‘THE MASKED SINGER' REVEALS IDENTITY OF SIR LION: HERE IS THE CELEBRITY UNDER THE COSTUME
SPOILER ALERT: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 4 of "The Masked Singer," "TV Theme Night," which aired March 27 on Fox.
"Extra" host Billy Bush won't get an extra shot at "The Masked Singer." The entertainment newsmagazine anchor and one-time morning drive radio host was the next celebrity to be unmasked on Wednesday's "TV Theme Night" edition of "The Masked Singer."
"I'm not a great singer," Bush said. "If you can't make it with the lips, make it with the hips. If you've never done something that's a little on the scary side - and this is scary - say yes!"
For Bush, none of the panelists got it right. Robin Thicke guessed Anderson Cooper. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Seth Meyers. Ken Jeong picked Ryan Seacrest. New panelist Rita Ora said it was Andy Cohen.
Lizard (for the second week in a row) and Sir Lion were the two lowest vote-getters of the night, and they faced off in the smackdown - both performing "Who Are You" by The Who (which also happens to be the "Masked Singer" theme). Sir Lion was voted out, leaving Lizard, Poodle Moth and Clock to return for the next round.
Bush has been host of "Extra" since 2019; he previously was an anchor on "Access Hollywood" and the third hour of "Today," until during the 2016 presidential campaign a 2005 video resurfaced of Donald Trump and Bush exchanging lewd remarks.
Billy Bush as Sir Lion joins Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs), Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound) and Kevin Hart (Book) as the celebrities unmasked on "The Masked Singer" this season.
Because it was "TV Theme Night," the four panelists opened the show with their rendition of the "Gilligan's Island" opener.
Back for Season 11 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke, while Rita Ora has joined the desk to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger, who was in London to star on the West End's "Sunset Boulevard."
"The Masked Singer" Season 11 will feature themed episodes including "The Wizard of Oz," in celebration of the 85th anniversary of the classic film; "Transformers" (marking the brand's 40th anniversary) and music tributes including "Billy Joel Night" and "Queen Night." Additional themes include "Girl Groups," "Soundtrack of My Life," "TV Theme Night" and "Shower Anthems."
With sixteen total celebrity singers, including three "wildcards," Season 11 features new costumes including "Gumball," "Lizard," "Ugly Sweater," "Goldfish," "Starfish," "Book," "Gumball," "Miss Cleocatra," "Afghan Hound," "Beets," "Poodle Moth," "Clock," "Spaghetti & Meatballs" and "Lizard." According to the show, the Season 11 contestants boast a combined 22 Grammy nominations, 11 platinum albums, 33 Teen Choice nominations, 108 million records sold, 326 film appearances and 1.7 billion Spotify streams.
Here were the other Group C performances on Wednesday's Episode 4, "TV Themes Night":
Clock
Song: "Good Times," by Blinky and Jim Gilstrap
Panel guesses: Stephanie Mills, Debbie Allen, Janet Jackson
Clue: Jill Whelan from "The Love Boat." "Love and boat, two things that combine to make a hit. Something I know first-hand."
Package voiceover: "I had the time of my life singing on Billy Joel night. And I'm making every second count on the stage. In my life, I've had my fair share of ups and downs. Just like any good TV series, I've laughed and I've cried. And thank goodness, I've always been renewed. But I think it's my positive outlook that's carried me season to season. When I was broke, I appreciated the free things in life. When my car didn't start, what a beautiful day for a walk. And even though my marriages didn't work out, something great came from those relationships. My beautiful children. I've learned there will always be good times and bad. And now, let's keep the good times going all the way to the Group C finale."
Previous song: "Piano Man," by Billy Joel
Previous panel guesses: Anita Baker, Evelyn Champagne King, Diana Ross
Poodle Moth
Song: "Unwritten," by Natasha Bedingfield
Panel guesses: Melissa McCarthy, Lauren Graham, Connie Britton
Clue: "The Hills" stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt as a choir to sing the "Gilmore Girls" theme "Where You Lead," by Carole King. "I have a very special connection to ‘Gilmore Girls' that hits very close to home."
Package voiceover: "I was pretty scared to do that last performance. It's not always easy to put myself out there. In my life, I was raised to know one thing: Sometimes, the ones you love the most leave. Without so much as a letter. My dad left a hole in my heart that I never have filled. I'd send him letters that were always returned to sender. With each return stamp breaking my heart. If that one person whose only job is to love you, won't, then who will? Until one day, I decided to write a letter - to myself. I needed to realize I was capable of being loved, the way that I deserved. I've learned to use my talents to help other kids who are looking for answers. Just like I was. I'm writing my own story, and tonight I've chosen a TV theme song that reminds me of the beauty that's still to come. Because there's still so much unwritten."
Previous song: "Just the Way You Are," by Billy Joel
Previous panel guesses: Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Rita Wilson
Lizard
Song: "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?," by Larry Marks
Panel guesses: Michael Bivins, Ray J, Sisqó
Clue: Scooby-Doo." "A dog actually helped me reach an even bigger audience."
Package voiceover: "I really turnt it up last time. That smackdown got my heart racing. Now, being here on TV Theme Night has taken me back to my beginnings. As a little lizard, I loved cartoons so much that I spent all my days drawing them. I got so good, I was offered a dream job at a huge animation studio. Yeah, the mouse was chasing this Lizard pretty hard. It was a great opportunity. And my dad begged me to take it. But deep down, I knew I wanted to be a performer. So, I put down my pencil and took the riskier road to stardom. And my dad was shook. But that lit the fuel to my fire to prove to him that I could pull it off. And when I eventually became one of the most recognizable reptiles on the planet, he was so proud. Now I might not draw animation, but I sure do draw in the crowds. And tonight, I'm singing a song from a cartoon classic. Let's Scooby-Doo this thing."
Previous song: "Uptown Girl," by Billy Joel
Previous panel guesses: Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, Ray J
Sir Lion (WILDCARD)
Song: "Love and Marriage," by Frank Sinatra
Panel guesses: Anderson Cooper, Ryan Seacrest, Andy Cohen
Clue: Flintstones "co-star." "I wasn't in the cartoon, but I've co-starred on a different TV show with Betty Rubble."
Package voiceover: "Every good night of television needs a twist! So, what better role for me to play than the wildcard. Like the king of the jungle, I come from a well-known pride. But never took it for granted. I jumped through hoops to become a ringleader in Hollywood. Rubbing elbows with everyone from Tom Cruise to Tom Hanks. But in show business, the higher you climb, the harder you fall. Luckily, lions are fierce, and I've landed on my feet no matter what this town throws my way. In Hollywood, success and struggle go together like a horse and carriage. Get ready to fall in love with this lion."
Last season's performers included Ne-Yo as Cow, John Schneider as Donut, Macy Gray as Sea Queen and Janel Parrish as Gazelle join John Oates as Anteater, Keyshia Cole as Candelabra, Sebastian Bach as Tiki, Ginuwine as Husky, Ashley Parker Angel as S'more, Metta World Peace as Cuddle Monster, Luann de Lesseps as Hibiscus, Tyler Posey as Hawk, Billie Jean King as Royal Hen, Michael Rapaport as Pickle, Tom Sandoval as Diver, Anthony Anderson as Rubber Ducky and one-time special guest Demi Lovato as Anonymouse.
Fox Alternative Entertainment is behind "The Masked Singer," which is exec produced by showrunner James Breen, Craig Plestis, and Nick Cannon. The series is based on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.