The Masked Singer: Leaf Sheep Season 12 Premiere Recap Revealed

SPOILER ALERT: Details to follow for Season 12, Episode 1 of “The Masked Singer,” “Season Premiere: Who Can It Be Now?” which aired on Fox on September 25.

As a singer, John Elway is a great football player. The gridiron legend and two-time Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII) with the Denver Broncos was the first celebrity unmasked on “The Masked Singer” when season 12 of the show kicked off Wednesday night.

As for Leaf Sheep, Ken Jeong has done well with Elway. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg thought it was another NFL legend, Tom Brady. Robin Thicke also started playing football, with Troy Aikman. Rita Ora said it was Billy Bob Thornton.

Elway sang Tim McGraw’s “I Like It, I Love It” for his performance. “These days I’m a little slow,” said Elway, as the Leaf Sheep, in the pre-recorded voiceover that introduced his song. “But you should have seen me in my prime. I made a total splash. Made headlines, topped the country charts and even revived a franchise. And now I’m here to keep the good times going.”

John Elway as Leaf Sheep is the first celebrity to be unmasked on “The Masked Singer” this season.

Season 12 started with William Shatner (“Knight” from season 8) introducing the show. “186 celebrities, over 11 seasons of ‘The Masked Singer.’ The only show that will keep you guessing, wondering, begging and asking: ‘Who could it be now?’” From there, panelist Rita Ora sang a remixed version of Men At Work’s “Who Can It Be Now?”

Returning for season 12 is host Nick Cannon, along with panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke, while Ora also returned to the desk for the second consecutive season to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger.

The themed episodes from Season 12 of “The Masked Singer” include tributes to Mattel’s Barbie, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary, and the movie “Footloose,” which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Miley Cyrus will also be honored with an episode dedicated to her music catalogue, while also new is a ‘Who Are You Fest’, featuring music from ‘memorable festival line-ups’, as well as a ‘Sports Night’ and a ’60’s Night’. ” Tentpole themes that are back include “Soundtrack of My Life” and “Thanksgiving Night.”

New this season, cues will be “strategically embedded in costumes, song choices and moments on stage.” And the fifteen celebrity contestants will be supported by a “celebrity Masked Ambassador,” made up of past contestants including Dick Van Dyke (Season 9 Gnome), Jewel (Season 6 winner as the Queen of Hearts), Ne-yo (Winner of season 10). as the cow) and DeMarcus Ware (Koala from season 11).

In season 12, 15 contestants perform in new costumes, including ‘Ship’, ‘Leaf Sheep’, ‘Woodpecker’, ‘Chess Piece’, ‘Bluebell’, ‘Buffalo’, ‘Showbird’, ‘Dust Bunny’, ‘Goo’ , ‘Strawberry Shortcake” and more.

Here were the performances from Wednesday’s Episode 1, “Season Premiere: Who Can It Be Now?”:

Buffalo

Song: “(I just) Died In Your Arms,” by Cutting Crew

Panel guesses: B2K, Earth Wind and Fire, 98 degrees

Introduced by the Masked Ambassador: Nick Lachey (Piglet, Season 5)

Voice-over ambassador: “I’m so excited to be part of an exclusive group of Masked Singer ambassadors here to support our friends. And my vote goes to the Buffalo. The Buffalos grew up in the poor grasslands and had a hard time. Sleeping in cockroach-filled beds at night and practicing at bus stops during the day.”

Buffalo voiceover: ‘That’s right Piglet, but thanks to a big cattle call the game had started. From there it traveled around the world. The walk of fame and starring in two of the biggest sitcoms of all time. Hit the jackpot and couldn’t have done it alone.”

More ambassador: “Buffalo, you are truly a national treasure. And always the center of attention at my epic Super Bowl parties. I have no doubt you will stand out from the herd this season.”

Gift tip: Crown.

