Optimus Prime crossed paths with Ken Jeong backstage at The Masked Singer. (Photo property of FOX)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Over the past few seasons, The Masked Singer has been known to celebrate beloved pop culture franchises, ranging from DC Comics superheroes and The Wizard of Oz to Sesame Street and Trolls. Tonight, FOX’s favorite costume party celebrated the Transformers’ 40th anniversary.
I have been a massive fan of Transformers since I spent my Saturdays watching Beast Wars and Beast Machines, which featured David Kaye’s spectacular performance as Megatron. But it was uncanny seeing Optimus Prime interact with Ken Jeong backstage. Tonight, the remaining Group A performers (Goldfish, Lovebird, Starfish, and Ugly Sweater) returned to the stage and paid homage to the Autobots, Decepticons, Maximals, and Predacons. Also, a Wild Card performer made their presence known.
With the Ding-Dong-Keep-It-On Bell out of play, Group A lost TWO performers tonight. Who had to return to Cybertron? Did any panelists (Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Robin Thicke, and Rita Ora) correctly deduce the eliminated celebrities’ true identities? Read on to find out!
Optimus Prime joined Nick Cannon on The Masked Singer stage to the Transformers theme song. Before the party could begin, Optimus gave the Group A performers some advice: “We are here! We are ready!” As Optimus left the stage, we saw Starfish’s second clue package. There was a jukebox, “LIVE,” the Teacher’s Lounge sign, and records. Starfish sang Green Day’s “21 Guns,” featured in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. I still believe that Molly Shannon is behind the Starfish Mask. Jenny screamed, “We Love You, Starfish!” Optimus Prime walked out and revealed that “Starfish has earned awards as a talented group.” Jenny thought of Amy Poehler, while Robin guessed Tina Fey. Rita also went to the SNL route and guessed Maya Rudolph.
Ugly Sweater returned to the Masked Singer stage. His pre-performance package was dedicated to his wife. Optimus and Bumblebee appeared when he sang “Brick House,” and he had an old-school vibe surrounding him. I forgot that Ugly Sweater’s voice reminded me of Charlie Wilson. Bumblebee revealed that he is a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award. Jenny thought it was Lionel Richie, but Robin shared my take on Ugly Sweater being Charlie Wilson. Rita suggested Smokey Robinson.
Lovebird Mask returned to the stage. He revealed that he was obsessed with Transformers. His clues included a 24/7 camera, the White House, and the Washington Monument. Lovebird Mask’s voice was so bad that I would give him an X. Optimus revealed that Lovebird made Reality TV awards. Rita thought it was Mike “The Situation,” while Jenny guessed Colton Underwood and Nick Viall. Meanwhile, Ken added Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson into the mix.
Goldfish Mask sang “Vampire” on the Group A premiere and stole the show! Her pre-performance package focused on a snow globe, a breakup, and a vampire bat. Tonight, she performed Player’s “Baby Come Back,” and I immediately went to Vanessa Hudgens because she had a nasty breakup with Zac Efron. I could see Goldfish Mask in the finals and potentially winning Season 11. Bumblebee transformed onto the stage, and I could not understand the clue. Jenny guessed Sarah Hyland, while Ken thought it was Kristen Stewart. Rita suggested that The Vampire Diaries’ Nina Dobrev was behind the Goldfish Mask.
Koala Mask was Group A’s Wild Card performer! It was one of the most regal costumes that I have seen since Season Seven’s Frog Prince. His pre-performance package had a “Colorado bumper sticker,” a captain’s hat, and a wrestler’s champion belt. He sang Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” outside the Masked Singer soundstage before finishing the song on stage. I loved his voice but needed to discover the performer’s identity. Optimus Prime’s clues stated that Koala is on a shortlist with “the greatest of all-time.” Robin guessed Michael Irvin, while Ken added Deion Sanders into the mix. Rita concluded the round with Terry Crews.
The Masked Singer panel and studio audience voted to send Lovebird Mask home first! Robin thought it was Josh Duhamel, while Rita stood by her “Situation” guess. Meanwhile, Ken guessed the Rock, and Jenny leaned toward Colton Underwood. JENNY WAS RIGHT…COLTON UNDERWOOD WAS LOVEBIRD!
After Colton left the stage, the Koala Mask would ALSO be heading home! Rita doubled down with her Terry Crews guess, while Ken thought of Coach Prime. Meanwhile, Jenny thought of Shannon Sharpe and Robin doubled down with his Michael Irvin guess. KOALA MASK WAS DEMARCUS WARE!!!
Next week is the Season 11 Group A Final!
Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and my podcast!
