SPOILER ALERT: Details follow for Season 14, Episode 3 of “The Masked Singer,” “Clueless Night,” which aired Jan. 21 on Fox.
As if! “The Masked Singer” sent home two celebrities on Wednesday during “Clueless night” Whatever. Unmasked on the episode were “Wild Thing” rapper Tone Loc as Handyman, and Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson as Scarab.
Eliminated first was Handyman. Panelist Robin Thicke got it right with Tone Loc. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed Chuck D, Ken Jeong thought it was Mr. T and Rita Ora went with Ice-T.
Later, Scarab was the second contestant eliminated. Ora got it right with Taraji P. Henson. Thicke thought it was Regina King, McCarthy-Wahlberg went with Angela Bassett and Jeong guessed Cynthia Erivo.
Tone Loc told Variety that he agreed to appear on “The Masked Singer” after his friends dared him to do the show. “They didn’t think that I would,” he said. “Probably because I have this macho type of image or something like that. Like, ‘you would not get up on here, put a costume on and go dance and do whatever at this age.”
But he did, and he’s glad he said yes. “It was fun,” the “Funky Cold Media” star said. “I mean, it was real secretive, like some FBI-type stuff. They cover you up from head to toe and put you in your dressing room immediately… of course, part of my voice is a dead giveaway.”
“Clueless Night” opened with Snow Cone, Scarab, Handyman and Pugcasso singing “Kids In America,” the song that also opens 1996’s “Clueless” film.
Pugcasso, Snow Cone and Crane move on from this round. Still waiting their turn: High Voltage, Calla Lily, Owl, Eggplant, Galaxy Girl, Stingray, Cat Witch, and Queen Corgi, along with another wild card.
Taraji P. Henson (Scarab) and Tone Loc (Handyman) join Tiffany Haddish (Le Who Who), Todd and Julie Chrisley (Croissants) and David “Big Papi” Ortiz (Googly Eyes) as the celebrities unmasked so far on “The Masked Singer” Season 14.
Back for Season 14 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists McCarthy Wahlberg, Jeong, Ora and Thicke.
New this season is “America’s Insider,” in which singer, dancer and social media personality Kylie Cantrall will share behind-the-scenes hints and clues for viewers. The twist: Cantrall is in costume as Cat Witch, but will only unmask for viewers — so the audience knows who she is, but the panelists don’t.
“The Masked Singer” Season 14 themed episodes include a tribute to “Star Trek,” the ‘90s comedy “Clueless,” the comic franchise “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and the blockbuster “Twilight Saga” films. Also Fox’s new “Fear Factor” reboot will feature host Johnny Knoxville in a “Fear Factor: House of Fear Night,” and an “Ozzfest Night” honors late rocker Ozzy Osbourne, including a special tribute by “Masked Singer” alum Kelly Osbourne (Season 2’s Ladybug) saluting her father’s musical influence.
The 18 Masked contestants in Season 14 include Eggplant, Pugcasso, Queen Corgi, the Croissants, Owl, 14 Karat Carrot, Snow Cone, Galaxy Girl, High Voltage, Googly Eyes, Scarab, Handyman, Crane, Le Who Who, Pangolin, Stingray, Cat Witch and Calla Lily.
Per the show, the Season 14 contestants have sold a combined 94 million records, received 47 Teen Choice Award nominations, 12 Emmy nominations, two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one Tony Award win and one Academy Award nomination.
Here were the performances on Wednesday’s episode.
Nick Cannon and Snow Cone, “The Masked Singer”
Snow Cone
Song: “Stronger,” by Britney Spears
Previous song: “When I Grow Up,” by the Pussycat Dolls
Clueless clue: “Rebooting.” “Life had taken everything away from me so many times. But I keep getting up for my family and my kids. Because Snow Cone is bright and beautiful on the outside and he gives me the confidence to feel that way on the inside.”
Panel guesses: Avril Lavigne, Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore
Previous panel guesses: Mischa Barton, Nicole Richie, Taylor Momsen
Snow Cone voiceover: “If you’re a fan of the iconic ‘Clueless’ soundtrack, you’re guaranteed to love the hottest CD of the summer. Snow Cone. And let me tell you, there’s one album that everybody needs. Mine! (“Snow Real.”) I poured everything I had into it. Even turned down a record deal with David Foster. But when I released it, nobody bought it. For years, I was devastated. But when I was at my lowest point, everyone rallied behind me. Fans started buying my music again. And this once again album became No. 1. (“Only $19.84”) So, hurry up and get your copy. Operators are standing by.”