Woodpecker

Song: ‘Flowers’, by Miley Cyrus

Panel guesses: Willow Smith, Cardi B, Halle Bailey, Keke Palmer

Introduced by the Masked Ambassador: Jenifer Lewis (Miss Cleocatra, Season 11)

Voice-over ambassador: “You’ll remember I caused a storm in season 11. And now I have top secret information about someone I’ve known since she started. Woodpecker! She’s been called a mogul. A sheikh CEO. And she even became friends with Beyoncé! This bird is a bad guy.”

Woodpecker voiceover: “Okay, that’s a lot to live up to. I try not to think about that. I’m just pointing out that the only doors that open are the ones you knock on. So I’m knocking on all of them. And now I aspire to be the youngest billionaire. I want to prove that I can do anything. That’s why I’m here, the singing, the dancing. Bring it on!”

More ambassador: “I believe in you one hundred percent. Make Aunt Jen proud!”

Gift tip: “World Record.”

Leaf sheep

Song: “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw

Panel guesses: Tom Brady, John Elway, Troy Aikman

Introduced by the Masked Ambassador: Demarcus Ware (Koala, Season 11)

Voice-over ambassador: “It was quite difficult to keep my identity a secret. But I know someone who can arrange it all. The GOAT! Um, sheep?”

Voice-over from leaf sheep: ‘That’s Leaf Sheep to be exact. I know, you’re very confused right now. And so I was until three days ago. But the Leaf Sheep really exists, just look it up. These days I’m a little slow. But you should have seen me in my best years. I made a total splash. Made headlines, topped the country charts and even revived a franchise. And now I’m here to keep the good times going.”

More ambassador: “Based on the fact that you run in the same circles, I think your glory days are still ahead. Good luck out there.”

Gift tip: Trophy “Hall of Fame”.

Show bird

Song: “Just Good,” by Mary J. Blige

Panel guesses: Jennifer Hudson, Taraji P. Henson, Kerry Washington

Introduced by the Masked Ambassador: Joel McHale (previous guest panelist)

Voice-over ambassador: “I’d like to introduce you to a good friend, it’s Showbird, y’all.”

Voiceover from Showbird: “Honestly, I’m just as confused as you are. I mean, I never thought any of this for myself. I was a total tomboy growing up and a total nerd. Lego, Comic-Con, the works. I thought I’d keep it a bit more modest and low-key. Modest. Unbearable My Soul is one of the greatest blockbuster films ever. Unlike Joel here.”

More ambassador: “I laugh because that is very true. I’m jealous. And I know you’re a little out of your element, but don’t worry. You will be fine.”

Gift tip: Popcorn.

The ship

Song: “Pompeii”, by Bastille

Panel guesses: Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osbourne, Enya, Sarah McLachlan

Introduced by the Masked Ambassador: Jewel (Queen of Hearts, Season 6)

Voice-over ambassador: “I was surprised at how much depth the competition had beneath the surface. And that’s something that I think will serve someone who I’ve always had a great relationship with. The ship.”

The ship’s voice-over: “I know how quickly the tides can change. From angry to serene in no time. And my life has been the same. My career took off at a rapid pace. I had huge hits, made history, but I lost control. I got lost at sea and sometimes felt completely forgotten. It took me years to find my way back to the coast. But I finally got the career I always wanted. And that’s why it’s so scary to be here. Because I find myself in uncharted waters once again.”

More ambassador: “That’s exactly why I think you should do this. To target your fears directly, just like we did together all those years ago. And if you do, I know you’ll be unsinkable.”

Gift tip: Shimmering cowboy hat.

Last season’s performers included Vanessa Hudgens, who won the season 11 crown as Goldfish, beating out Scott Porter, who had performed as Gumball. Other performers included Thelma Houston (Clock), Chrissy Metz (Poodle Moth), Corey Feldman (Seal) and Clay Aiken/Ruben Studdard (Beets), Jenifer Lewis (Miss Cleocatra), Kate Flannery (Starfish), Charlie Wilson (Ugly Sweater), DeMarcus Ware (Koala), Colton Underwood (Love Bird), Sisqó (Lizard), Billy Bush (Sir Lion), Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs), Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound) and Kevin Hart (Book).

“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.