Last week’s controversial (or, as host Nick Cannon put it, “stunning”) Rudy Giuliani reveal on The Masked Singer brought a ton of bad energy — and the lowest ratings ever in the show’s history. But with that elephant (or Jack in the box, so to speak) out of the room, Season 7 continued this Wednesday with Group C’s arguably more loveable celebrity cosplayers: the prince, queen Cobra, the space bunny, and the particularly loveable baby mammoth. By the end of the episode, however, another somewhat polarizing public figure was revealed: Kirstie Alley, actress (and Giuliani devotee) Cheers/Look Who’s Talking/Veronica’s Closet.
Kirstie has occasionally come under fire for voicing her conservative political views (she even once claimed she was “blacked out” by Hollywood for being a Republican). But when she was unmasked this week, it was a really bonding moment, with good vibes everywhere. Her hilarious timing and her unexpectedly infectious and twerk-tastic theme song had the jury laughing and guessing she was Melissa McCarthy, Brett Butler, or even Diane Keaton (Kirstie’s conservative colleague, the golden-eared Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, guessed it). And as Baby Mammoth squared off against fellow bobble-head contestant Space Bunny with her goofy, spoofy rendition of Meghan Trainor’s “Me Too,” Ken judged Jeong – clearly in better spirits than last week when Rudy’s revelation prompted him to walk off the set – called it the “most adorable duel ever!”
I have to say, besides her comedic skills, Kirstie was a decent singer. Her solo performance of “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)” earlier in the night was surprisingly strong, and if she hadn’t been in a group of three contestants who are clearly professional singers, she might have made it next round. She might even want to consider releasing her song “Baby Mammoth”; it could go viral, like the next Baby Shark. But whatever she does next, Kirstie certainly had a good time during her short but memorable Masked Singer run. “I’ve done a lot of things in my career, but I never got into the circus,” she laughed.
The story goes on
As for the three surviving Group C contestants, all have a good chance of making it to the grand finals to face off against Group A’s Firefly (who is no doubt Teyana Taylor) and Group B’s ringmaster (Hayley Orrantia ) to compete, so it’s a shame that next week brings a double elimination. But until then, let’s rank and guess this week’s Group C roster.
Queen Cobra (Team Bad), “I’ll Say a Little Prayer”
This soulful, harmony-filled performance was already spectacular from start to finish – but just when we thought they were done they gave us this fantastic a cappella ending! The judges were understandably amazed. “That’s how it’s done! … That was sick! That was superb!” exclaimed Jenny. Robin Thicke called it “one of the most extraordinary and incredible performances we’ve had on this show” and said he was “almost like a snake” that Queen Cobra would go into the finals.
Hints: This week’s “mega clue” was a red “love” heart given to “someone special” named “B. Mine.” We also saw a video good luck message from the Cobra’s “Beast,” Holly Robinson Peete. Last week we saw a space rocket, a Batman logo, a photo of Bradley Cooper, “1990”… and one spot two cobras and then six, suggesting that Queen Cobra may have gotten her start in a ’90s duo or group.
Judges guesses: Brandy & Monica, Allure, the Clark Sisters, Zhané.
My guess: It wasn’t clear how many sexy singing snakes stalked the stage, but this week we definitely heard at least two voices, possibly three. Last week I thought that was Terry Ellis from En Vogue. This girl group’s debut album came out in 1990 and they released a single called “Rocket” in 2006, but more specifically, Terry recorded the theme song of the sitcom “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper” (starring Holly Robinson Peete) and had a small role in Batman Forever. I’m even more certain (or, ahem, “snake”) that this is Terry, but now I think it’s her plusone or both of her funky divas, En Vogue’s Cindy Herron and Rhona Bennett. En Vogue have recorded many love songs throughout their career and they gave me something to feel with these vocals tonight!
Space Bunny (Team Cuddly), “All Night Long”
Ken described the Space Bunny’s slick and groovy Lionel Richie cover as “easy as Sunday morning,” and Nicole Scherzinger said it was “easy on the ears.” This hippie hopity showman definitely brought the smiles and warm fuzzies tonight.
Hints: This week’s mega clue was a 500-pound dumbbell because the space bunny went through “intense training” to “knock out” his competition. Last week we saw fiery basketballs and a fluffy dog, and he proclaimed, “I shoot for the moon in everything I do.”
Judges guesses: LL Cool J, Floyd Mayweather, Sean Paul, Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Usher.
My guess: Last week I thought this was Shaquille O’Neal. huh? Well, at least I got the first three letters right: This week I did what Robin did last Wednesday and recognized that boombastic voice as Shaggy’s. The vocals alone gave it away, but now I realize that “Shoot for the Moon” was probably a nod to the Jamaican-American reggae star’s album Hot Shot, and of course that shaggy dog was a big guess. The basketballs might have something to do with it. Maybe the dumbbell has something to do with it? But the Space Bunny is definitely the “It Wasn’t Me” singer. It was him all along!
The Prince (Team Good), “Lay Me Down”
Sam Smith songs are never easy to sing, so know this prince is a pro. The Prince was great last week, but this week he jumped to a whole different level – and he sounded completely different, so I think this could be the kind of theater actor that’s good at getting into the role. A tearful Nicole gasped, “I just appreciate your talents. … I felt like your heart was just wide open, so you must be an extraordinary person.” Jenny added, “I’m so blown away by your talent. I have no doubt that you will jump to the finals.”
Hints: This week’s mega clue was the luggage, as the prince has traveled the world and stayed in many hotels. Last week we saw the planet Mars, a massive diamond ring, the $20.06 price tag (possibly meaning the year 2006), and a video message from Jamie Lee Curtis, the prince’s sidekick. He also said he was “happy to be back on a team” and “performed in front of a lot of people.”
Judges guesses: Enrique Iglesias, Niall Horan, and Darren Criss.
My guess: Last week I tipped Nick Jonas based on a lot of hints, but he probably wouldn’t be doing this show … and the point is moot because this week, the prince didn’t sound like Nick at all. So I change my guess to Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson. He had a great career year in 2006 when he appeared in the Oscar-nominated United 93; he appeared on the TV show Life on Mars and played Johnny Diamond in American Housewife; he just finished starring in Borderlands with Jamie Lee Curtis; and he once called rolling luggage one of nine things he can’t live without.
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