Warning: spoilers ahead!
The Masked Singer Season 11 returned on Wednesday with a fun, high-energy evening of powerful performances as four costumed contestants competed on Girl Group Night!
This week’s roster of singers did their best to secure their place in the ongoing race for the Golden Mask Trophy, while a new wild card contender shook up the competition.
The shows Group of prominent “detectives” — including Robin Thicke, Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy and newbie Rita prays – did their best, with some help, to deduce the secret identities of the costumed participants Host Nick Cannon.
The Beets, Miss Cleocatra, The Gumball and The Seal took the stage to sing hits from the biggest girl groups in music history to win the audience’s votes and advance to the Group B final.
Miss Cleocatra was the first contestant to take the stage, bringing her diva-like charisma and seriousness to the stage during her performance of En Vogue’s “Free Your Mind.” The number showed a different, funkier side of the singer’s repertoire and impressed the judges.
Thicke and McCarthy praised Miss Cleocatra’s dance moves, while Ora exclaimed, “I was just looking at the kick!” I thought, ‘OK! You didn’t come to play.’ The claws came out.”
Singing duo The Beets were next to come out and show off their vocal abilities. The stylish root vegetable proved she’s got real talent with a cover of The Pointer Sisters’ “I’m So Excited.”
“I did not expect that!” Ora gushed. “I’m your biggest fan. I love you more every time I see you. You are so funny, so sweet and I just want to hang out with you. What a great achievement!”
For the third act of the evening. The Gumball came out and sweetened the deal with a colorful and poignant rendition of The Chicks’ “Wide Open Spaces,” which had the audience swaying and singing along – and had Jeong wiping tears from his eyes.
“I know you are married to your beautiful wife and she must be so proud to hear you sing this song,” McCarthy said. “It’s one of her favorite songs, you said, and you won our hearts tonight too. What an amazing, beautiful performance tonight.”
“Great job,” Thicke added, praising the singer’s remarkable performance.
The final performance of the evening came from the newly introduced Wild Card contestant – The Seal!
The Seal caused quite a stir and his adorable appearance won over panelists even before he began singing Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On.”
“What a joker!” Ora was amazed. “The cutest thing I’ve ever seen!”
“He’s definitely one of the most charming characters we’ve ever had,” Thicke added.
After all the songs were sung, it was time for the audience to vote for their favorite artist of the night, sending the two lowest-scoring singers to a battle royale showdown.
After all the votes were cast, Cannon announced that The Gumball and The Beets would advance to the Group B finals! However, Miss Cleocatra and The Seal were pitted against each other one last time for one last chance to keep their Masked Singer dreams alive.
For their battle royal, both singers delivered very different renditions of TLC’s “Waterfalls,” showcasing different aspects of their range and talent. However, the seal’s adorableness seemed to give him an advantage, and it was Miss Cleocatra who got the axe.
After the judges made their final guesses (with Jeong actually hitting the nail on the head), Miss Cleocatra unmasked herself and revealed herself to be a legendary actress and singer Black star Jenifer Lewis.
When asked why she wanted to be there The Masked SingerLewis explained: “I took a long break. And when they called, I said, ‘You know, I haven’t been on stage and singing in a long time.’ So I said, ‘Come on, let’s go!'”
“And it was fun!” she added with a warm laugh. “I had a nice time.”
The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8pm ET/PT on Fox.
Check out the gallery below to take a look Every single contestant who has ever had to “take it off.” throughout the show’s history.
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