SPOILER ALERT: Particulars observe for Season 12, Episode 11 of “The Masked Singer,” “Semi Finals: Remaining Three,” which aired Wednesday, December 11 on Fox.
AJ Michalka was initially alleged to carry out on “The Masked Singer” along with her sister Aly, the opposite half of their Aly & AJ musical duo. However with Aly unavailable — she lately gave delivery to her first little one — AJ determined to present it a attempt as a solo act. And he or she went far: AJ Michalka was revealed on Wednesday’s penultimate Season 12 episode of “The Masked Singer” as Strawberry Shortcake.
“Initially, we have been alleged to do it collectively, and we have been like, this is able to be actually enjoyable to do as a crew,” Michalka advised Selection. “However it was going to be actually difficult to schedule. So I ended up doing it by myself. And he or she absolutely supported it.
“The problem and the thrill got here from figuring out that I had by no means actually carried out on stage with out my sister,” Michalka added. “I needed to problem myself as a solo artist and see how far I may get. And I had a blast. I didn’t notice it could be that onerous to sing underneath a masks that heavy, however I did it, and I’m actually happy with myself.”
Michalka sang “Lose You to Love Me,” by Selena Gomez, as her remaining quantity; she had beforehand carried out “Gradual Burn,” by Kacey Musgraves, “Wrecking Ball,” by Miley Cyrus, “I Hope You Dance,” by Lee Ann Womack, and “Nearer,” by Tegan and Sara, on the present. Songs she had prepped however didn’t get an opportunity to carry out have been “What Was I Made For,” by Billie Eilish, and “Why Can’t I” by Liz Phair.
“I liked that I used to be in a position to decide on my very own songs,” she mentioned. “Understanding that I felt actually comfy with the fabric I used to be selecting, that made me actually glad.”
Michalka mentioned her favourite efficiency was “I Hope You Dance,” which she devoted to her mom. “My mother was an unbelievable singer, however has struggled with self-confidence and simply stopped singing utterly,” she mentioned. “That was type of my very own message to her to get her on the market to sing.”
For Strawberry Shortcake, not one of the panelists guessed it proper. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed Sarah Hyland. Robin Thicke thought it was Kelsea Ballerini. Ken Jeong mentioned it was Joey King. (Panelist Rita Ora was absent because of sickness.)
In what host Nick Cannon mentioned was the closest margin in “The Masked Singer” historical past — lower than 1% —Wasp earned the highest Semi Remaining votes, instantly sending him on to the finals.
That led to a “smack royale” between Buffalos and Strawberry Shortcake for the opposite spot transferring on. They each sang “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic, and in the end Buffalos made it via whereas Strawberry Shortcake was eradicated.
The Semi Finals opened with Wasp, Strawberry Shortcake and the Buffalos singing “Some Nights,” by Enjoyable. With Strawberry Shortcake now revealed, that leaves Buffalos and Wasp to battle it out in subsequent week’s season finale.
AJ Michalka as Strawberry Shortcake joins Kobie Turner as Goo, Jana Kramer as Royal Knight, Bronson Arroyo as Sherlock Hound, Drake Bell as Ice King, Bethany Hamilton as Macaron, Natalie Imbruglia as Bluebell, Laverne Cox as Chess Piece, Andy Richter as Dusty Bunny, Paula Cole as Ship, Marsai Martin as Woodpecker, Yvette Nicole Brown as Showbird and John Elway as Leaf Sheep because the celebrities unmasked on “The Masked Singer” Season 12.
Again for Season 12 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke, whereas Ora additionally returned to the desk for the second consecutive season to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger.
“The Masked Singer” Season 12 themed episodes embrace tributes to Mattel’s Barbie because it hits its sixty fifth anniversary, and the movie “Footloose” because it marks its fortieth anniversary. Miley Cyrus may even be honored with an episode dedicated to her music catalog, whereas additionally new is a “Who Are You Fest,” that includes music from “memorable competition lineups,” in addition to a “Sports activities Night time” and a “60’s Night time.” Tentpole themes which can be again embrace “Soundtrack of My Life” and “Thanksgiving Night time.”
