Closest Vote Ever Earlier than Surprising Elimination

Buffalos, Strawberry Shortcake, and Wasp have all belted out unimaginable performances all season lengthy, leaving audiences breathless with heartfelt moments of vulnerability and window-shaking moments of pure energy.

And but, they by some means all managed to save lots of their greatest performances but for this semi-finals present. Regardless of the outcomes, the stage was set for an unimaginable finale. And whereas Rita Ora missed the episode because of feeling underneath the climate, she will likely be again for the large end!

Sadly, after the tightest voting margin within the historical past of the present — with Nick Cannon revealing there was lower than one proportion level distinction — considered one of these masks was going to fall simply quick.

Who gave it their all solely to go house one week earlier than the finale? And did anybody on our illustrious — ahem — panel of specialists make the fitting guess? There’s just one strategy to discover out!

Let’s bounce proper in with this week’s masks. And don’t fret, earlier than we get to the stunning unmasking(s), we’ll make you energy by the horrible (and infrequently good) guesses made by our illustrious panel of Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, and Ken Jeong first. We do that as a result of we love … to torture you.

(“Some Nights,” Enjoyable.) The evening kicked off with a rollicking present piece from the remaining singers — and with 5 of them on the stage, it was a really full sound. Strawberry Shortcake held her personal as the one feminine in a discipline of male voices, whereas Wasp proved greater than succesful as a solo male artist. Buffalos are already a powerhouse group with killer harmonies, however we noticed that solo second from considered one of them. And collectively, there was expertise to spare, setting the stage for an evening of stiff competitors — and one heartbreaking reveal.

(“Lose You to Love Me,” Selena Gomez) Strawberry Shortcake might have had a barely tilted masks tonight, however that efficiency was straight coronary heart. It was palpable and heartfelt from the primary notice. We felt her feelings by every line of pitch-perfect notice supply. It is not a straightforward music to cowl as a result of there’s nowhere to cover vocally, however Strawberry Shortcake was out in entrance of it proudly, boldly, and fantastically.

Clues & Guesses: Generally you need to step away from the dream to relearn how you can respect it, as a result of most desires include lots of drag. That was Strawberry Shortcake’s expertise in her semi-finals clue bundle, the place she opened up about feeling disenchanted by stress, rejection, and self-doubt. She stated she was triggered by her early fame, resulting in an extended break. Now, she’s discovered the love and enjoyable once more.

When requested what she’s discovered on this journey, she shared, “I’ve discovered that I’m resilient, robust, and I am simply so completely happy to be on the stage.” She thanked the panel for his or her form phrases, saying this expertise again within the highlight confirmed her “that is the place I am alleged to be.”

Her on-stage Friendship Bracelet revealed a connection to Ken with the message “Press Tour.” She defined, “One of many highlights of my profession was the press tour we did collectively. You made me snort all day.”

Within the quarterfinals, Strawberry Shortcake made it clear that she often would not do that kind of factor … alone. She’s pleased with herself for taking time for herself, even when her household and mates being busy doing their issues was a part of her motivation for taking this opportunity. She stated she’s been a part of a “bundle bunch” her complete life, so this was all very thrilling and new.

“Hey sis, you might be completely crushing it, I am so pleased with you,” got here her telephone name clue. “It has been so wonderful to see you develop over time and simply get higher and higher on a regular basis. And bear in mind, I am all the time with you, it doesn’t matter what, so go on the market and present the world you are able to something, ‘trigger I do know you might be. And me and your nephew are rooting for you.”

Final week’s clue bundle was all about her connection together with her mom, sharing that they used to sing on the tops of their lungs for the vacations whereas baking. Now, although, stage fright has stolen her mom’s voice, and it is Strawberry Shortcake’s hope that this journey will encourage her mom to sing once more.

She additionally talked about having had a chance to seem in a Thanksgiving parade, whereas we noticed a pen with musical notes on it, a cow in a ballet costume, and a stagecoach with horse. Her on-stage clue was novelty mouse ears, to which she defined, “Mouse ears have been instrumental in how I received my begin.” And naturally, you’ll be able to’t say “mouse ears” with out serious about Disney.

