The Masked Singer Season 10 Finale Recap: Winner, Runner-Ups Revealed

SPOILER ALERT: Don’t learn forward in case you have not watched the two-hour Season 10 Finale of “The Masked Singer,” which aired Dec. 20 on Fox.

Due to you, Ne-Yo simply had the time of his life on Fox’s “The Masked Singer.” The artist gained the Season 10 finale of the hit sequence on Wednesday night time, turning into the final superstar to be unmasked this season. Ne-Yo gained by performing “Rhythm Nation,” by Janet Jackson; “Take a Bow,” by Rihanna, earlier than being revealed as Cow.

“Dukes of Hazzard” star John Schneider was the season’s runner-up, having carried out as Donut. In third place was “Fairly Little Liars” star (and one-time Moanalua Excessive scholar) Janel Parrish, revealed to be Gazelle. And in fourth, additionally unmasked on Wednesday night time, was Grammy winner Macy Grey, as Sea Queen.

“I’ve been very blessed to have a whole lot of success in my profession. And belief me, I’m grateful. However although I’ve gained Grammys, I’ve by no means had the second televised,” Ne-Yo/Cow stated in his pre-taped “The Masked Singer” bundle. “By no means gotten to provide my acceptance speech. And most significantly, have by no means gotten the possibility to provide credit score to the one that made all of it potential: My mom. I’ve helped so many different artists obtain their desires and make their huge moments potential. However generally I really feel like I haven’t actually had my second. To be acknowledged not solely as an artist, however as a creator. However right here, I’ve definitely felt that shine… I’m hoping that after I win the Golden Masked Trophy, I can lastly learn that acceptance speech in any case of those years.”

Schneider elicited loads of emotion from the present’s panelists — notably Ken Jeong — for speaking brazenly concerning the demise of his spouse earlier this 12 months, and the way “The Masked Singer” has been part of his therapeutic course of.

“This has been a extremely good expertise, being right here, as a result of most individuals don’t know that I like to sing,” Schneider-as-Donut stated. “My spouse would say, ‘I don’t perceive. You will have finished 18, 19 albums. Have 5 No. 1 songs. Ten or 15 prime ten songs. There was a whole lot of stuff, however no person is aware of that you simply sing. So, a few years in the past she stated, ‘Hey child, we’re going to get you on The Masked Singer. So, folks can lastly see what you are able to do.’ That is actually a dream come true for me, as a result of I can honor her by means of doing it. Each efficiency has been a love letter to her. And I do know she’s been on that stage with me, each step of the best way.”

Among the many panelists, Ne-Yo as Cow was found out by Robin Thicke and Nicole Scherzinger. Ken Jeong stated it was Usher, whereas Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg went with Billy Porter.

For Donut, McCarthy Wahlberg found out it was John Schneider. Scherzinger thought it was Engelbert Humperdinck, whereas Thicke named Tom Jones, with Jeong agreeing.

With Gazelle, nobody guessed Parrish. Thicke and McCarthy Wahlberg named Ashley Tisdale. Jeong thought it was Constance Wu. Scherzinger picked Gina Rodriguez.

As for Sea Queen, it was a bit too apparent maybe – which is why all 4 panelists collectively agreed. Scherzinger bought this one proper first in naming Macy Grey, and Thicke, McCarthy Wahlberg and Jeong all went with the ditto.  

The singer voted off first with the night’s least variety of votes was Macy Grey as Sea Queen. Janel Parrish was the subsequent to go as Gazelle, leaving John Schneider as Donut and Ne-Yo as Cow to every sing another music to find out the winner.

Ne-Yo as Cow, John Schneider as Donut, Macy Grey as Sea Queen and Janel Parrish as Gazelle be part of John Oates as Anteater, Keysia Cole as Candelabra, Sebastian Bach as Tiki, Ginuwine as Husky, Ashley Parker Angel as S’extra, Metta World Peace as Cuddle Monster, Luann de Lesseps as Hibiscus, Tyler Posey as Hawk, Billie Jean King as Royal Hen, Michael Rapaport as Pickle, Tom Sandoval as Diver, Anthony Anderson as Rubber Ducky and one-time particular visitor Demi Lovato as Anonymouse, because the Season 10 unmasked celebrities to date.

