By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It’s week four of The Masked Singer’s sophomore season! Tonight, six of the remaining performers will face off to remain in the competition. Which performers stood out? Did the celebrity panel (Nicole Scherzinger, Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, and Robin Thicke) correctly deduce the performer’s identity? Who was forced to join Ninja, Dr. Drew Pinsky, and Laila Ali in the Season Two eviction club? Read on to find out!
After Nick Cannon’s usual dramatic entrance, the turban-wearing host introduced the audience to a Masked Singer drinking game and the panel. The Flamingo was the first singer to perform. The Flamingo hinted that she was a “Hollywood triple threat” that was discovered by a powerful manager. She sang an R&B-infused cover of Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose,” which made everyone shake their tail feathers. Based on the performance, I thought the Flamingo was either Amber Riley, Adrienne Bailon, or Fantasia. Nicole thought it was Ally Brooke, while Jenny thought it was The Real co-host.
The Leopard was almost eliminated in the first Masked Singer smackdown, but it was the Panda that was sent packing. He wanted to be a hero to people who are looking for a fresh start. Tonight, he performed Shawn Mendes’ “Stitches” and immediately I heard Seal’s voice. I loved his rich velvet tone with this performance. Ken proclaimed that the Leopard was a method actor performance. The panel thought that Billy Porter, RuPaul, or Neil Patrick Harris was under the mask.
The Black Widow weaved her web onto the Masked Singer stage. She stated that she had a problem with a squeaky clean image. She sang Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” for her performance and Raven-Symone came to mind! The reason why is that during the Black Widow’s segment is that I saw cheetah prints for a brief second. Robin Thicke thought the Black Widow was Raven-Symone, while Nicole thought it was Christina Aguilera. Meanwhile, Ken suggested Tatyana Ali.
Just like the Leopard, the Skeleton successfully fought his way back into the competition. In his pre-performance package, he mentioned that he was a second banana. Tonight, he performed Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” During the performance, Jenny screamed: “I know the voice!” Ken revealed that the Skeleton was his sentimental favorite and once again guessed Martin Short, while Nicole predicted Teller. Meanwhile, Jenny thought it was legendary bandleader Paul Shaffer.
The Thingamajig is turning into one of my favorite Masked Singer performers this season. Tonight, he performed Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow” and he immediately grabbed my heartstrings. This breakout performance reminds me so much of last season’s Monster’s “Stay With Me” as he gave me chills once again. As Nicole wiped away tears and proposed marriage, the panel guessed LeBron James, Dwight Howard, and Montell Jordan.
The last Masked Singer performer was the Butterfly! She revealed that she was a former household name and vowed that no one would clip her wings again. Tonight, she sang Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ On a Prayer” and I believe that it could be Nick’s former America’s Got Talent colleague: Mel B. The Butterfly also revealed that she was electrified during rehearsals, meanwhile the panel suggested that Fantasia, Mel B, Twiggy, or Leona Lewis.
At the end of the evening, all six performers returned to the stage. The panel and the studio audience voted to send the Skeleton home. As the remaining masks left the stage, it was time for the last guesses. Jenny and Robin agreed it was Paul Shaffer. Meanwhile, Ken still thought it was Martin Short and Nicole thought it was Teller. It turned out that Jenny and Robin were right, it was Paul Shaffer!
Next, the second half of The Masked Singer contestants return!
