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Buffalos, Strawberry Shortcake, and Wasp have all belted out unbelievable performances all season lengthy, leaving audiences breathless with heartfelt moments of vulnerability and window-shaking moments of pure energy.

And but, they in some way all managed to save lots of their greatest performances but for this semi-finals present. Irrespective of the outcomes, the stage was set for an unbelievable finale. And whereas Rita Ora missed the episode attributable to feeling below the climate, she will likely be again for the large end!

Sadly, after the tightest voting margin within the historical past of the present — with Nick Cannon revealing there was lower than one proportion level distinction — considered one of these masks was going to fall simply brief.

Who gave it their all solely to go residence one week earlier than the finale? And did anybody on our illustrious — ahem — panel of consultants make the correct guess? There’s just one method to discover out!

Let’s soar proper in with this week’s masks. And don’t be concerned, earlier than we get to the surprising unmasking(s), we will make you energy by means of the horrible (and infrequently good) guesses made by our illustrious panel of Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, and Ken Jeong first. We do that as a result of we love … to torture you.

(“Some Nights,” Enjoyable.) The night time kicked off with a rollicking present piece from the remaining singers — and with 5 of them on the stage, it was a really full sound. Strawberry Shortcake held her personal as the one feminine in a area of male voices, whereas Wasp proved greater than succesful as a solo male artist. Buffalos are already a powerhouse group with killer harmonies, however we noticed that solo second from considered one of them. And collectively, there was expertise to spare, setting the stage for an evening of stiff competitors — and one heartbreaking reveal.

(“Lose You to Love Me,” Selena Gomez) Strawberry Shortcake could have had a barely tilted masks tonight, however that efficiency was straight coronary heart. It was palpable and heartfelt from the primary be aware. We felt her feelings by means of every line of pitch-perfect be aware supply. It isn’t a straightforward music to cowl as a result of there’s nowhere to cover vocally, however Strawberry Shortcake was out in entrance of it proudly, boldly, and superbly.

Clues & Guesses: Typically you need to step away from the dream to relearn the best way to admire it, as a result of most goals include lots of drag. That was Strawberry Shortcake’s expertise in her semi-finals clue package deal, the place she opened up about feeling disenchanted by means of stress, rejection, and self-doubt. She mentioned she was triggered by her early fame, resulting in an extended break. Now, she’s discovered the love and enjoyable once more.

When requested what she’s discovered on this journey, she shared, “I’ve discovered that I’m resilient, robust, and I am simply so joyful to be on the stage.” She thanked the panel for his or her form phrases, saying this expertise again within the highlight confirmed her “that is the place I am imagined to be.”

Her on-stage Friendship Bracelet revealed a connection to Ken with the message “Press Tour.” She defined, “One of many highlights of my profession was the press tour we did collectively. You made me snicker all day.”

Within the quarterfinals, Strawberry Shortcake made it clear that she often does not do that kind of factor … alone. She’s happy with herself for taking time for herself, even when her household and pals being busy doing their issues was a part of her motivation for taking this opportunity. She mentioned she’s been a part of a “package deal bunch” her complete life, so this was all very thrilling and new.

“Hey sis, you might be completely crushing it, I am so happy with you,” got here her telephone name clue. “It has been so superb to see you develop over time and simply get higher and higher on a regular basis. And keep in mind, I am at all times with you, it doesn’t matter what, so go on the market and present the world you are able to something, ‘trigger I do know you might be. And me and your nephew are rooting for you.”

Final week’s clue package deal was all about her connection along with her mom, sharing that they used to sing on the tops of their lungs for the vacations whereas baking. Now, although, stage fright has stolen her mom’s voice, and it is Strawberry Shortcake’s hope that this journey will encourage her mom to sing once more.

She additionally talked about having had a chance to seem in a Thanksgiving parade, whereas we noticed a pen with musical notes on it, a cow in a ballet costume, and a stagecoach with horse. Her on-stage clue was novelty mouse ears, to which she defined, “Mouse ears have been instrumental in how I acquired my begin.” And naturally, you’ll be able to’t say “mouse ears” with out serious about Disney.

Final week’s package deal was all about her connections to Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus, together with that they shared the identical goals, attacked them the identical manner, grew up in entrance of the world, and even shared a stage at one level. She mentioned the duo even leaned on each other after hobnobbing with the identical brothers, and breaking their hearts.

