'The Masked Singer' Season 5: Clues, Spoilers and Our Best Guesses at Secret Identities
Get out your magnifying glasses, flip open your notebooks and bring up a new Google tab, detectives, because The Masked Singer season 5 returns tonight for the big finale! The top three are hitting the stage for an epic showdown as the race for the Golden Mask trophy come to a dramatic conclusion!
While the music and performances make the show great, it's the mystery and wild guessing game that make the show an obsession! We're here to break down all the fresh new hints, dish on the fun spoilers and collect all the clues about the hidden celebs' secret identities.
From hints buried deep in the show's various clue packages throughout the season, to some of the internet's best guesses and aggregated deductions, we're compiling a comprehensive breakdown of every piece of evidence to try and crack the case of who's under each elaborate mask.
We're also here to keep track of everyone who's been unmasked, just like we did for season 1, for season 2, for season 3 (where we nailed nearly every prediction) and for season 4! And, as more stars are unmasked over the course of the season, ET will update this master list with new clues and theories about the celebrity inside each costume. For now, here's a look at what we know thus far about each season 5 character!
New Format and Twists:
Before we get into the contestant breakdowns and spoiler deep dives, it's important to address some of the big changes and twists to this season of the competition.
First, there's a new host! Shortly before production began, longtime host Nick Cannon tested positive for COVID-19, and producers tapped comedian Niecy Nash to step in as a guest host for the first half of the season. However, it was confirmed late last month that Cannon will be coming back before the end of season 5.
The singing show has also added wild card rounds for the upcoming season, with new masked celebrities introduced during the run of the show. During the season, there will be two groups of five contestants to start with, and the "wild card" contestants will have a chance to crash the party and take the stage at the end of each episode for a chance to unseat another contestant in that week's competition.
Additionally, the show will feature a brand new character, Cluedle-Doo, a secret celeb in a rooster costume who dishes out clues -- and red herrings -- throughout the season. While Cluedle-Doo won't be competing, he will be a clue master whose identity will also be revealed at some point during the season.
The Initial Clues:
First and foremost, let's look at the traditional rundown of cumulative accolades and accomplishments shared by this season's cast of clandestine crooners. According to the show, they have "a combined 26 GRAMMY nominations, 9 multiplatinum singles, 4 Academy Award nominations, 3 Super Bowl appearances, 6 gold medals, and 2 world records!"
So, we're definitely going to have some athletes and some superstar singing talent. The Academy Award noms hint that there could be some big-screen stars, however singers can also get Oscar love, so we'll see if that's a misdirect.
-- THE FINALISTS --
THE CHAMELEON
The Clue
-- From Ep. 2:
1. Cluedle-Doo's clue is "Chameleon has a history with precious gemstones."
2. The Chameleon is VERY tall.
3. The clue package has a very retro-80s futurism vibe.
4. Says, "Ready for a wild ride? Because I'm one in Chamillion."
5. He's riding a motorcycle with red fuzzy dice featuring the numbers "2" and "3" and a license plate that reads "Camoflag."
6. Says, "Unlike most of my fellow cams, I don't just blend in, I put the tech in technicolor."
7. Says his love of technology, "Is all because of my pops, who taught me to keep up with the times."
8. We see a Polaroid of another chameleon taped to a computer monitor with "DAD" written below.
9. We see "007" on one of the computer monitors
10. He's reading a book called I.T. (or, it could be a reference to the horror novel It).
11. Says his dad "encouraged me to tinker with every gizmo and gadget around. Even some wild creations?"
12. We see him playing an old 8-Bit video game starring himself on a motorcycle. At one point her crashed and flies into a hole in the ground next to a "Beware of Pit" sign.
13. Says, "Years later, when my career almost tanked and I felt totally lost, I leaned back on what he taught me and used those tech-savvy skills from my childhood to amplify my career and change the game."
14. The Chameleon says, "I love being in front of people, whether it's on stage or in your home."
-- From Ep. 4:
1. Says, "I knew if I was going to hold my own against these powerhouse singers, I couldn't just blend in. I had to stand out, and let my flow shine."
