The exciting show Masked Singer is back with its 12th season as it premiered on September 25, 2024. The show brought more clue packages, onstage hints, guesses from the panelists, and various cover performances. This season includes a special twist named Masked Ambassadors, where Masked Singer alumni guide the new contenders.
From episodes 1 to 4 many contestants have been unmasked following Marsai Martin as Woodpecker, Paula Cole as Ship, Yvette Nicole Brown as Showbird, John Elway as Leaf Sheep, and Andy Ritcher as Dusty Bunny. The new clues keep on coming every week for the singers who aren’t unmasked yet.
Who is behind the Masks of The Masked Singer: Guesses and clues
1) Buffalo
Buffalo comes in the very first episode of Masked Singer. Nick Lachey is the Masked Ambassador for Buffalo. He says while introducing Buffalo:
“Raised in the poorest grasslands, the Buffalo had it tough. Sleeping in roach-filled beds at night, and practicing at bus stops by day… Buffalo, you really are a national treasure and always the center of attention at my epic Super Bowl parties. I just have no doubt you’re going to stand out from the herd this season.”
Buffalo hints at his identity by saying:
“That’s right, Piglet. But thanks to a big breakout cattle call, it was game over. From there, I was traveling 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.”
- The first clue package involves Buffalo stomping on bugs and standing on a bus stand with a footballer on it. A slot machine with Betty White, Buffalo, and Vanna White and a reel of film is also showcased as a clue.
- As a second clue package, a cactus and tumbleweed, a game of poker, a black bottle of poison, a rock ‘n roll neon sign, and mugs of beer are shown.
- A bell, a warning sign for a dead end, two Buffalo moving together, and a cow-print umbrella are all featured in the third clue package.
2) Woodpecker
Episode 1 features Woodpecker as the second performer. Jennifer Lewis is the Masked Ambassador for her. She introduces Woodpecker by saying:
“Now, I have top secret information on someone I have known since her start, Woodpecker. She’s been called a mogul, a chic CEO, and she even became friends with Beyoncé. This bird is a baddie… I believe in you 100 percent. Make Auntie Jen proud.”
Woodpecker says for her first clue package:
“Ok, that’s a lot to live up to. I try not to think about all of that. I’ve just been taught that the only doors that open are the ones you knock on, so I knock on them all. And now, I’m trying to be the youngest billionaire. I want to prove that I can do anything, so I’m here. The singing, the dancing, bring it on!”
- The first clue package for Woodpecker involves an SAT answer sheet, a fancy gate sign that says “family” on it, red sports tape with 'next' written on it, and a red carpet photo of Beyoncé.
- For the second clue package, the director’s chair has Woodpecker’s name written on it, along with a rubber ducky, boxes of vegetables, and a small brown briefcase.
- The third package of the clue includes a photo of three elderly Woodpeckers with glasses and colored aprons, a photograph of Regina Hall, a burger on a blue plate, and a globe showing South America.
Woodpecker is unmasked as Marsai Martin.
3) Leaf Sheep
Leaf Sheep arrives as the third performer for the premiere night and his ambassador is DeMarcus Ware. He introduces Leaf Sheep by saying:
“Keeping my identity a secret was pretty tough to handle, but I know someone who can manage it all — the GOAT!... Based off running in the same circles, I think your glory days are still ahead. Good luck out there, Leaf GOAT.”
Leaf Sheep hints at his identity by saying:
“That’s Leaf Sheep to be exact. I know, I know. You’re very confused right now, and so was I until about three days ago. But the Leaf Sheep is a real thing, look it up. These days, I’m a little sluggish, but you should have seen me in my prime. I made a total splash, scored headlines, topped the country's charts, even revived a franchise. Now I’m here to keep the good times rolling.”
- The first clue involves a guitar pick with #1 written on it. A seahorse with a cowboy hat also appears in it.
LeafSheep is unmasked as John Elway.
4) Showbird
The fourth performer’s ambassador is Joel McHale. To introduce Showbird he says:
“I want to introduce you to a good friend — it’s Showbird, everyone! … I laugh because that’s very true, I am jealous, and I know you’re a little bit out of your element, but don’t worry. You’re gonna be just fine.”
The first clue package gets introduced by Showbird as she says:
“Thanks Joel. Honestly, I’m just as confused as you are. I mean, I never imagined all 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 things a little more humble, low-key, modest. Not baring my soul in some of the biggest blockbuster movies ever, unlike Joel here.”
- The first clue package includes a golden gavel, a blue screen, a book for “Advanced Singing 401,” and glittery boots and costumes.
- The second clue package contains numerous colorful jeweled rings, a sightseeing telescope, and a purple cupcake in a pink box.
In episode 2 of Masked Singer, Showbird was unmasked as Yvette Nicole Brown.
5) Ship
Ship is the last performer for the premiere episode. The masked ambassador for Ship is Jewel. She introduces Ship by saying:
“I was surprised at how much depth there was to the competition beneath the surface, and that’s something that I think will serve someone that I’ve always had a great relationship with, the Ship… That’s exactly why I think you should do this, to steer towards your fears, just like we did all those years ago together. And if you do that, I know that you’ll be unsinkable.”