Final week’s bundle was all about her connections to Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus, together with that they shared the identical desires, attacked them the identical method, grew up in entrance of the world, and even shared a stage at one level. She stated the duo even leaned on each other after hobnobbing with the identical brothers, and breaking their hearts.

Visually, we received an apple, a “Banana Montana” clapperboard after she threw a script within the air from a director’s chair, and a taking pictures star. Her on-stage clue was a pair of crimson boxing gloves, one with a blonde wig and the opposite a marijuana leaf. “Miley has all the time been in my nook. She was even by my facet once I made my debut,” Strawberry Shortcake defined.

Season 7’s Ringmaster, Haley Orrantia, launched her buddy as Strawberry Shortcake’s Masked Ambassador, calling her “a pageant favourite.” She shared they have been collectively by a few of Haley’s “largest milestones,” too.

Talking for herself, Strawberry Shortcake stated that she’d all the time dreamed of performing in an enormous music pageant as a headliner, however needed to accept sitting on the sidelines. That’s, till she received the decision to open “probably the most iconic ones.” She referred to as that day each candy and a “sluggish burn,” however well worth the wait.

Visible clues all through included sunny sun shades, a kitten, rainbows, hearts, Instagram footage, mushrooms, and an ice cream cone. On stage, her t-shirt learn “Break a Leg,” to which she added, “My breakthrough function confirmed the world my potential.”

With a brand new friendship bracelet, Ken speculated his press tour connection to Strawberry Shortcake might have been throughout a Hangover film promotion tour the place he met Joey King. Jenny, although, thought-about Sarah Hyland, who’s positively confirmed off her singing chops earlier than. Robin’s guess was Lucy Hale, which once more linked to promotional excursions for Ken’s Dr. Ken present, as did Hyland.

However none of these guesses align so properly with all of the clues. You may tie each the mouse ears and the cow to the Disney Channel authentic movie Cow Belles, which was the debut for Aly and her sister — and our favourite guess — AJ Michalka.

The kitten suggests each her Catra function on She-Ra and her function with Aly on Hellcats. Plus, AJ completely dated one of many JoBros (Joe, the truth is), in order that vibe additionally is sensible. Oh, and that Hannah Montana connection might be that she has stated sister Aly was provided that function earlier than Miley landed it, whereas she was provided the function of Lilly Truscott.

Plus, we have nonetheless received final week’s touting that she’s an aunt now, so we would be remiss if we did not additionally notice that Aly gave delivery to her son on April 21 of this 12 months, making AJ Michalka a brand new aunt!

(“Africa,” Toto) Buffalos took benefit of their quantity for some ad-libbing and runs by the refrain to raise this efficiency. All the time a crowd-pleaser, they positively stayed true to the spirit of the unique whereas injecting it with their unimaginable harmonies and highly effective voices. There was positively lots of intelligence in how they constructed this efficiency to each spotlight their expertise, and construct to a crescendo that leaves the viewers each happy and wanting extra.

Clues & Guesses: For the semi-finals, Buffalos paid tribute to their kids, who they stated sing even higher than they do. Do they sing collectively, although, Robin puzzled. They talked about doubters firstly of their careers, however how staying true to themselves helped them obtain their success and permit them to be that instance for his or her kids and the subsequent technology.

As they’ve spoken about their bond collectively earlier than, Nick requested what they’d say to 1 one other. One Buffalo replied, “Effectively first I might say, by no means in one million years would I believe I would even be in a Buffalo masks. However I am glad I am doing it with my brothers and one of the best mates I’ve ever had.”

Their Friendship Bracelet connection was with Jenny, with the phrase “Donnie,” referring to her husband, Donnie Wahlberg. “We go method again with Donnie,” defined one Buffalo. “And we additionally go method again with you.”

Their quarter finals bundle was all about their bond of brotherhood, which needed to overcome an enormous impediment when “one thing occurred” to considered one of their quantity that “ruined their delicate mix.” All of their deliberate joint everythings have been “referred to as off.” However they have been capable of regroup and are available again stronger than ever.

Their telephone name was from Babyface — sure that Babyface! — who instructed them, “You guys are simply killing it. I’ve by no means seen you look higher or extra ridiculous. So stick with it, carry house the trophy.” They revealed that after getting the prospect to work with him, “It modified our lives.”