Visually, we acquired an apple, a “Banana Montana” clapperboard after she threw a script within the air from a director’s chair, and a capturing star. Her on-stage clue was a pair of purple boxing gloves, one with a blonde wig and the opposite a marijuana leaf. “Miley has at all times been in my nook. She was even by my facet once I made my debut,” Strawberry Shortcake defined.

Season 7’s Ringmaster, Haley Orrantia, launched her good friend as Strawberry Shortcake’s Masked Ambassador, calling her “a pageant favourite.” She shared they have been collectively by means of a few of Haley’s “largest milestones,” too.

Talking for herself, Strawberry Shortcake mentioned that she’d at all times dreamed of performing in an enormous music pageant as a headliner, however needed to accept sitting on the sidelines. That’s, till she acquired the decision to open “one of the vital iconic ones.” She referred to as that day each candy and a “sluggish burn,” however definitely worth the wait.

Visible clues all through included sunny sun shades, a kitten, rainbows, hearts, Instagram footage, mushrooms, and an ice cream cone. On stage, her t-shirt learn “Break a Leg,” to which she added, “My breakthrough function confirmed the world my potential.”

With a brand new friendship bracelet, Ken speculated his press tour connection to Strawberry Shortcake may have been throughout a Hangover film promotion tour the place he met Joey King. Jenny, although, thought-about Sarah Hyland, who’s positively confirmed off her singing chops earlier than. Robin’s guess was Lucy Hale, which once more linked to promotional excursions for Ken’s Dr. Ken present, as did Hyland.

However none of these guesses align so properly with all of the clues. You may tie each the mouse ears and the cow to the Disney Channel unique movie Cow Belles, which was the debut for Aly and her sister — and our favourite guess — AJ Michalka.

The kitten suggests each her Catra function on She-Ra and her function with Aly on Hellcats. Plus, AJ completely dated one of many JoBros (Joe, actually), in order that vibe additionally is smart. Oh, and that Hannah Montana connection might be that she has mentioned sister Aly was provided that function earlier than Miley landed it, whereas she was provided the function of Lilly Truscott.

Plus, we have nonetheless acquired final week’s touting that she’s an aunt now, so we would be remiss if we did not additionally be aware that Aly gave delivery to her son on April 21 of this 12 months, making AJ Michalka a brand new aunt!

(“Africa,” Toto) Buffalos took benefit of their quantity for some ad-libbing and runs by means of the refrain to raise this efficiency. At all times a crowd-pleaser, they positively stayed true to the spirit of the unique whereas injecting it with their unbelievable harmonies and highly effective voices. There was positively lots of intelligence in how they constructed this efficiency to each spotlight their expertise, and construct to a crescendo that leaves the viewers each happy and wanting extra.

Clues & Guesses: For the semi-finals, Buffalos paid tribute to their kids, who they mentioned sing even higher than they do. Do they sing collectively, although, Robin puzzled. They talked about doubters firstly of their careers, however how staying true to themselves helped them obtain their success and permit them to be that instance for his or her kids and the subsequent technology.

As they’ve spoken about their bond collectively earlier than, Nick requested what they’d say to at least one one other. One Buffalo replied, “Properly first I’d say, by no means in one million years would I feel I would even be in a Buffalo masks. However I am glad I am doing it with my brothers and the most effective pals I’ve ever had.”

Their Friendship Bracelet connection was with Jenny, with the phrase “Donnie,” referring to her husband, Donnie Wahlberg. “We go manner again with Donnie,” defined one Buffalo. “And we additionally go manner again with you.”

Their quarter finals package deal was all about their bond of brotherhood, which needed to overcome an enormous impediment when “one thing occurred” to considered one of their quantity that “ruined their delicate mix.” All of their deliberate joint everythings have been “referred to as off.” However they have been capable of regroup and are available again stronger than ever.

Their telephone name was from Babyface — sure that Babyface! — who advised them, “You guys are simply killing it. I’ve by no means seen you look higher or extra ridiculous. So stick with it, convey residence the trophy.” They revealed that after getting the prospect to work with him, “It modified our lives.”