Ship introduces herself with clue first package by saying:
“I know how quickly the tides can change from angry to serene on a dime, and my life has been the same. My career set sail at a rapid clip. I had massive hits, made history, but I lost control. I became lost at sea, and at times felt totally forgotten. It’s taken me years to find my way back to shore but I finally got the career I’ve always wanted, and that’s why being here is so scary, because once again I’m in uncharted waters.”
- The first clue package contains a small aircraft displaying a clock set to around 11:36, a wanted poster offering a reward of $15,000, and a television with crossed antennas forming an "X" shape.
- A medical boot, pom-poms, a trophy for class president, a sash for prom queen, white cowboy boots, a piano with a raven on top of it, and a glowing red heart are all featured in the second clue package.
- The third clue package features a burrito, a wooden rowboat, a photo of John Wayne, and a red curtain.
Ship later had to unmask after a singing battle with Baffalo in episode 3 revealing herself to be Paula Cole.
6) Dust Bunny
Dust Bunny is introduced in episode four with Masked Ambassador Dick Van Dyke, who introduced Dust Bunny by saying:
“Hello there ladies and gentlemen, it's me, Dick Van Dyke. You may remember me as the Gnome from season 9. Now, I'm 98 years old so I know a little bit about collecting dust. So here’s my pal, the Dust Bunny… You forgot the most important [collaborator] — me! Good luck, Dust Bunny. I’m sure you’re gonna sweep the competition.”
Dust Bunny hints at an introduction by saying:
“I’m here to audition for The Masked Singer because singing’s always been a secret ambition of mine. When I was a rookie who first got into the biz, I had a super important job — making coffee — until I was asked to stand in for a rehearsal to test the lighting, and wouldn’t you know it, apparently I had a face for TV. Since then, I’ve collected quite a list of costars: Anne Hathaway, David Bowie, even Marlon Brando (though no one’s ever seen that footage)."
- A sign indicating an earthquake zone, coffee being served in an office, a flag associated with racecars, a blood-stained white mask, and images of Anne Hathaway, David Bowie, and Marlon Brando are all featured in the first clue package.
Later in episode 4, he was unmasked as Andy Richter.
7) Wasp
Ne-Yo the ambassador introduces Wasp by saying:
“I’ve known him since he was fresh on the scene and he gained huge success by taking my words of wisdom. I think he’s got what it takes to snag the Golden Mask trophy just like I did in season 10. That’s right, you had that charisma and swag and the ladies swarmed and now I think it’s time for you to do what you do best. I think you can be the buzzer to beat.”
Wasp says while revealing his first clue package:
“I mean, I grew up in a tough neighborhood. There was no reason I should have made it out but I learned to dig deep and fight. My career turned into a hive of activity — we’re talking the biggest screens and stages in the world”
- His first clue package includes a "Back in Action" comic book, a lightbulb, Mars, boxing gloves, heart balloons, and the word "pop."
8) Chess Piece
Chess Piece is introduced by Masked Ambassador Nikki Glaser. Chess Piece reveals his first clue package and says:
“Look, I love a fashion moment because I never thought I’d be here. There were times I felt like a pawn with no protection. People doubted me my whole life, but I had to believe in myself and make bold moves across the board to secure my crown, and that leading role that changed my game.”
- The first clue package includes red lipstick, a secured safe, photographers, and a display of costumes featuring the Masked Singer's former contestants Sun, Goldfish, Night Angel, and Queen of Hearts.
9) Bluebell
Introduced in episode 4, Bluebell’s Masked Ambassador Kelly Osbourne says about her:
“I’m here to dish some top-secret info about my fabulous friend, Bluebell, who certainly knows a thing or two about tabloid fodder. I should know, we even made headlines together. She had worldwide overnight success, but with major fame comes major gossip… So true, along with cargo pants and crop tops. Good luck, Bluebell. Show your flower power.”
Revealing her first Package of Clue Bluebell says:
“As my career was blossoming, the rumor mill grew wild about my alleged relationships with rockstars, billionaires, and even royals. The truth is, my true love never bloomed until recently. Now that I’ve found it, I’ve never been happier. We belong together. And now I’m here because, well, I’m kind of having a moment.”
- The first clue package has a gossip show theme. It featured a script page, flashing paparazzi lights, gossip magazines with Bluebell on the covers, a blue guitar with a phoenix, and ripped blue jeans.
10) Goo
Episode 4’s last performer Goo was introduced by Keenan Allen his Masked Ambassador by saying:
“Excited to be a Masked Ambassador with some classified information. On season 9 as the Gargoyle, everyone got to see my softer, sensitive side, even though they know me as tough. Knowing Goo, I can say he’s the same… You know, everyone needs a little emotional outlet and just like I do on the field, can't wait to see you let it out on stage.”
Goo reveals his first clue package and says:
“Growing up I wanted to tackle everything in my way. But inside, I was really sensitive, oozing with emotions. Once my older brother started playing guitar I found my escape. After tough days at school, I’d sit in my room, crying, singing through the pains of high school. I became a music nerd, starting a cappella groups, music lab, and even winning awards.”
- In the first clue package of Goo a tackle box, a clandestine science lab, a toy train transporting disco balls, a French horn, and rocks descending from the ceiling are all featured.
The Masked Singer is shown on Fox at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Wednesdays.