New this season, clues will likely be “strategically embedded in costumes, in track decisions and on-stage moments.” And the fifteen celeb contestants will likely be endorsed by a “celeb Masked Ambassador,” made up of earlier contributors together with Dick Van Dyke (Season 9’s Gnome), Jewel (Season 6 winner because the Queen of Hearts), Ne-yo (Season 10 winner because the Cow) and DeMarcus Ware (Season 11’s Koala). And the “Ding Dong Hold It On” bell can be again this morning, however just one singer throughout the three group finals will be saved.
Season 12 options 15 contestants performing in new costumes together with “Ship,” “Leaf Sheep,” “Woodpecker,” “Chess Piece,” “Bluebell,” “Buffalo,” “Showbird,” “Mud Bunny,” “Goo,” “Strawberry Shortcake,” “Wasp,” “Sherlock Hound,” “Royal Knight,” “Ice King” and “Macaron.”
Right here have been performances on Wednesday’s Episode 11, “Semi Finals: Remaining Three”:
Strawberry Shortcake, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)
Strawberry Shortcake
Music: “Lose You to Love Me,” by Selena Gomez
Panel guesses: Joey King, Sarah Hyland, Lucy Hale
What have you ever discovered: “I’ve discovered that I’m resilient and robust. And I’m simply so glad to be right here on stage. These phrases imply a lot to me. I like being right here. That is what I like to do. I took a protracted break from it. And I’m so glad I got here again. That is the place I’m alleged to be.”
Friendship bracelet clue: For Ken Jeong. “Press Tour.” “One of many highlights of my profession was the press tour we did collectively. You made me giggle all the day.”
Strawberry Shortcake voiceover: “Oh my goodness. This season’s competitors has been no cakewalk. And I’m actually proud to have survived that smackdown. What nobody tells you is sort of a good cake, Hollywood is layered. Positive, it sparkles. And is tremendous enjoyable. However there’s additionally a lot strain to make it huge. And it comes with a whole lot of rejection, somewhat little bit of self-doubt and a splash of feeling such as you’ve poured your complete coronary heart into one thing that individuals may by no means see. I believe that’s why some individuals begin to really feel so disenchanted with their goals. That’s what occurred to me. I used to be so triggered by the drama of early fame that I made a decision to take a protracted break. I needed to lose the lights to like what I do once more. Turning into Strawberry Shortcake, I’m reminded of why I began all these years in the past. It’s enjoyable, it’s foolish and it’s so me. And positive, there’s strain to maintain going to the finale. However solely as a result of this expertise has been so scrumptious. I don’t need it to finish. Strawberry Shortcake is with me for all times.”
Earlier songs: “Gradual Burn,” by Kacey Musgraves; “Wrecking Ball,” by Miley Cyrus; “I Hope You Dance,” by Lee Ann Womack; “Nearer,” by Tegan and Sara
Earlier panel guesses: Renee Rapp, Lana del Rey, Rachel Ziegler, Chloe Fineman, Hilary Duff, Ashley Tisdale, Kelsea Ballerini, Hailee Steinfeld, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Haylie Duff, Danielle Haim
Buffalos, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)
Buffalos
Music: “Africa,” by Toto
Panel guesses: Boyz II Males, Coloration Me Badd, After 7
What do you need to say to one another: “First, I might say by no means in 1,000,000 years who I anticipate to even be in a buffalo masks. However, I’m glad I’m doing it with my brothers and the most effective buddies I ever had.”
Friendship bracelet clue: For Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg. “Donnie.” “We go approach again with Donnie. And we additionally go approach again with you.”
