” including past contestants Dick Van Dyke (Season 9’s Norm), Jewel (Season 6’s Queen of Hearts winner), Ne-Yo (Season 10’s Cow winner) and DeMarcus Ware (Season 11’s Koala).
In season 12, 15 contestants will perform in new costumes, including “Ship,” “Leaf Sheep,” “Woodpecker,” “Chess Piece,” “Bluebell,” “Buffalo,” “Showbird,” “Dust Bunny,” “Goo” and “Strawberry Shortcake.”
Here’s the performance from Wednesday’s episode 1, “Season Premiere: Who Can It Be Now?”
Buffalo, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)
Buffalo
Song: “(I Just) Died In Your Arms” by Cutting Crew
Panel Predictions: B2K, Earth, Wind & Fire, 98 Degrees
Introducing the Masked Ambassador: Nick Lachey (Piglet, Season 5)
Ambassador narration: “I’m so excited to be part of a special group of Masked Singer ambassadors and support my friends, and my vote goes to Buffalo. Growing up poor on the prairies, Buffalo had a tough life. He slept in a bed full of cockroaches at night and practiced at a bus stop during the day.”
Buffalo’s voice-over: “You’re right, Piglet. But with that big crowd, the game was on. From there, I traveled the world. I was on the road to fame, and I was on two of the biggest sitcoms of all time. I hit the jackpot. I couldn’t have done it alone.”
More Ambassador: “Buffalo, you are truly a national treasure and always the center of attention at my epic Super Bowl parties. I have no doubt you will stand out from the crowd this season.”
Gift tip: A crown.
Woodpecker “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)
Woodpecker
Song: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
Panel predictions: Willow Smith, Cardi B, Halle Bailey, Keke Palmer
Introducing The Masked Ambassador: Jenifer Lewis (Miss Cleocatra, Season 11)
Ambassador Voiceover: “As you may remember, I caused quite a stir in Season 11, and now I have top secret information on someone I’ve known all along: Woodpecker! They call her a big shot. She’s CEO Shake. And she’s also made friends with Beyoncé! This bird is badass.”
Woodpecker’s voiceover: “OK, that’s a lot of expectations to live up to. I try not to think about it. I just point out that only the doors you knock on will open. So I knock on every door. And now I’m trying to become the youngest millionaire. I want to prove that I can do anything. That’s why I’m here. I’ll sing, I’ll dance. Come on over!”
More Ambassador: “I believe in you 100%. Make Auntie Jen proud!”
Gift Idea: “World Records”
Leaf Sheep, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)
Leaf Sheep
Song: “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw
Panel predictions: Tom Brady, John Elway, Troy Aikman
Presented by Masked Ambassador: DeMarcus Ware (Koala, Season 11)
Ambassador’s voiceover: “Keeping my identity a secret has been pretty tough, but I know someone who can manage it all: the GOAT! Um, sheep?”
Leaf Sheep voiceover: “Leaf Sheep to be exact. You know, you’re so confused right now. I was too until three days ago. But Leaf Sheep is real. Look it up. I’ve been a little low-key lately. But you should have seen me at the height of my powers. I’ve been a huge success. I’ve made headlines, topped the national charts, revived the franchise, and now I’m here to keep the good times going.”
More Ambassador: “Having run in the same circles, I believe your glory days are still ahead of you. Good luck.”
Gift tip: A “Hall of Fame” trophy.
Showbird, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)
Show Bird
Song: “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige
Panel Predictions: Jennifer Hudson, Taraji P. Henson, Kerry Washington
Introduction by Masked Ambassador: Joel McHale (previous guest panelist)
Ambassador’s voiceover: “I’d like to introduce you to a good friend: Showbird.”
Showbird voiceover: “Honestly, I’m just as confused as you are. I mean, I never would have imagined this for myself. I was a total tomboy growing up, a total nerd. Lego, Comic-Con, all that stuff. I thought I’d keep things a little more humble, low-key, low-key. Low-key. Not baring your soul is part of the biggest blockbuster movie of all time. Not like Joel here.”
More Ambassador: “It makes me laugh because that’s so true. I’m jealous. I know you’re a little out of place, but don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”
Gift tip: Popcorn.
The Ship, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)
boat
Song: “Pompeii” by Bastille
Panel predictions: Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne, Enya, Sarah McLachlan
Presented by Masked Ambassador: Jewel (Queen of Hearts, Season 6)
Ambassador’s voiceover: “I was surprised at how deep the competition was beneath the surface, and I think that’s something that’s helpful for someone with whom I’ve always had a great relationship. I think that’s something that’s been great for a while now, and I think that’s something that’s been helpful for a while now, and … helpful for a while now,
Boat narration: “I know how quickly the tides can change. From anger to calm in an instant. And it’s the same with my life. My career moved fast. I had big hits, I made history, but I also lost control. I was lost at sea and at times felt completely forgotten. It took me years to find my way back to shore, but I finally have the career I’ve always wanted. And that’s why I’m so scared to be here – because I’m in uncharted waters again.”
More Ambassador: “And that’s why I think you should do this: face your fears head on, like we did together all those years ago. And I know that if you do that, you won’t sink.”
Gift tip: A sparkly cowboy hat.
Last season’s cast included Vanessa Hudgens, who beat out Scott Porter as Gumball to take the Goldfish title in season 11. Other cast members included Thelma Houston (Croc), Chrissy Metz (Poodle Moth), Corey Feldman (Seal), Clay Aiken/Ruben Studdard (Beets), Jenifer Lewis (Miss Cleocatra), Kate Flannery (Starfish), Charlie Wilson (Ugly Sweater), DeMarcus Ware (Koala), Colton Underwood (Lovebirds), Cisco (Lizard), Billy Bush (Lord Lion), Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs), Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound), and Kevin Hart (Book).
“The Masked Singer” is produced by Fox Alternative Entertainment. Rosie Sejczyk, Craig Plestis and Cannon are executive producers, with Sejczyk serving as showrunner. The series is based on a format produced by South Korea’s Munhwa Broadcasting System.
