‘The Masked Singer 12’ episode 2 recap: Who was unmasked on ‘Footloose Night’? [LIVE BLOG]
Tonight on “The Masked Singer,” cut loose with “Footloose Night” as “The Masked Singer” celebrates the 40th anniversary of the iconic film! Panelist Robin Thicke opens the evening with a showstopping rendition of Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Rita Ora can’t help but bust a move! Tune-in to see the four celebrities from Group A belt out fan-favorite songs from the movie soundtrack in the all-new “Footloose Night” episode of “The Masked Singer” airing Wednesday, Oct 2 (8:00-9:02 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Nick Cannon hosts.
The Season 12 contestants boast a combined 21 Grammy nominations, 14 Emmy nominations, and 202 film appearances. Five of them even know Taylor Swift!
New this season, clues are everywhere and hidden in all-new places: strategically embedded in costumes, in song choices and on-stage moments. And for the first time in the show’s history, viewers will get the biggest clue yet as each of the 15 masked singers will be endorsed by a celebrity Masked Ambassador. These Ambassadors, all alums of the series, have a special connection to each singer and provide major new clues about their friends’ identities.
8:00 p.m. — “Previously on ‘The Masked Singer’!” In the Episode 1, five all-new masked celebrities kicked off Season 12 with jaw-dropping performances. Following the studio audience vote, Leaf Sheep was the first to be eliminated. He unmasked himself to reveal two-time Super Bowl champion John Elway. Which Group A performer will unmask tonight?
8:05 p.m. — First on deck tonight is Showbird. In her clue package she reveals, “I always knew, if I ever got a chance in front of the lights I’d do something good with it, so when I got that chance, work became my entire life. I was married to it. But I couldn’t help but feel like maybe something was missing — real love! The kind like Ren and Ariel found in ‘Footloose.’ Then, recently I reconnected with an old friend bird, who unexpectedly became my lovebird! He’s encouraged me to rekindle my first flame, one I gave up for two decades — singing. But his love helped me find that carefree confidence again, which led me here. So tonight, let’s hear it for my baby! My lovebird.” Visual clues included diamond rings of different colors, binoculars and a purple cupcake.
8:10 p.m. — Showbird is singing “Let’s Hear It For the Boy” by Deniece Williams. She sounds great, but judging by the clue package, I’m guessing she’s not known primarily as a singer. Still, she’s got great range and a fluid delivery. For an additional clue, the Men in Black bring out a music box with a hip-hop track playing behind it. Showbird says, “Now that’s more my vibe, because back in ’94 I was part of a hip-hop empire!” The panelists guess Showbird could be Yvette Nicole Brown (Ken), Taraji P. Henson (Jenny) or Sheila E. (Rita).
8:15 p.m. — Next up is Ship. In their clue package they state, “Like the lyrics of ‘Footloose’ say, ‘Everybody kick off your Sunday shoes.’ Easy right? Well, not when you’re a ship in a boot. In high school, I was a star cheerleader, class president, and was even voted prom queen. So when I injured my foot, and the doctor said I had to sit on the sidelines for a whole year, my heart sank. My frustration led me to the family’s piano, where I’d sit and play for hours on end. It was my therapy. I channeled my sorrow, my joy and my expression. Music became my paradise. And it’s been a healing source since. Now the good news is, the only boots I’m wearing these days are leather and made for dancing. Tonight, I feel like I’m knocking on heaven’s door.” Visual clues included a boot cast, white cowboy boots, a black crow sitting on her piano, and a red heart.
8:20 p.m. — Ship is singing “Almost Paradise” by Mike Reno & Ann Wilson. She has a beautifully rich tone and this contestant is clearly a professional musician. Following a supreme vocal, Jenny deems Ship “the frontrunner” of this competition. For an additional clue, the Men in Black open a locker that contains the faces of Melissa Etheridge, Whoopi Goldberg and Kevin Bacon. Interesting combo! Ship says, “I’m three degrees away from Kevin Bacon. I’m connected to Melissa Etheridge, who is connected to Whoopi Goldberg, who starred in ‘Destination Anywhere’ with Kevin Bacon.” The panelists guess Ship could be Kate Bush (Rita), Sarah McLachlan (Rita), Amy Grant (Robin) or Sheryl Crow (Ken).
8:28 p.m. — Next to take the stage is Woodpecker. In her clue package she reveals, “Just like in ‘Footloose,’ I know a thing or two about fighting for what you believe in. As a young chick, while most kids were playing in treehouses, I was planting roots in Hollywood. But growing up in front of the world was awkward. From learning to wear heels, to flirting with boys, God forbid uttering a cuss word, everyone was all up in my business treating me like I was their child. It’s one thing when your mom tells you what to do, and another thing when everyone around you is chirpin’ in. But I always stay headstrong, dancing to the growing pains at my own pace. And in turn, I got young birdies following in my footsteps who see me as their hero. But my advice? You can be your own hero too! And tonight, I’m singing a song that’s always helped me celebrate me! And I hope it will be a knockout. Knock on wood!” Visual clues included a director’s chair, shimmering heels, a rubber ducky, and a brief case.
8:35 p.m. — Woodpecker is singing “Holding Out For a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler. This young diva screams former child star, but can the panelists figure out which one? After that energetic performance, the Men in Black bring out an extra clue: Kevin Bacon’s iconic shoes from “Footloose.” Woodpecker states, “Another bird from ‘The Masked Singer’ family, and also mine, shares their style-ISH obsession of shoes with me.” This leads the panelists to guess Woodpecker is Letitia Wright (Rita), Willow Smith (Ken) or Regina King (Jenny).
8:40 p.m. — Last up are the Buffalos. In their clue package they reveal, “You know how when someone tells you you can’t do something and you just want to do it more? Well, just like those kids in ‘Footloose’ longing to dance, we’re each rebels in our own way. We somehow found each other along the trail. Everyone told us we couldn’t just do our thing, but we didn’t listen. We’ve succeeded by not giving a darn what people think. Think we’re corny? Who cares?! We’re rich. And if you think we take ourselves too seriously, look at us, we’re out here looking like some ‘Wreslte-Mania’ Buffalos about to sing a track from ‘Footloose.’ We funny as hell! So do you, and don’t let anybody tell you who or what to be. On that note, here’ s a love song to show you just how corny and rich we are.” Visual clues included a cactus, poker chips, beer mugs, and a black bottle marked “Poison.”
8:45 p.m. — Buffalos are singing “Waiting For a Girl Like You” by Foreigner. These guys are serious vocalists and soulful powerhouses. For an additional clue the Men in Black ride out on a lawn mower that says “Mo-Town” on the license plate. They say, “Well, we’re a little tired right now because we are busy using this tractor to mow lawns all around town.” The panelists guess Buffalos are Bell Biv DeVoe (Ken), 112 (Jenny), Boyz II Men (Jenny) or Big Time Rush (Robin).
9:00 p.m. — The singer who received the least amount of votes from tonight’s audience is Showbird. That means she will unmask in just a moment, but first the panelists reveal their final guesses: Yvette Nicole Brown (Ken and Robin), Taraji P. Henson (Jenny), and Sheila E. (Rita).
9:02 p.m. — It’s finally time for Showbird to take it off! She pulls off that feathered mask and reveals she is, in fact, actress and “Community” star Yvette Nicole Brown! Ken is batting a thousand this season!