WARNING! This article contains spoilers for “The Masked Singer.”
The man behind Leaf Sheep has been a reliable performer throughout his professional career, but his drive to make it to the “The Masked Singer” season 12 finals came to an end Wednesday night.
Leaf Sheep sang Tim McGraw’s hit song “I Like It, I Love It.” However, since the character was eliminated in the first episode, the song will no longer be sung.
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Leaf Sheep was the first character eliminated from The Masked Singer season 12. (FOX)
But who was behind Leaf Sheep?
Robin Thicke guessed Troy Aikman, Rita Ora guessed Billy Bob Thornton, and Jenny McCarthy guessed Tom Brady, but it was Ken Jeong who came out on top.
The contestant was revealed to be Denver Broncos legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer John Elway, who stunned the crowd when he emerged from the costume. He has been out of the football spotlight since his role with the Broncos ended in April 2023.
Elway, 64, told Fox News Digital that appearing on the show was a “great experience” but that he had to think about whether to go on because he wasn’t used to singing in front of an audience. But he was determined to get out of his comfort zone and step in front of the microphone.
“The Masked Singer” judge (FOX)
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“I was never a very good singer, and I still am not,” he says, “but it was so far out of my comfort zone. And for me, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, so I think I wanted to get out of there. Plus, I’ve got 10 grandkids. I got dropped, but I thought it would be cool for Poppy to be on The Masked Singer, so that’s all good.”
“But the thought of seeing Poppy on The Masked Singer really motivated me. But the most important thing was, when I finished it, I felt a sense of accomplishment because it was so hard. I’d never done anything like that before. But in the end, when I finished it, I was so glad I did it.”
Elway also offered some advice to those who may be approached to compete on “The Masked Singer.”
“First of all, I would say, please do it. I don’t think football players or athletes are willing to do it. I have so much respect for entertainers and singers and how great a job they do,” he told Fox News Digital.
Denver Broncos consultant John Elway during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Englewood, Colorado, on Aug. 5, 2022. (Isaiah J. Downing/USA Today Sports)
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“It’s going to be nerve-wracking, but put yourself out there and do something that takes you out of your comfort zone. And when it’s over, you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment knowing that even though I wasn’t the best at it, I took the plunge and put myself out there. That’s what I want to tell them.”
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Ryan Gaydas is a senior editor at Fox News Digital.