“The Masked Singer” finale opened with the 4 remaining contestants singing “What I Like About You,” by the Romantics.

“The Masked Singer” featured a brand new format this season, with three teams adopted by Battle Royale semi-final episodes. The season additionally consists of the return of Wild Card contestants, with one Wild Card launched to every group, and the “Ding Dong Preserve It On Bell” was again within the Battle Royale semi-final episodes, the place the judges selected Gazelle from elimination.

With sixteen complete superstar singers, Season 10 featured new costumes together with “Donut,” “Anteater,” “Hawk,” “Hibiscus,” “Diver,” “Gazelle,” “Royal Hen,” “Husky,” “Tiki,” “Pickle,” “Rubber Ducky,” “Candelabra,” “Cow,” “Sea Queen,” “Anonymouse” and a life-size “S’Extra.” Additionally returning to mark the present’s tenth had been celebrities who’ve been beforehand unmasked because the present started. In accordance with the present, Season 10 contestants “boast a mixed 40 medals, 33 Grammy nominations, seven corridor of fame awards, three lifetime achievement awards and over 50 tattoos.”

The season’s themed episodes included a tribute to Elton John; a “Trolls Night time” tied to the November launch of DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls Band Collectively”; a “Harry Potter Night time” airing the week of Halloween; “NFL Night time”; “One Hit Wonders”; “Disco”; “2000s Night time”; “I Wanna Rock”; and “Soundtrack of My Life.” Again for Season 10 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Nicole Scherzinger, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke.

Right here had been the ultimate performances on this week’s episode:

WINNER: Cow (Ne-Yo)

Track: “Rhythm Nation,” by Janet Jackson; “Take a Bow,” by Rihanna

Panel guesses: Ne-Yo, Leslie Odom Jr., Taye Diggs, Usher, Billy Porter

Clue: “I used to be a fan of this present earlier than I bought right here. I all the time wished to do the present. And so, that is already a dream come true. I’m having a ball.”

Package deal voiceover: “I initially selected to turn into the Cow as a result of I assumed it could be an excellent enjoyable solution to get my pals on the panel off my scent. However, although I’m used to sporting totally different hats, being right here has challenged me in an entire new method. I’ve needed to re-learn tips on how to specific myself totally. From the best way I transfer to the best way I dance. Once you get to my degree of success and fame, there are particular expectations and pressures to carry out the identical outdated method. So, it’s been a blast, attending to tackle this entire new persona. The Cow, in a method, has additionally turn into a tribute to my mom, who confirmed me it’s OK to be robust and delicate. So tonight, I’m channeling that very same fierceness into this finale. So I can win this factor. For her and all of the robust ladies who made me who I’m at present.”

Earlier songs: “Bones,” by Think about Dragons; “Treasure,” by Bruno Mars; “Cry Me A River,” by Justin Timberlake; “Ring My Bell,” by Anita Ward

Earlier panel guesses: Shawn Stockman, Usher, Leslie Odom, Jr., Trey Songs, Ne-Yo, Mario, Nelly, Jason Derulo, Taye Diggs

RUNNER-UP: Donut (John Schneider)

Track: “You Are So Lovely,” by Joe Cocker; “Drift Away,” by Dobie Grey

Panel guesses: Engelbert Humperdink, Tom Jones, John Schneider

Clue: “It was truly my lovely spouse who first stated she wished me to be on this present. So having the ability to test this off of her bucket checklist has given me nice pleasure.”