2. Says, "My whole life has been about embracing what makes me unique. And I made it my quest to help others shine too."
3. We see a block of swiss cheese and a graduation cap on a stool.
4. We she a shot of a yellow toy taxi cab with drawings of peaches on the doors.
5. Says, "When I was young, someone inseparable from me was constantly attacked for who she was. It was hard to witness but I helped lift her up, until she ultimately learned to embrace what made her unique.
6. We see a painted portrait of a chameleon and a dress form with a fabric ruler draped over it in the background.
7. We see a sign with the word "Bonjour" written in cursive.
8. Says, "But then, tragedy struck," and we see a halo appear over the framed drawing of a chameleon. "She was taken from me. I think it was the most difficult thing I ever faced.
9. Says, "Now, I honor her memory by fighting for those who don't feel accepted," as he hold up a rainbow-paint-covered brush and splatters colors against a white wall.
10. Says, "I want everyone to feel proud showing their true colors."
11. The Chameleon's childhood crush was on Salma Hayek. "I have a thing for hot ladies, and this chick right here, she's smoking," he adds.
-- From Ep. 5:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: Wiz Khalifa.
Our Wild, Random, Probably Wrong First Impression Guess: Director Duncan Jones (the son of David Bowie)
Our Best Guess: The internet is pretty sure The Chameleon is Wiz Khalifa, so we'll just side with the popular masses for the time being.
THE BLACK SWAN
The Clues:
-- From Ep. 2:
1. Cluedle-Doo's clue is, "Black Swan has covered a monster."
2. Says, "Black swans, like me, are incredibly rare. But I didn't factor in that my talent might make me someone else's prey."
3. We see a wanted posted with Black Swan on in, with the reward being a "voucher."
4. The Black Swan wanders through a snow-covered forest of birch trees.
5. We see the Black Swan get trapped in a net.
6. We see a swinging pocket watch with the number '5' on it.
7. Says, "I was caught up, hypnotized by a Hollywood deal I couldn't resist. One that would make my dreams come true."
8. We see a red bishop chess piece and a diamond ring.
9. Says, "There was a steep price. I fell under it's spell and I was worried I would never see the light of day again."
10. She walks through clouds and onto a big red X.
11. Says she was rescued "all of the sudden" when her "faithful flock flew to my rescue and set me free."
12. She's now in a princess castle as white doves fly by.
13. She holds up a red square or card in her hand.
14. Says, "I'm here to show the world that I'm in control and I'm here to own that stage."
15. The Black Swan tells the panel, "This is so far out of my comfort zone, but that's exactly why I'm here. I just love being The Black Swan right now."
-- From Ep. 4:
1. Says, "I might have seemed confident last time, but honestly I was terrified. So hearing all that love from the panel felt amazing."
2. Says, "It made me want to put into words how thankful I am to the person who gave me life, and the confidence to start this journey."
3. We see Black Swan in a fancy library/study, writing at a desk with a feather pen.
4. Says of the person she's thankful for, "It hasn't always been an easy road for us. The higher I flew, the harder it became for them them to keep up."
5. We see an animation of a black swan and a white swan on a set of scales.
6. Says, "I saw their heart breaking, so I had to let them go, and it was the hardest decision in my life. In time, I realized I was only able to soar because of the wings they gave me."
7. She's sitting next to a globe on her desk.
8. On her desk is a giant nickel and a giant penny. In an animation, the penny turns into the white swan and the nickel turns into the black swan.
9. Says, "Eventually we were able to fly back into each other's lives, like birds of a feather do. I'm thankful we never gave up on each other and I hope this performance shows just how much they mean to me."
-- From Ep. 5:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: JoJo.
Our Wild, Random, Probably Wrong First Impression Guess: Lucy Hale
Our Best Guess: We think the internet fans probably have it nailed here. JoJo fits a lot of the important clues, the voice quality could easily match and the personality seems like it's a great fit. After the second performance, the vocal quality really seems to be a perfect match.
