The Masked SingerSeason 12 Sees a Beyoncé Pal and 'Baddie' Take the Stage — and 1 All-Star Unmasks

Mar. 15, 2025

‘The Masked Singer’ season 12’s Buffalo, Leaf Sheep and Woodpecker.Photo:Michael Becker/FOX (3)

Michael Becker/FOX (3)

Warning: This article contains spoilers for the season 12 premiere ofThe Masked Singer.

William Shatner, who competed as Knight on season 8, kicked off what seems like it will be an out-of-this-world season ofThe Masked Singeron Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Nick Cannonreturned as host for season 12 alongside judgesKen Jeong,Jenny McCarthy,Rita OraandRobin Thicke.

Cannon, 43, shared that each undercover celebrity would have aMasked SingerAmbassador, a previous contestant connected to the newcomer who would offer up some clues about the mystery singer.

First up,Nick Lachey—season 5 winnerPiglet — introduced Buffalo.

Buffalo performing on ‘The Masked Singer’ season 12.Michael Becker/FOX

Michael Becker/FOX

Buffalo said they got a “big break at a cattle call” and starred in “two of the biggest sitcoms of all time.”

The package also showedBetty WhiteandVanna White, as well as a football player and a roll of film.

After every performance, each contestant received a gift from theirMaskedAmbassador that served as an extra clue; Buffalo received a crown.

‘The Masked Singer’ judges (from left) Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong and Rita Ora.Michael Becker/FOX

“We’re in the presence of greatness,” Ora said.

The panel guessedB2K,Earth, Wind & Fireand the rest of98 Degreesfor Buffalo.

Woodpecker followed up with an intro from season 11’s Miss Cleocatra, a.k.a.Jenifer Lewis.

“She’s been called a mogul, a chic CEO and she then became friends withBeyoncé,” Lewis, 67, said in Woodpecker’s clue package. “This bird is a baddie!”

Woodpecker performing on ‘The Masked Singer’ season 12.Michael Becker/FOX

Woodpecker shared that she’s “trying to be the youngest billionaire” and showed a sign with family, S.A.T. and “next.”

The judges thought Woodpecker could beCardi B,Keke PalmerorWillow Smith.

Leaf Sheep piled up on the stage next and revealed a connection to season 11’s Koala, former NFL playerDeMarcus Ware.

“Based off running in the same circles, I think your glory days are still ahead,” Ware, 42, told Leaf Sheep.

Leaf Sheep performing on ‘The Masked Singer’ season 12.Michael Becker/FOX

The bushy sheep said in his clue package that featured a seahorse with a cowboy hat, a quarter and a No. 1 that he “reinvented a franchise.”

“These days I’m a little sluggish, but you should’ve seen me in my prime,” Leaf Sheep added.

Leaf Sheep put his spin onTim McGraw’s “I Like It, I Love It.”

His additional clue of a Hall of Fame trophy made the judges think Leaf Sheep could beTroy Aikman,Tom BradyorJohn Elway.

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Showbird kept the show going with some help fromMaskedAmbassadorJoel McHale.

The dodo bird called herself “a total tomboy growing up, and a total nerd” in her clue package and said she bared her soul in “some of the biggest blockbuster movies ever.” The package additionally showed a gavel and an Advanced Singing 401 book.

Showbird performing on ‘The Masked Singer’ season 12.Michael Becker/FOX

Showbird beltedMary J. Blige’s “Just Fine” and picked up some popcorn as an extra clue.

Taraji P. Henson,Jennifer HudsonandKerry Washingtonarose as possibilities for Showbird’s identity.

Ship sailed up last and boasted a connection toseason 6 winnerJewel, aka Queen of Hearts.

“I know how quickly the tides can change from angry to serene on a dime,” Ship said in her clue package, adding, “my career set sailed at a rapid clip. I had massive hits, made history, but I lost control. I became lost at sea.”

Now, Ship said she “finally got the career I’ve always wanted.”

The package also included a wanted sign and crossed antennas.

The panel suggested Ship might be Enya,Cyndi LauperorSarah McLachlan.

After the judges and the studio audience voted for their favorite performance of the night, Cannon announced that Leaf Sheep received the fewest votes and would be unmasking.

When Leaf Sheep came out of the bushes, former Denver Broncos player John Elway appeared.

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The Masked Singerairs Wednesdays on 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

source: people.com