The Masked Singer - Season 9 - Premiere - Recap

 It’s that time again! 

The masked singer is back for its Ninth season. Who would’ve thought such a corny show, that’s the equivalent of a bad acid trip and the singing competition equivalent of the WWE, would last 4 years? I’m totally stumped.

But despite some controversial celebrities being unmasked, and constantly changing format, they’ve continued to make it work.

They’ve continued however with last season’s format. Groups of 3, or 4 costumed celebrities singing for the panel and studio audience. At the end of the night, two or more are unmasked and the winner of the night advancing to face formats the following week. After a certain amount of weeks, the last one standing moves into the semifinals, and the cycle begins again. 

There is one minor change this season. Of course the show has had some shocking eliminations, so why not add a save. The “ding dong keep on,” will will give the panel a chance to save an eliminated contestant. How this works hasn’t really been explained yet. 

Our show opens with the world’s most famous baby daddy introducing our panel in what seems like a Vegas-style spectacle. 

We have a new, 360-degree set and what nick claims is the biggest studio audience in show history. 

Mustang - Here I Go Again by Whitesnake 

Clues - Sold out arenas, won awards, and has performed with Elvis. Mustang Carries a bucket labeled “soap.” Her ride has come with fame and she’s “died more times,” then she can count. She calls herself a “survivor” and says that she’s, “Hell on Heels.” She says she always back stronger than before. 

Performance - Mustang has a great country voice. I definitely know who this is being the country fan I am. All signs point to country superstar Sara Evans. Sara has had several country hits. The bucket of soap and the barbells are nods to her hits, “Suds in the Bucket,” and “A Little Bit Stronger.” Not to mention the drama of her season 3 Dancing with the Stars withdrawal and subsequent divorce. 

Jenny called it an effortless performance. Oh now they’re being out swag bags with clues. The clue is a magazine calling her one of the most beautiful people. Mustang says, beauty may be on the inside, but she’s, “On the Cover.”

Ken guesses Mustang is Pink. Dear god no! Robin and Jenny both think Mustang is Suzanne Summers. Again, not even close. Nicole thinks Mustang is Anne or Nancy Wilson or Chrissie Hynd. You can definitely tell the panel doesn’t listen to much country music. 

Gnome - When You’re Smiling by Billie Holiday 

Clues - Has become a mainstay in our lives during a storied career. Ooh he said to just ask “the producers.” Hmm. He’s worked with different comedians and musicians. Namechecking Robin Williams, Ben Stiller, Lin Manuel Miranda, and Madonna. A trophy with Tony Danza. He’s put smiles on people’s faces. 

Performance - ok be isn’t an amazing singer, but he can carry a tune. He’s also older. I’m think along the lines of maybe Mel Brooks or Dick Van Dyke. 

Nicole calls him gorgeous, and says his vocals melted her heart. Robin calls it amazing. Jenny thinks it’s the biggest legend they’d ever had on the show. 

Now for Gnome’s swag bag. Oh it’s a medal with jfk on it. Obviously someone who has a Kennedy center honor. He says he met president Biden there. Ok even with the altered voice, it sounds a lot like President Skroob himself, Mel Brooks. 

Nicole thinks it’s Dustin Hoffman. No way it’s him. Robin originally thought Mel Brooks, but changes to Dustin Hoffman. Ken guesses Robert DeNiro. Hell no! 

Medusa - Happier than Ever by Billie Eilish

Clues - She grew up far from the spotlight, a “dancer in the dark.” A true love tattoo. Did her own thing. Buckingham palace is seen. Embracing oddities. She said she’s been on the masked singer before, and is here to compete this time? So maybe a former guest panelist.

Performance - Wow she has a great rock voice whoever it is. It starts out soft, but goes into a full on rock and roll extravaganza. 

Nicole said she was left speechless by Medusa’s performance. Medusa’s swag bag clue is what looks like a book with “$350 million sold,” on it. Hmm

Jenny  guesses Ellie Goulding. Ken guesses Meghan Markle, NO KEN!!! Horrible guess. Nicole guesses that it’s Lorde. 

Nick then guesses how the, “Ding Dong Keep On.” They can only ring it three times per round and  the three it’s rang for will compete to rejoin the competition. 

Now it’s time for the results! 

First person being unmasked is…..The Gnome. No surprise there. Medusa and Mustang outsang him tonight.

Time for final guesses; Ken guesses Robert De Niro, Jenny guesses Tony Bennett, Robin and Jenny both guess Dustin Hoffman. 

And Gnome is DICK VAN DYKE!!!!!

Wowwwww! The panel is stunned. Nicole is in tears. 

He’s 97? I never would’ve thought. 

He leads the crowd in supercalifragilisticexpialidocious as we go to a break. 

 Battle Royale - Mustang vs Medusa - Diamomds by Rihanna 

Mustang’s first performance was better. I do like the country spin on it though. Medusa is much better in the song. Great interpretation. 

Time for the final results 

This week’s champions is…Medusa 

Aww, I would’ve loved mustang to move on, but Medusa killed it. 

Time for final guesses. Ken guesses Pink, Jenny guesses Joan Jett, Robin guesses Suzanne Summers. Nicole guesses Wynonna(Hard no). 

And Mustang is……Sara Evans!!

I called it! She says she came in the show because she loves it and also thinks country isn’t represented on the show. Ooh she’s gonna watch with her children who she didn’t tell. 

I’m honestly a little upset we didn’t see more of Sara Evans. However Medusa was just too good. 

I have a feeling in regards to talent, this season will be a lot better. I think more big upsets  will happen. 

I can’t wait for next week!