THE PIGLET
The Clues:
-- From Ep. 2:
1. Cluedle-Doo's clue is, 'Piglet knowns how to stay cool, even in the heat."
2. His clue package looks like a parody of The Bachelor, only called Love in the Mud.
3. Says, "My name is Piglet, I'm [redacted]-years old and I'm from [redacted]."
4. We see a clock set to 6pm in the background next to two candles.
5. Says, "I haven't always been lucky in love. I admit, I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic."
6. We see a pink question mark bouncing on a romantic date bench.
7. Says, "I'm guilty of dropping the L-word on a second day. But when you know, you know, right?"
8. Says, "Sure I've given away a few roses, and the world saw my heart break, and I learned that some flowers have very sharp thorns."
9. We see a white rose laying on a table.
10. Says, "That's never stopped me from continuing to wear my heart on my sleeve," and we see an animated tattoo of a heart, with an axe across it.
11. Says, "This may sound crazy, but I see a future on that stage," while holding a lollipop.
12. We see a fortune cookie cracked open and the fortune reads "Golden Mask."
13. Says, "So will you accept this pile of mud? It may only be the first round, but I'm falling for you already!"
14. He tells the panel, "Well, I only found out I was doing this show about four days ago, so it's been quite an adrenaline rush. But, let's face it, I'm a ham! I love being on stage!"
-- From Ep. 4:
1. Says, "Making my debut on this stage with four-days' notice was a wild ride. But I channeled my nervous energy with a love song that made me feel right at home."
2. His clue package takes place in a football locker room with orange, blue and red lockers.
3. He's holding a football.
4. Says, "When you've got your eye on the prize, no pain, no tears and no arch-nemesis can stand in your way."
5. He's next to a white board that reads "Don't be a ball hog!" and "3528 Rushing In./Game."
6. We see him polishing a knight in shining armor.
7. Says, "It was my competitive nature that made me a home town hero. But when I got into the big leagues, I never anticipated a lifetime of competition with my archrivals."
8. He's playing football against a guy in a helmet with a horse logo and a lone-star logo.
9. Says, "That only made me train harder, because I never throw in the towel."
10. Says, "When those lights come on, it's Friday night all over again. Even on a Wednesdays. Clear eyes, full belly, can't lose."
-- From Ep. 5:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: Nick Lachey
Our Wild, Random, Probably Wrong First Impression Guess: Nick Lachey (eventually, one of these days, it finally will be Nick Lachey.)
Our Best Guess: This might just be wishful thinking but... it really seems like it could be Nick Lachey? We say that every season, but... our random guess might be true this time!
-- UNMASKED --
THE YETI
The Clue Packages:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: Omarion
Our Best Guess: A lot of the clues point to it being Omarion, plus he's the right height, has the right voice and the right moves. We're gonna side with Twitter on this one.
And the Star Is...
... beloved singer-songwriter Omarion!
THE RUSSIAN DOLL -- **REVEALED!!
The Clue Packages:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: The Hanson Brothers, Dan + Shay
Our Wild, Random, Probably Wrong First Impression Guess: Taylor and Isaac Hanson.
Our Best Guess: After seeing the clue package and the first performance, it really feels like it's likely two of the Hanson brothers. Here's a few reasons why:
- The sign that says, "Mizfitz Toyz Store" changes the Ss to Zs, like an early project that featured Hanson, called Yo! Kidz: The Vidz.
- In their clue package, it feels like the Russian Doll is in the wilderness. Or, in other words, in the Middle of Nowhere.
- The clues also suggest that they became more indie after massive success -- like after MMMBop, which was their biggest single, despite the fact that they've continued to make music ever since
And the Stars Are...
... Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson of the band Hanson!
ROBOPINE -- **REVEALED!!
The Clue Packages:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: Christopher Jackson, Ving Rhames, Mario Van Peebles
Our Wild, Random, Probably Wrong First Impression Guess: Charles Barkley
Our Best Guess: So, it's safe to say that our Charles Barkley guess was hilariously wrong. That being said, we also have no idea who this is. We so badly want to say the singing voice sounded like Jamie Foxx, but we feel bad guessing that and also the clue package doesn't really fit for him. So, as of week 1, we're kind of stumped.
And the Star Is...
... Singer and movie star Tyrese Gibson!
THE SEASHELL -- **REVEALED!!
The Clue Packages:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: Mandy Moore, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Tamera Mowry
Our Wild, Random, Probably Wrong First Impression Guess: Addison Rae
Our Best Guess: Janel Parrish! While there weren't any obvious Pretty Little Liars clues (which would have been too obvious anyway), there were some good hints.
