By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
America’s favorite undercover celebrity competition is back! The Masked Singer USA premiered its NINTH (WOW!) season.
A new set of celebrities have decided to dress up in outlandish costumes to compete for the show’s highly coveted prize – the Golden Mask. According to Variety, this season’s performers boast a combined 28 Emmy nominations, six Grammy wins, ten gold albums, four Golden Globe nominations, five medals, 26 books, two Tony Awards nominations, five Lifetime Achievement Awards, four stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and have sold 95 million records.
Tonight, three new characters – the Gnome, Medusa, and Mustang, began the race to inherit Harp Mask (Amber Riley)’s crown and stash. Like last season, one immediately unmasked after the studio audience’s vote while the top two duked it out in the Battle Royale. Which two masked performers were sent home? Who is one step closer to joining the likes of T-Pain, Wayne Brady, and Jewel in the Winners’ Circle? Did any of The Masked Singer panelists deduce the eliminated performers’ true identities? Read on to find out!
After the show’s super sleuths made their grand entrances to Lizzo’s “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready?),” Nick introduced the new Masked Singer set to the audience. He also teased a giant bell, which Nick will tell more about us later. The Mustang was the first performer of Season Nine. Her Pre-performance package featured “ring toss” and “soap,” and she collaborated with Elvis. She also survived death multiple times and performed Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again,” while it was not the same as Voice legend Amanda Brown’s cover, I loved it vocally. I heard Jennifer Nettles when she sang the 80s hair classic.
The Men in Black brought out swag bags that were clues to identify the performer. She was one of People’s “Most Beautiful People.” Ken thought it was P!nk, while Robin Thicke guessed Suzanne Sommers, and Jenny backed him up. Nicole ended the round by selecting Ann Wilson.
The Gnome was the second performer to grace The Masked Singer stage. His pre-performance package declared him a “mainstay,” and he worked with Ben Stiller and the late Robin Williams. He sang “When You’re Smiling,” and it was hard to identify his voice. Nicole was captivated by the performer, and Jenny proclaimed that he could be the most prominent legend the show has ever had. His “Swag Bag” included the Kennedy Center Honors. Nicole guessed Dustin Hoffman and Robin doubled down. Ken ended the round by assuming Robert De Niro.
Medusa entered, and Robin declared that it was his all-time favorite costume. In her pre-performance package, she stated that she was a “dancer in the dark,” a photo of Buckingham Palace, and she was “here before as a song.” She sang Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” and it was a spectacular performance. The performance left Nicole speechless, and her “Swag Bag” included 340 million albums and stated that there was the “Grayest” of places. Jenny guessed Ellie Goulding, and Ken thought it was Meghan Markle. However, Nicole Scherzinger added Lorde into the mix.
Nick revealed that the panel could save a singer by ringing a bell three times throughout the first three rounds. The panel and the audience voted for Medusa and Mustang to face off, while Gnome was the first to unmask. Ken doubled down his Robert De Niro guess. Jenny guessed Tony Bennett, Robin picked out Dustin Hoffman, and Nicole joined him in assuming the legendary actor. Surprise, it was the legendary DICK VAN DYKE! Seeing the legendary actor and dancer on The Masked Singer was an honor!
Mustang and Medusa faced off in the first Masked Singer: Season Nine Battle Royale. Mustang sang Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” and I would download the performance. Next, Medusa sang, and I initially thought it was the songwriter who co-wrote this track: Sia. But then I remembered that she was British.
The panel had to make the cruel decision and choose one. However, I would ring the bell if I were in their position. The Masked Singer panel decided to advance MEDUSA to the next round. Unfortunately, Mustang was eliminated from the competition, and Ken doubled down with his P!nk guess. Jenny suggested Mustang is Joan Jett, while Robin guessed Suzanne Somers. Nicole ended the round with Wynonna. MUSTANG WAS SARA EVANS!
Next week, Medusa returns as two new challengers perform!