Package deal voiceover: “I got here into this competitors on the lowest level in my life. However I inform you, as quickly as I noticed that Donut masks, his smile made me pleased in a method I had not felt in a very long time. I knew proper then and there that turn into the donut is what I wanted to heal from my spouse’s passing. I do know that she’s getting a giant kick out of me on this donut costume. As a result of each Saturday morning, I’d make the espresso and my spouse would exit and get donuts – an apple fritter particularly for me. In truth, her nickname for me was ‘Fritter.’ I nonetheless miss her than I can presumably say. However placing this costume on each night time has helped me keep in mind all the attractive recollections we had collectively. And tonight, underneath this masks, I’m lastly smiling once more, similar to she all the time was.”

Earlier songs: “Hooked on a Feeling,” by Blue Suede; “I Do (Cherish You),” by 98 Levels; “Georgia on My Thoughts” by Ray Charles

Earlier clue: Hair and seasoning. “I’m well-seasoned, and I’ve been loved by a number of generations.”

Earlier panel guesses: Sylvester Stallone, Jeff Bridges, Tom Jones, Stanley Tucci, Liam Neeson, Engelbert Humperdinck, John Schneider

THIRD PLACE: Gazelle (Janel Parrish)

Track: “Chasing Vehicles,” by Snow Patrol

Panel guesses: Camila Mendes, Leighton Meester, Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens, Auli’I Cravalho, Gina Rodriguez, Constance Wu

Clue: “Being the Gazelle has helped me discover my voice and my confidence in singing once more. Now, I don’t wish to ever cease.”

Package deal voiceover: “I’d be stunned if anybody in ‘Masked Singer’ historical past was extra suited to their costume than I’m to the Gazelle. I’ve talked about prior to now that deer are significant to me due to the cherished one which I misplaced. What I haven’t say is that I even have a deer tattoo for that particular person, with flowers rising out of the antlers. So, after I noticed the sketch that regarded a lot like my tattoo, I broke down shaking and sobbing. It simply felt like destiny. Now, having gotten to be within the Gazelle masks for some time, I can positively say that she seems like this alter ego of me that I’ve been craving. Once I put her on, all of my insecurities and fears are gone. I used to be given a second probability to maintain this masks on, and I’m not going to waste it. Changing into the Gazelle has actually allowed me to faucet into my internal goddess. The facility that she has given me is a sense I’ll always remember.”

Earlier music: “Uninvited,” by Alanis Morrisette; “The One That Obtained Away,” by Katy Perry; “Fortunate,” by Britney Spears; “On the Radio,” by Donna Summer time

Earlier panel guesses: Camila Mendes, Lucy Hale, Vanessa Hudgens, Leighton Meester, Constance Wu, Auli’i Cravalho, Mandy Moore, Hillary Duff, Ashley Tisdale, Maggie Q

FOURTH PLACE: Sea Queen (Macy Grey)

Track: “Rescue Me,” by Fontella Bass

Panel guesses: Jenifer Lewis, Niecy Nash, Macy Grey, Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu

Clue: “It’s been wonderful. I’ve been studying a lot. It’s so difficult, I really feel like I’m a greater entertainer now due to this present.”

Package deal voiceover: “Changing into the Sea Queen has been an actual expertise. I like my regal, commanding presence, however I’m gonna be trustworthy with you. Carrying this costume hasn’t been all clean crusing. I’m a seasoned performer however used to being myself on stage. Having to study new songs and choreography all whereas sporting a large masks has actually stretched me as an entertainer. It’s scorching in there. It’s so claustrophobic. And this whereas expertise has made me really feel nervous once more in a method I haven’t in a very long time. However I fought my method by means of it, and I’m nonetheless right here. As the primary Wild Card to make it to the finale in Masked Singer historical past, sure, I’m trying ahead to taking this masks off. However solely after I win the crown for this Sea Queen.

Earlier songs: “Love Potion No. 9,” by The Searchers; “To Be With You,” by Mr. Massive

Earlier panel guesses: Erykah Badu, Queen Latifah, Jenifer Lewis, Niecy Nash, Macy Grey, Viola Davis

“The Masked Singer” is produced by Fox Various Leisure, with James Breen (who can be showrunner), Craig Plestis and Cannon as government producers.