Nick Cannon and Scarab, “The Masked Singer”
Scarab
Song: “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” by Cyndi Lauper
Previous song: “Set Fire to the Rain,” by Adele
Clueless clue: Cookie dough. “I love baking under pressure to get where I am.”
Panel guesses: Cynthia Erivo, Angela Bassett
Previous panel guesses: Whoopi Goldberg, Viola Davis, Sheryl Lee Ralph
Scarab voiceover: “In ‘Clueless,’ Cher’s dad was always there for her. And I know the support of a parent means everything. My dad saw it first. He told me I was going to be a huge star, and that I might be nominated for an Oscar. My mom was a little more hesitant. A single mother who didn’t want me to struggle like she did. That all changed when she saw me on stage. And all of dad’s predictions came true. Even that nomination. (“Most Influential.”) But when it came time for Hollywood’s biggest night, my dad wasn’t there. Sadly, he passed away a week prior. It was hard to smile in those photos that night. But mom and I made the most of it. He would have loved it. I am equal parts my mom and dad. Smart like my mom, strong like my dad. And one hell of a dreamer.”
Handyman, “The Masked Singer”
Handyman
Song: “Can I Kick It?,” by A Tribe Called Quest
Previous song: “Shake Your Groove Thing,” by Peaches & Herb
Clueless clue: Candy wrappers. “I always have had a sweet flow.”
Panel guesses: Vanilla Ice, Ice-T, Mr. T
Previous panel guesses: Idris Elba, Tone Loc, Vin Diesel
Handyman voiceover: “Clueless was one of a kind. The music, outfits, everything made it stand out in the 90s. And to tell you the truth, I’ve been known to stand out too. But, it wasn’t all perfect. And without warning, a painful accident. Changed my voice overnight. But, I didn’t let that hold me back. And you know what? My voice got people’s attention. And suddenly you could hear me everywhere. The radio, movies, even kids shows. The very thing I thought was too different turned out to be the thing that made me stand out.”
Nick Cannon and Pugcasso, “The Masked Singer”
Pugcasso
Song: “Fake Plastic Trees,” by Radiohead
Previous song: “Ordinary,” by Alex Warren
Clueless clue: Aloha shirt. “I like the beach, and I like cameras.”
Panel guesses: Jack Johnson, Rob Thomas
Previous panel guesses: Dan Reynolds, Darren Criss, Ryan Tedder
Pugcasso voiceover: “Coming from a small town, I thought I knew everybody. And then I saw her. Instantly my heart went boom. A few weeks later, I saw her again. Life was trying to tell me something, so I took my shot. And that was it. It was like a real life romcom. Cue the montage, guys. We were so in love. Until, I was asked to hit the road, and worse, to live a world away from my girl. Fast forward to when I got to the airport and there she was, with a suitcase in hand. And ever since then, when fame feels superficial, she keeps me grounded..”
Crane, “The Masked Singer”
Wild Card: Crane
Song: “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay,” by Whitney Houston
Clueless clue: Ballet shoes. “I’m not the one to shy away from center stage.”
Panel guesses: Misty Copeland, Mya, Ashanti
Crane voiceover: “It’s seamless for me to make my Masked Singer debut on Clueless night. Because the 90s literally represent everything that I did. And I do it all. Whether it’s primetime, film or billions of streams. I’ve brushed wings with Janet, Michelle and even Angelina’s a fan. But, I’ve had to work ten times harder just to be seen. And at times, yeah, my confidence has been shattered. So I’ve spent many transformative moments taking control over my destiny. I’m proud to say it’s my own wings that got me to climb this high. But I’m not done yet. And any chance I get to go for gold, I take it.”
Past “The Masked Singer” winners include T-Pain as Monster (Season 1), Wayne Brady as Fox (Season 2), Kandi Burruss as Night Angel (Season 3), LeAnn Rimes as Sun (Season 4), Nick Lachey as Piglet (Season 5), Jewel as Queen of Hearts (Season 6), Teyana Taylor as Firefly (Season 7), Amber Riley as Harp (Season 8), Bishop Briggs as Medusa (Season 9), Ne-Yo as Cow (Season 10), Vanessa Hudgens as Goldfish (Season 11), Boyz II Men as Buffalos (Season 12) and Gretchen Wilson as Pearl (Season 13).
“The Masked Singer” comes from Fox Alternative Entertainment. Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis and Cannon are executive producers, while Seitchik serves as showrunner. The series is based on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.