The trio selected The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” for his or her third efficiency as a result of they linked with that bittersweet feeling. Of their clue bundle, they opened up about dropping a guiding gentle that impressed them as they have been breaking by after they misplaced him abruptly.

They stated that they sang collectively whereas laying him to relaxation and thought that is perhaps it for them, however they know he’d need them to proceed. Visible clues within the bundle included a Lifeless Finish signal, a ringing bell, and camouflage umbrella.

“We have been on this business for a really very long time,” considered one of them stated on stage after their efficiency. “We have gained so much and we have misplaced so much. The attractive factor is, we’re right here proper now sharing our story with you.” The opposite two circled round him in assist as he received emotional.

The on-stage clue was a t-shirt that reads “Halftime Present,” with the reason, “This halftime t-shirt has aged over time, like us, however we are able to let you know this efficiency was in entrance of one of many largest audiences on the planet.”

Their second clue bundle noticed the trio describe themselves as rebels who discovered one another alongside the best way by no means actually cared what different folks stated about them. It emphasised that they are humorous — whereas suggesting some would possibly assume they take themselves too significantly — and that they are wealthy. Like, method wealthy.

Their bar-set bundle included an emphasis on three beer mugs, a sport of poker, and a black “poison” bottle. Their clue got here out as a mini-“Motown” tractor. “We’re somewhat drained proper now as a result of we’re busy utilizing this tractor to mow lawns throughout city,” they defined.

Season 5 winner Piglet (a.okay.a. Nick Lachey) shared a seemingly singular Buffalo’s story in his first clue bundle, speaking about his tough upbringing in “roach-filled beds at evening.” Throughout the day, he practiced at a bus cease. When Buffalo talked about catching his huge break at a cattle name, we noticed photos of Betty White and Vanna White.

From that auspicious starting, Buffalo went on to journey the world and star in two of the most important sitcoms of all time. Nick got here again to name Buffalo a “nationwide treasure,” in addition to the focus at his Tremendous Bowl events. Extra photos included a poster of a soccer participant at that bus cease and Buffalo holding up a movie reel.

Buffalo’s closing line was, “Simply you wait,” which evokes Hamilton. Their-on-stage clue the primary week was a crown.

After getting her friendship bracelet, Jenny reminisced in regards to the teams Donnie has toured with as a part of New Youngsters on the Block, zeroing in on Boyz II Males for her guess. She famous that they have been there when she and Donnie began relationship, with Wanya Morris even on a secret date with them early on.

Ken stated that whereas 99 % of him desires to go along with Jenny to Boyz II Males, “One % of Ken Jeong is gonna with Shade Me Badd and I will let you know why.” That one nearly cleared the dais earlier than Robin dug deeper into the Babyface archives to search out his brothers’ trio After 7.

Jenny rapidly identified she has no actual connection to that group, although, whereas her precise guess is consistent with what emerged as one of the best guess primarily based on the clues (and their iconic, velvety voices).

Riffing on final week’s clue about dropping considered one of their very own, Boyz II Males was rocked when Michael “Mike Bass” McCary needed to go away because of persistent again issues in the end identified as a number of sclerosis. As he saved the situation secret earlier than his departure, the band members felt he wasn’t giving his all, resulting in a rift.

Oh, and as for Babyface, he solely co-wrote and produced “Finish of the Street,” one of many largest hits of the ’90s, which catapulted them to the subsequent degree of their profession. Oh, and Wanya has six kids, 4 of whom additionally make up their very own R&B group, WanMor, which hints at that subsequent gen.

(“Lovely Issues,” Benson Boone) Wasp left all of it on the dance flooring with a young starting connecting immediately with the panel earlier than making his strategy to the stage and pouring himself into that highly effective refrain. This was a tour de pressure efficiency that raised the bar on an already mind-blowing evening of performances. His vocal vary and management in numerous sounds and kinds is unparalleled. Already a powerhouse contender for the trophy, he simply upped his personal sport with this one.

