The first celebrity of “The Masked Singer” for Season 11 has been unmasked. The premiere episode kicked off with new celebrity panelist and global superstar, Rita Ora joining host Nick Cannon and returning panelists Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg and Robin Thicke.
The hour saw contestants Book, Goldfish, Lovebird, Starfish and Ugly Sweater competing for the final trophy. First up was Goldfish who sang “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo. The guessing was interesting. Rita guessed Lea Michele, Jenny guessed Selena Gomez and Ken said Carly Rae Jepsen and the clues were a glass slipper, a trophy, a gold record and gold as a “lucky” color.
Starfish was up next who sang “Material Girl” by Madonna. Some of the clues were they had 50 billion views/streams in 1 year and they worked with Steve Martin. Rita guessed Catherine O’Hara, Robin said Cheri O’Teri and Jenny said Molly Shannon.
Ugly Sweater sang “Simply The Best” by Tina Turner and gave clues a speeding train, a rabbit in a hat (a magic trick), and they were homeless or had to fight their way back from a troubled past. Ken guessed Nile Rogers, Rita guessed Earth, Wind and Fire’s Verdeen White, and Robin guessed Aaron Neville, Eddie LeVert, Charlie Wilson or Ronald Isley.
Lovebird sang “Home” by Philip Phillips. The clues were: they were a leading man (on a tv show), at one point was had the #1 watch show(?) and is a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic. Ken guessed Travis Kelce, Rita said Odell Beckham Jr., and Jenny said Nick Viall from “The Bachelor.”
Last up was Book. Book clues in the package were a badge, comedian, has over $4 billion dollars in the box office. Book sang “So Sick” by Ne-Yo. Robin guessed correctly as the celebrity decided to eliminate himself. At the end of the night, Book was eliminated and was sent home. Book turned out to be superstar and Nick’s best friend, Kevin Hart. Hart pranked Cannon in a surprised reveal who had no idea that Hart was coming on the show.
Next week on “The Masked Singer,” the theme is “The Wizard of Oz” and “Masked” alum Leann Rimes returns for a special performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Four new singers will be introduced, Gumball, Afghan Hound, The Beets, and Miss Cleocatra.
“The Masked Singer” airs Wednesday, March 13 at 8/7 p.m./c on FOX.
