Get ready for a jaw-dropping revelation—The Masked Singer just pulled off a double elimination that left fans in utter disbelief! But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this the most shocking unmasking in the show’s history, or did the clues give it away? Let’s dive in.
On the January 20 episode, the singing competition said goodbye to not one, but two stars: Handyman and Scarab. The big question on everyone’s mind? Who were the famous faces behind those elaborate costumes? Let’s start with Handyman, who, despite being the first to exit, left a lasting impression. In his clue video, he hinted, ‘I’ve been known to stand out,’ but a ‘painful accident’ once changed his voice overnight. Yet, he didn’t let that stop him. ‘My voice got people’s attention,’ he shared, ‘and suddenly, you could hear me everywhere—on the radio, in movies, even in kids’ shows.’
The judges were stumped—until Handyman performed A Tribe Called Quest’s ‘Can I Kick It.’ Jenny McCarthy guessed Chuck D, Ken Jeong thought it was Mr. T, and Rita Ora wondered if it could be Ice-T. But here’s the part most people miss: Only Robin Thicke nailed it, recognizing the voice of ‘90s rapper Tone Loc, famous for hits like ‘Funky Cold Medina’ and ‘Wild Thing.’ Host Nick Cannon couldn’t resist shouting, ‘It’s officially a ‘Wild Thing’ over here!’
Tone Loc, now 59, revealed his kids had dared him to join the show. ‘They didn’t think I’d do it,’ he laughed, ‘but I had a blast.’ His participation wasn’t just about fun—it was a chance to prove to his children that he still had it. And he did.
But the controversy doesn’t end there. While Tone Loc’s reveal was a trip down memory lane, Scarab’s unmasking tugged at heartstrings. During her clue segment, she shared a deeply personal story: her father had predicted her Hollywood success, even an Oscar nomination. Tragically, he passed away a week before the ceremony, making that night bittersweet. ‘It was hard to smile,’ she admitted, ‘but my mom and I made the most of it. He would’ve loved it.’
Her emotional performance of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun’ left the audience in awe. The final clue? A roll of cookie dough, symbolizing the ‘baking under pressure’ it took to get where she is. The judges guessed Sheryl Lee Ralph, Regina King, Angela Bassett, and Cynthia Erivo, but it was Rita Ora who correctly identified Taraji P. Henson, the Oscar-nominated actress known for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Empire.
Nick Cannon joked, ‘We’ve been waiting 14 seasons for you!’ Taraji, however, playfully asked, ‘Who voted me off, though?’ She admitted to enjoying the anonymity of the mask, saying, ‘You can get down without anyone judging you—but no lip-syncing allowed!’ She closed the show with a powerful rendition of Adele’s ‘Set Fire to the Rain.’
Now, here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Did the clues make these reveals too obvious, or did the show strike the perfect balance between mystery and nostalgia? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget—The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox. Who’s next to be unmasked? Stay tuned to find out!