Clues & Guesses: Competing on The Masked Singer has reignited that aggressive drive in him that Wasp says was first woke up after his mom signed him up for a expertise contest in hopes it’d assist him discover his method out of the hood … and he received it! Even higher, an “business mogul” was in attendance, and the remainder is historical past.

“I would like you to recollect your energy,” he instructed his youthful followers. “As you become old, always remember that baby that you just as soon as have been. All the time hold dreaming and consider in your self to the fullest it doesn’t matter what, how darkish it will get, what number of instances you fall. You may all the time rise up and fly once more.”

His friendship bracelet was for Robin, with Wasp including, “I had a blast after we painted the city crimson in Nashville. We had such an excellent time, you bear in mind?’ That left Robin scrambling to provide you with who all he is “painted the city crimson” with.

Wasp shifted his focus to like for the quarter finals … the place he is additionally struggled. Whereas driving the blue bike that kicked off his efficiency, he talked about not figuring out what love was from any real-world examples, which can be why he flew quick and unfastened in search of that rom-com magic.

He stated he failed greater than as soon as alongside the best way, and even had a couple of U-turns he stated ought to’ve been unlawful, however he is presently in love and hopeful that possibly he is lastly heading in the right direction. His on-stage clue was a telephone name from a liked one, which for Wasp was his cousin.

“Hey Wasp, it is your greatest buddy and cousin,” he stated as Wasp received visibly emotional. “You by no means stop to amaze me. You are able to so many issues it is ridiculous, from placing out hits to reside theater to starring in one of many largest reveals of the last decade, you’re a huge star. I do know you have received what it takes to win this factor.”

Final time we checked in with him, Wasp paid tribute to his mom, who handed away after dealing with her “darkest battle,” that he wasn’t outfitted to assist her overcome. He talked about her as his protector and his hero, sharing that she liked Halloween and taking part in dress-up — even saying she’d in all probability wish to put on his wasp costume.

As he talked, we noticed an old-timey (treasure?) map, a stethoscope, and a shot of a lava lamp subsequent to a DNA strand behind him. His ’60s invention was the ATM, with a $1,000,000 withdrawal triggering payments to fly in every single place. “That is an fascinating invoice,” Wasp stated, displaying Robin’s face on a million-dollar invoice. “Identical to this invoice, I’ve additionally hit one million,” he added.

For his second efficiency, Wasp pulled again the curtain on his crowded upbringing, rising up with greater than a dozen relations dwelling underneath the identical roof, with Wasp describing all of them as “hustlers.” The one factor lacking was his dad.

He stated that when he lastly stepped out and made it, although, he returned house to like and assist from his complete household, together with his father. His dad even expressed how pleased with him he was. Clues within the bundle included a folding ladder, a theater marquee along with his title, and a crimson crab.

His on-stage toy was a Barbie stage with two dolls standing on it, every with one arm raised, one on a little bit of a pedestal. “Each minute I am on the market, I take my reside performances to new heights,” Wasp defined.

The Wasp’s Masked Ambassador is Ne-Yo (a.okay.a. Season 10 winner Cow), who stated, “I believe it is about time for my boy the Wasp to enter this sport. I’ve identified him since he was contemporary on the scene and he gained big success by taking my phrases of knowledge. I believe he is received what it takes to snag the Golden Masks trophy, identical to I did in Season 10.”

Wasp then opened up about rising up in a tricky neighborhood, saying there isn’t any purpose he would have made it out. “However I discovered to dig deep and struggle,” he stated, sporting a pair of boxing gloves. He then stated that his profession blew as much as the “largest screens and phases on the planet.” Ne-Yo stated he had the women swarming.

Different visible clues included a shot of Mars and a lightbulb over Ne-Yo’s head whereas speaking about his phrases of knowledge. For Sports activities Evening, the singers introduced an athletic shoe from house to symbolize their life. Wasp’s honeycomb themed basketball footwear left him saying, “Contemporary kicks assist me keep on my sport.”

Fascinated by what Wasp stated about their time collectively in Nashville, Robin speculated about Anthony Ramos, although he did not bear in mind partying with him and the one Nashville connection he might provide you with was possibly Hamilton toured there. Yeah, it wasn’t nice, with Robin admitting, “I do not bear in mind so much.”

