“The Masked Singer” new season 12 wrapped filming over a month ago.  But, it’s just going to get started on television this September.  We got a sneak-peek of filming on the set and a good idea of what to expect.

Some of the masks this season include:  Buffalo, Wasp, Ice King, Sherlock Hound, Strawberry Shortcake, Royal Knight.

It was a tribute to Miley Cyrus in this episode.  Sleuth panelist Jenny McCarthy paid her own tribute to Miley’s “Wrecking Ball” video by riding a top of a huge strawberry (also a nod to Strawberry mask) rocking back and forth above the stage behind host Nick Cannon as he introduced the voting.

The opening number with all of the Group C masks performed Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.”  It would have been an appropriate number to perform in dedication to the Olympics which just ended.  During this performance, one section of the audience held up a large American flag, and the whole audience was given small flags as props.

Each mask has a connection to Miley Cyrus.  The Men in Black brought out “Miley Clues” for each mask.  There were a lot of good clues in this episode that were connected to Miley Cyrus.  If the viewers were to go through them all and google some clues, they very well may solve who a lot of these mask’s identities are.

Pictured (l-r): Jenny McCarthy, Miley Cyrus.

THE SLEUTH PANEL:

The same sleuth panel is back this season that includes last season’s newcomer Rita Ora, along with veterans Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, and fan favorite Ken Jeong.  Nick Cannon returns as the show’s host.

THE MASKED SINGER: L-R: Ken Jeong and Rita Ora in THE MASKED SINGER “Transformers Night” episode aired Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

THE SLEUTH’S WARDROBE:

Robin Thicke wore a bright blue jacket, Jenny wore a very short black cocktail dress with a glittery bustier and feathery bottom.  Rita Ora looked absolutely stunning in a wet look that was very similar to her Met Gala look this year, a more PG-13 rated version.  Her hair looked wet, and she wore a body hugging glitter gown. 

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

Take note, that the day Hollywood Junket was in attendance, there was no “Ding Dong Keep it On Bell” in sight.  Keep in mind that just because we didn’t see it, doesn’t mean that the show has abandoned the new tradition altogether.  It might have been in play in the earlier rounds of the show this season.

There was also no “Battle Royale” during this show taping, and only one mask was unmasked after the audience voting revealed who received the least amount of votes.

THE MASKS!!!!!!!

ICE KING – gave clues that he had a tumultuous 2024 so far and that he made Hollywood headlines big time.  He stated that the night before the news was to be released, he tried to stop the press from releasing this news.  However, it was too late.

Ice King said he was surprised at how many people rallied around him in support.  Ice King had a Rock vibe.  His Miley Cyrus clue was a Teen Choice award from 2008.  He said that he got this award the same year as Miley Cyrus.

Some of the panelists’ guesses included:  Cole Spruce by Robin Thicke, James Franco by Jenny.  Ken’s guess was Joe Jonas, or Sia Lebouf.  Lol! Everyone booed Ken.

Singled Out Connection!

Ice King’s clues make a lot of sense, and when viewers put two and two together, his identity won’t be hard to figure out.  SPOILER ALERT:  The Ice King mask had a common thread with Jenny when he said his brother told him that he went on a date with Jenny McCarthy when he was on the dating show she hosted in the 90s called “Singled Out.” 

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE MASK –  She sang “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus.  Her clues were that she once shared a stage with Miley, and they both are in the same world with the same friends.  They even dated the same guy.  So, the panelists were guessing Selena Gomez, Hillary Duff, and the one that makes the most sense is Ashley Tisdale.  Strawberry Shortcake’s Miley clue was a pair of boxing gloves.

ROYAL KNIGHT – This costume is unisex.  But, Royal Knight mask is indeed a female.  In her clue package she stated that she found the love of her life who has helped guide her.  

Pictured (l-r): KEN JEONG, RITA ORA, MILEY CYRUS; The Masked Singer/ FOX

Her Miley Cyrus clue was “Nashville.”  When she sang, she definitely sounds like a Country star.  However, Robin guessed it was Kristin Cavallari from “The Hills” fame who lives in Nashville.  Rita Ora thinks Royal Knight could be an actress because of how she moves on stage. 

SHERLOCK HOUND – He sang “Used to Be Young” by Miley Cyrus in his own style.  Some guesses for Sherlock Hound was that he sounded like Hozier, a guess made by Rita Ora.  Ken Jeong guessed Adam Levine, then changed it to a different alternative artist from the 90s.  Robin Thick thought it might be Creed lead singer under the mask.    

Sherlock Hound’s Miley clue was a blonde wig that was related to Hannah Montana.  He said he has done this similar hairstyle.  One major clue was that Sherlock Hound told Jenny that her husband loves him!  So, he’s an artist that her husband is a fan of!

“The Masked Singer” season 12 premieres Wednesday, September 25th on FOX.  It airs Wednesdays at 8 pm PT this Fall, followed by “The Floor” at 9 pm PT.

THE MASKED SINGER: L-R: Rita Ora and Vanessa Hudgens in THE MASKED SINGER “One Mask Takes it All” season 11 finale episode aired Wednesday, May 22, 2024