It is difficult being seen: Kermit the Frog was the primary big name to be exposed on Season 5 of “The Masked Season,” as the hit Fox series returned on Wednesday night.
You read that right. “The Masked Singer” producers had been building up this season as a “game changer,” and kicking things off with a Muppet certainly satisfies that.
Kermit wore the Snail outfit, and sang “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Hall and Oates. The Muppet wasn’t available for interviews, but he did email Variety about his motivations for signing on to the show: “After years of being your average everyday talking frog, I thought it would be fun to be someone else,” he said. “The chance to become a snail—with my own built-in mobile home—was too good to pass up… I didn’t last on the show very long. But I loved every minute of it.”
Robin Thicke thought it was Seth MacFarlane, Ken Jeong named Jay Leno, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg speculated Ted Cruz and Nicole Scherzinger thought it was Billy Crystal.
It’s really awful McCarthy Wahlberg didn’t go with her gut, as she even make a joke after the Snail’s presentation that “he’s pushing out Kermit the Frog sound.”
Obviously, in actuality, Kermit has been voiced by Matt Vogel full time since 2017, which implies it was likely him controlling and voicing Kermit in the Snail.
“We decided to structure the costume around a mobile cart device that was battery-operated and controlled by the celebrity hidden within,” said executive producer Craig Plestis. “Our biggest fear given the limited visibility was that our celebrity would drive off the stage, but luckily that didn’t happen.”
The thought for the Snail emerged from a craving by the makers to concoct an outfit that “was a complete surprise,” Plestis said. “In other words, you could not tell from the costume if the celebrity was male or female, tall or short, large or small, whatever. So we gave that idea to our Emmy award-winning costume designer, Marina Toybina, and she ran with it.”
Kermit was prepared to sing “I’m a Believer” for his subsequent number on the off chance that he had returned. Here was the voiceover for Kermit’s sign bundle, and since you know what it’s identity is — it bodes well: “Hiya folks! You know, I’ve acted, directed, produced, recorded albums, even graced the Oscars stage. I’m rubbed elbows with everyone from Robert DeNiro and Lady Gaga to Michelle Obama. And well, you might say I’m best known for appreciating the talent of those around me. Here, I want to show those harsh critics who’ve followed me throughout my career that I can shine on my own. And now I can’t wait to get out there and snail it, get it?”
“The Masked Singer” enters Season 5 with 16 hopefuls, and a visitor have: Niecy Nash, filling in for normal host Nick Cannon. As first detailed by Variety, Cannon couldn’t return for the initial a few scenes of this season because of a COVID-19 finding. (Gun was as yet heard toward the beginning of the show as a voiceover host, notwithstanding.)
Likewise new this season, “wildcard” contestants will be brought into the competition and join the fight for the brilliant veil prize. Season 5 VIP hopefuls will be part into two gatherings of five (An and B), yet then all-new concealed VIPs will hop into the “special case” adjusts and contend too. Furthermore, the show has added another character, a chicken named “Cluedle-Doo,” who promises to add some wickedness to the procedures and offer extra pieces of information to viewers.
“The Masked Singer” proceeds without a real studio crowd, yet rather response shots from past seasons. At-home democratic likewise remains by means of an organization of “Masked Singer” superfans, who watched the scenes as they were being taped through shut circuit.
This present season’s costumes include Raccoon, Seashell, Black Swan, Snail, Grandpa Monster, Phoenix, Chameleon, Russian Doll(s), Porcupine, The Piglet and the trump cards.
The Season 5 contestants brag a joined 26 Grammy nominations, nine multi-platinum singles, four Academy Award assignments, three Super Bowl appearances, six gold decorations and two world records.
The show’s panelists are additionally once going after a “Brilliant Ear” prize dependent on their early introductions of each concealed entertainer (which McCarthy won last time) — For the Snail, Thicke’s was Seth MacFarlane; Jeong named Jay Leno; McCarthy Wahlberg and Scherzinger went with Adam Corolla. None of them got a point.
Here were different contestants and their performances on night one, “Season 5 Premiere — Return of the Masks”:
Russian Doll(s) (two contestants)
Song: “Man in the Mirror,” by Michael Jackson
Cluedle-Doo’s Clue for You: “A Russian doll can sometimes have 15 replicas of itself.”
Voice-over: “I’ve been doing my own thing, for quite some time. Not like in the beginning, when I was the world’s hottest toy. Those were the days. But I knew I was something more than someone to be toyed with, a puppet. And as much as they tried to put me in a box, I just didn’t fit. Newer, shinier, manufactured toys filled the shelves. So, I was cast to the side. And it was the best thing ever. Turns out I can still sell out without being a total sell-out. And I’m ready to show there’s even more beneath the surface.”
Panel guesses: Boyz II Men; Vanessa Hudgens; Darren Criss, Matthew Morrison, Kevin McHale or other “Glee” stars; Gwen Stefani and No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont
Seashell
Song: “Listen to Your Heart,” by Roxette
Cluedle-Doo’s Clue for You: “No two shells are the same.”
Voice-over: “When I was young, I was pulled by the tide all around the world with my family. Always adrift, I never felt grounded. So, I found my peace by the shore. When my career took off, it was like a massive tsunami of success. But much like my childhood, I still drifted. Wearing many hats, I often wonder if I found my true calling. That’s why I’m here. I’m nervous, I haven’t sung in a long time, but I wanted to face my fears. And tonight, I hope you pick this shell for keeps.”
Panel guesses: Kristen Chenoweth, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Love Hewitt
Raccoon
Song: “Wild Thing,” by the Troggs
Cluedle-Doo’s Clue for You: “Raccoon is known for being sharp.”
Voice-over: “Sometimes, to get the happy ending, you have to go through hell first. In my darkest days, I faced death. Desperate to stay sane, I recited my favorite story, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” I was Quasimodo, locked away. Only difference was, he was innocent, while I was actually a monster. I promised God that if I got a second chance at life, that I would do good. And I’m still fulfilling that promise to this day.”
Panel guesses: Gary Busey, Nick Nolte, Mike Tyson, Joe Pesci, Danny DeVito
Porcupine/”Robopine”
Song: “Never Too Much,” by Luther Vandross
Cluedle-Doo’s Clue for You: “Porcupine is skilled at not becoming roadkill.”
Voice-over: “I may look prickly, but don’t be scared. Where I came from, I was forced to grow thick quills. I was left to fend for myself, with nothing but a dream. So, I went on a mission to get on Hollywood’s radar. I used 411 day and night just to make a connection. Until a certain angel said, ‘hello.’ That random call changed everything. Now, I’m on my next mission. And when I have my mind set on something, nobody can touch me.”
Panel guesses: Jamie Foxx, Idris Elba, Lionel Richie, Ginuwine