Jenny mused by artists like Maxwell and Jason Derulo, who has a “Heartbeat” music to tie to that clue, however Ken was feeling tremendous assured that possibly, lastly, simply this as soon as, he might be proper and Usher can be on this present. At this level, we hope Usher does do the present so Ken can not guess him and nonetheless get it incorrect! He did get a expertise present connection as Usher appeared on Star Search.

As for clever guesses, although, we’re nonetheless leaning towards Mario. He was raised by his grandmother in west Baltimore whereas his single mom struggled with heroin habit, and he is beforehand talked about having 18 relations dwelling in his home.

Ne-Yo wrote “Let Me Love You” for him, cementing that connection. He additionally starred within the TV adaptation of theatrical manufacturing Hire, giving us our marquee — and the ladder, too, whereas we’re at it, for its distinctive staging.

And whereas he cannot tout Star Search on his resume, Mario did compete at a expertise present at Coppin State School at age eleven the place he was found and signed by producer Troy Patterson, in the end resulting in a document take care of Clive Davis’ J Data in his early teenagers.

Earlier than the primary outcomes, everybody received a bonus clue collectively from the three finalists with a friendship bracelet for Nick and a notice that learn, “From performing with you to attending your epic events, all three of us have connections to you, the legendary Nick Cannon.”

As for the primary outcomes, the evening simply appeared to construct from one nice efficiency to the subsequent, which could be very unhealthy information for Strawberry Shortcake. Jenny declared Buffalos one of the best efficiency of the season, however that was earlier than Wasp introduced down the home.

All of that signifies that Strawberry Shortcake’s passionate, heartfelt and beautiful efficiency is additional and additional again within the recollections of the viewers and panel. In truth, all three acts have been unimaginable tonight and gave performances worthy of advancing, however we would positively ship Wasp straight by from right here as he actually was on one other degree.

After what was the closest margin within the historical past of The Masked Singer — by lower than one %, per Nick — the artist advancing routinely to the finale was Wasp. If the masks that was inside a proportion level of them additionally advances, we might be one for one unimaginable (and extremely shut) finale!

Combining the Smackdown and Battle Royale format into one thing model new, the Smack Royale sees the 2 masks competing by performing the identical music back-and-forth on the identical time, just like the Battle Rounds on The Voice. Now, did they should rehearse this in each potential mixture, or are they simply winging it?

(“Counting Stars”, OneRepublic) This was an fascinating experiment that wasn’t utterly profitable in execution as you needed to pay attention arduous to listen to if Strawberry Shortcake was a part of concord elements or if that was simply Buffalos. It may need labored higher in a real one-on-one. It additionally felt just like the association featured extra of them singing collectively or on high of each other than in solo breakout moments. The top end result was a spherical that felt somewhat extra muddled than it needs to be and us extra uncertain than ever about who we needed to see advance as everybody appeared to carry out fairly properly. We are going to say that Buffalos appeared to place much more physicality and keenness into their performances.

One other shut second spherical continued to show simply how robust these semi-finalists are. It is actually arduous to say definitively that both of them have been in a special league than the opposite on the evening, so we needed to look again throughout the season.

The finale is a fruits of a season-long journey, so by that mark we might say that Buffalos will get the sting as they’ve provided distinctive, highly effective and distinctive preparations the entire method. Ultimately, the panel agreed, after calling the pairing a “Supergroup,” sending Buffalos into subsequent week’s finale, and the tip of this journey for Strawberry Shortcake.

• Robin Thicke: Kelsea Ballerini
• Jenny McCarthy: Sarah Hyland
• Ken Jeong: Joey King

The panel was shifting in the fitting path with Disney connections, however they appeared to overlook a number of the different clues, like that highly effective sister connection, in order that they did not land on the fitting guess because it was certainly proud new aunt and sister to Aly, AJ Michalka underneath the masks.

Though she was none of their guesses, AJ continued to the touch everybody’s hearts together with her farewell messages as Robin reiterated she was probably the greatest singers to ever grace the stage, whereas Ken recalled their connection whereas telling her how “unimaginable” she was on this present.

The Masked Singer reveals its Season 12 winner subsequent Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.