Buffalos voiceover: “Nicely, nicely, nicely. Look who’s so near the finale. Man, we labored so laborious to get right here. However we’re no strangers to that. Developing we needed to work more durable than anybody. We have been consistently advised we must be one thing else. One thing we weren’t and that we’d by no means make it. However we didn’t pay attention. And staying true to ourselves was the primary motive for our success. We now know that was an necessary instance to set for the subsequent technology. And particularly our kids. Yeah, our children like to sing. And you realize what? They sound higher than us. We’re like, what have we finished? What miracle have we created? Listening to their voices turned every part round, and provides us an actual motive to maintain going. That’s proper. Each resolution we three Buffalos make collectively is with them in thoughts. To verify they’ve all they want on this life. They usually’re going to get an actual kick out of watching their pops up right here doing their factor as three inspirational Buffalos. Perhaps at some point, will probably be their flip. Youngsters, we love you a lot. That is for you. The whole lot is for you.”
Earlier songs: “(I Simply) Died In Your Arms,” by Chopping Crew; “Ready For a Lady Like You,” by Foreigner; “Bittersweet Symphony,” by The Verve; “You’re Nonetheless the One,” by Shania Twain
Earlier panel guesses: B2K, Earth Wind and Hearth, 98 Levels, Bell Biv DeVoe, 112, Boyz II Males, Huge Time Rush, Bone Thugs N Concord, Black Eyed Peas, Temptations, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Blackstreet
Wasp, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)
Wasp
Music: “Stunning Issues,” by Benson Boone
Panel guesses: Anthony Ramos, Maxwell, Jason Derulo, Usher
One thing you’d wish to say to younger wasps: “I would like you to recollect your energy. As you become older, always remember that little one you as soon as have been. At all times preserve dreaming, and consider in your self irrespective of how darkish it will get. Irrespective of what number of instances you fall, you may at all times stand up and fly once more.”
Friendship bracelet clue: For Robin Thicke. “Nashville.” “You realize Robin, I had a blast whereas we painted the city purple in Nashville. We had such a very good time, do you bear in mind?”
Wasp voiceover: “Turning into the Wasp, I by no means felt so highly effective. It’s introduced out this supercompetitive edge in me that truthfully, I haven’t felt since I used to be a child. My mother knew there can be solely so many alternatives for me to get out of the hood. So when she noticed a poster for a expertise present, she signed me up on the spot. I used to be shook. However I tapped into this hearth inside me and I gained the entire thing. And, an trade mogul was there who signed me on the spot. Discuss a turning level. Being right here has introduced me again to after I was hungry for a win. And it’s a fantastic factor. Tonight, I do know I’m up towards some steep competitors. And truthfully, I’m terrified to lose out on an opportunity to win all of it within the finale. This golden masks is coming for the golden masks, you heard?”
Earlier songs: “Rock Your Physique,” by Justin Timberlake; “Skyscraper,” by Demi Lovato; “Ain’t No Method,” by Aretha Franklin; “Standing Subsequent to You,” by Jungkook
Earlier panel guesses: Taye Diggs, Bruno Mars, Jason Derulo, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Daveed Diggs, Mario, Craig David, Eric Benét, Usher, Maxwell
Final season’s performers included Vanessa Hudgens, who gained the Season 11 crown as Goldfish, beating out Scott Porter, who had carried out as Gumball. Different performers included Thelma Houston (Clock), Chrissy Metz (Poodle Moth), Corey Feldman (Seal) and Clay Aiken/Ruben Studdard (Beets), Jenifer Lewis (Miss Cleocatra), Kate Flannery (Starfish), Charlie Wilson (Ugly Sweater), DeMarcus Ware (Koala), Colton Underwood (Love Fowl), Sisqó (Lizard), Billy Bush (Sir Lion), Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs), Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound) and Kevin Hart (Ebook).
“The Masked Singer” comes from Fox Various Leisure. Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis and Cannon are government producers, whereas Seitchik serves as showrunner. The collection is predicated on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.