- All the beach/shells/shore imagery could be a reference to Janel being born and raised in Hawaii.
- Seashell said she loved singing when she was young but pursued other ventures. Janel began singing as a small child and even sang on Broadway.
- The old-timey broom could be a reference to Janel playing a young Cosette in the Broadway production of Les Miserables.
- She's been a contestant on Dancing With the Stars, and the overlap between that show and Masked Singer is truly remarkable.
THE RACCOON -- **REVEALED!!
The Clue Packages:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: Danny Trejo
Our Wild, Random, Probably Wrong First Impression Guess: Nick Offerman
Our Best Guess: It's Danny Trejo. It just 100 percent is Danny Trejo. Like, the clues suggest it too -- Danny Trejo has spent time behind bars, he's talked about loving The Hunchback of Notre Dame, ect. But, there's really nothing more you need than to hear him sing "Wild Thing" for literally three seconds and it's obviously Danny Trejo. The only more obvious contestant ever was Busta Rhymes last season.
And the Star Is...
... Danny Trejo! We called it!
THE SNAIL -- **REVEALED!!
The Clue Packages:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: N/A (Not enough time to guess before getting eliminated)
Our Wild, Random, Probably Wrong First Impression Guess: Seth MacFarlane
Our Best Guess: After that clue package -- and Robin saying he thinks it's Seth MacFarlane -- we're sticking with Seth!
And the Star Is...
... Uh, Kermit the Frog. Like, the legendary Muppet (and famously not a human) Kermit the Frog. So, that's cool. There's really no way anyone could or would have guessed that, but that's cool.
GRANDPA MONSTER -- **REVEALED!!
The Clue Packages:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: Logan or Jake Paul, David Dobrik, Michael Rapaport
Our Wild, Random, Probably Wrong First Impression Guess: Jackass star Johnny Knoxville.
Our Best Guess: It's definitely someone young, from the way they move. The football clues seem to be misdirects. Honestly, it seems like Logan Paul might be a perfect fit -- if it just felt like he would actually do the show. That being said, Masked Singer can nab some surprising contestants, as we've seen three times this season already!
And the Star Is...
... Logan Paul! Turns out, the internet nailed this one. Check out our interview with Logan about his unmasing!
THE PHOENIX -- **REVEALED!!
The Clue Packages:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: N/A (Not enough time to guess before getting eliminated)
Our Wild, Random, Probably Wrong First Impression Guess: Stevie Nicks
Our Best Guess: This clue package has us fairly sure this is Caitlyn Jenner. The remarks about having "hidden behind a mask" as well as the 76 MPH clue (as Jenner competed in the '76 Olympics). There's also six smaller Phoenixes and Jenner has six kids.
And the Star Is...
... Caitlyn Jenner! We totally called it!
THE ORCA -- **REVEALED!!
The Clues Packages:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: Billie Joe Armstrong, Mark Mcgrath, Adam Sandler
Our Best Guess: It's hard to tell, but from a vocal quality it seems like the Mark McGrath theory holds water!
And the Star Is...
... Mark McGrath! We totally called it. Check out our interview with the unmasked rocker!
THE CRAB -- **REVEALED!!
The Clue Packages:
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: Bobby Brown, and that's it.
Our Best Guess: The clues feel like it could be Bobby Brown, but the singing voice doesn't really match. For the time being, we're gonna stick with it. It doesn't make us feel great that we have the same first guess and Ken though...
CLUEDLE-DOO (The Clue Master)
The Clues: Not sure if where going to get many clues about Cluedle-Doo's own identity. This is going to be a strange reveal.
The Internet's Most Popular Guesses: N/A
Our Wild, Random, Probably Wrong First Impression Guess: Joel McHale, Jason Biggs
Our Best Guess: It's been over seven weeks and we still have no idea. But, they aren't giving us a lot to work with, other than their promise that they are famous?
The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.
Check out the video below to hear more on this exciting season of the reality singing competition and addictive mystery guessing game!
Tamera Mowry-Housley Talks Emotional Reunion With Tia and ‘Masked Singer’ Reveal (Exclusive)
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