Robin, Jenny, Ken, and Rita watch a Group A performance during a taping of The Masked Singer: Season 12. (Photo property of FOX)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The Masked Singer: Season 12 Group A celebrated the “Soundtrack of My Life” night!
The Buffaloes, Ship, and Woodpecker Mask faced off and performed songs that significantly impacted their lives.
However, only one performer will move on to the Season 12 Quarterfinals. Which undercover celebrity’s identity remained a secret? Who joined John Elway and Yvette Nicole Brown in the Season 12 Elimination Club?
Did the panel (Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Robin Thicke, and Rita Ora) correctly deduce the eliminated singers’ true identities? Read on to find out!
The Buffaloes, Ship, and Woodpecker started the night with a rousing cover of Panic! At the Disco’s “High Hopes.” The Buffaloes stood out, but all five performers delivered epic harmonies. Nick also revealed that the Ding Dong, Keep It On Bell is back, and the panel could only use it once this season.
The Ship’s clues included “Spill the Tea Lounge,” which she sang on an international tour, four stars, and a picture of John Wayne. She sang Patti Smith’s “Because the Night,” Now I will switch my guess from Annie Lennox to Joan Osborne. Robin praised Ship’s performance and declared it her best. This week’s major clue was a time capsule that contained an important part of their life. Ship’s clue included a note from the Sun (LeAnn Rimes) in 1998. Ken guessed Alanis Morrisette, while a confused Rita Ora suggested Norah Jones. Finally, Jenny guessed both Joan Osborne and Paula Cole.
The Woodpecker’s clues included a photo of Regina Hall, who was raised by a trio of strong women, and a burger. She sang Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Put Your Records On” and, to quote Mariah Carey: “I still don’t know her.” Rita credited Woodpecker for showing her vulnerable side. Woodpecker’s time capsule contained “glasses.” Robin guessed Liza Koshy, while Ken suggested Quinta Brunson. Jenny added Tatiyana Ali into the mix. When I asked on Twitter (X), several fans pointed to Marsai Martin.
The Bufflaoes sang the Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony,” and I genuinely believe that R&B icons Boyz II Men are behind the masks. Their harmonies gave me chills and set a new standard regarding groups appearing on the show. Rita fancied them, and Robin declared that their vocals were on another level. Their time capsule contained a t-shirt that said “halftime show.” Jenny thought it was Boyz II Men, while Ken boldly stated Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Rita thought it was a Fergie-less Black Eyed Peas.
The Masked Singer studio audience and the panel voted. The Ship would face off against the Buffaloes in the Battle Royale, while Woodpecker would be unmasked. Robin stood by his Liza Koshy guess, while Rita suggested Keke Palmer. Ken also stood by his Quinta Brunson guess, and Jenny thought it was Tatiyana Ali. My Twitter peeps were right, MARSAI MARTIN WAS THE WOODPECKER!
The Ship and Buffaloes faced off in the first Battle Royale of the season. They tackled one of my favorite songs of all-time, Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.” Ship made me smile with her version of the track and definitely showcased her upper register. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes transfigured the song into a beautiful ballad that left me in awe.
The panel voted to advance the Buffaloes to the Masked Singer: Season 12 Quarterfinals! Rita declared that Sarah McLachlan was Ship, while Ken doubled down his Alanis guess. Jenny thought it was Paula Cole, while Robin guessed Amy Lee. Jenny was right, Ship was Paula Cole!!!!
Next week, Group B will make their Masked Singer: Season 12 debut with Sports Night!
(Author’s Note: I will be on vacation next week and unable to cover the Group B premiere!)