The trio selected The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” for his or her third efficiency as a result of they linked with that bittersweet feeling. Of their clue package deal, they opened up about shedding a guiding mild that impressed them as they have been breaking by means of after they misplaced him all of a sudden.

They mentioned that they sang collectively whereas laying him to relaxation and thought that is perhaps it for them, however they know he’d need them to proceed. Visible clues within the package deal included a Useless Finish signal, a ringing bell, and camouflage umbrella.

“We have been on this trade for a really very long time,” considered one of them mentioned on stage after their efficiency. “We have gained quite a bit and we have misplaced quite a bit. The attractive factor is, we’re right here proper now sharing our story with you.” The opposite two circled round him in assist as he acquired emotional.

The on-stage clue was a t-shirt that reads “Halftime Present,” with the reason, “This halftime t-shirt has aged over time, like us, however we will inform you this efficiency was in entrance of one of many largest audiences on the planet.”

Their second clue package deal noticed the trio describe themselves as rebels who discovered one another alongside the best way by no means actually cared what different folks mentioned about them. It emphasised that they are humorous — whereas suggesting some would possibly assume they take themselves too significantly — and that they are wealthy. Like, manner wealthy.

Their bar-set package deal included an emphasis on three beer mugs, a recreation of poker, and a black “poison” bottle. Their clue got here out as a mini-“Motown” tractor. “We’re a bit of drained proper now as a result of we’re busy utilizing this tractor to mow lawns throughout city,” they defined.

Season 5 winner Piglet (a.ok.a. Nick Lachey) shared a seemingly singular Buffalo’s story in his first clue package deal, speaking about his tough upbringing in “roach-filled beds at night time.” Throughout the day, he practiced at a bus cease. When Buffalo talked about catching his huge break at a cattle name, we noticed photographs of Betty White and Vanna White.

From that auspicious starting, Buffalo went on to journey the world and star in two of the most important sitcoms of all time. Nick got here again to name Buffalo a “nationwide treasure,” in addition to the focal point at his Tremendous Bowl events. Extra photographs included a poster of a soccer participant at that bus cease and Buffalo holding up a movie reel.

Buffalo’s closing line was, “Simply you wait,” which evokes Hamilton. Their-on-stage clue the primary week was a crown.

After getting her friendship bracelet, Jenny reminisced in regards to the teams Donnie has toured with as a part of New Youngsters on the Block, zeroing in on Boyz II Males for her guess. She famous that they have been there when she and Donnie began courting, with Wanya Morris even on a secret date with them early on.

Ken mentioned that whereas 99 % of him desires to go together with Jenny to Boyz II Males, “One % of Ken Jeong is gonna with Shade Me Badd and I will inform you why.” That one nearly cleared the dais earlier than Robin dug deeper into the Babyface archives to search out his brothers’ trio After 7.

Jenny shortly identified she has no actual connection to that group, although, whereas her precise guess is consistent with what emerged as the most effective guess primarily based on the clues (and their iconic, velvety voices).

Riffing on final week’s clue about shedding considered one of their very own, Boyz II Males was rocked when Michael “Mike Bass” McCary needed to depart attributable to continual again issues finally recognized as a number of sclerosis. As he saved the situation secret earlier than his departure, the band members felt he wasn’t giving his all, resulting in a rift.

Oh, and as for Babyface, he solely co-wrote and produced “Finish of the Highway,” one of many largest hits of the ’90s, which catapulted them to the subsequent degree of their profession. Oh, and Wanya has six kids, 4 of whom additionally make up their very own R&B group, WanMor, which hints at that subsequent gen.

(“Lovely Issues,” Benson Boone) Wasp left all of it on the dance ground with a young starting connecting straight with the panel earlier than making his method to the stage and pouring himself into that highly effective refrain. This was a tour de drive efficiency that raised the bar on an already mind-blowing night time of performances. His vocal vary and management in several sounds and types is unparalleled. Already a powerhouse contender for the trophy, he simply upped his personal recreation with this one.

Clues & Guesses: Competing on The Masked Singer has reignited that aggressive drive in him that Wasp says was first woke up after his mom signed him up for a expertise contest in hopes it would assist him discover his manner out of the hood … and he gained it! Even higher, an “trade mogul” was in attendance, and the remaining is historical past.

“I need you to recollect your energy,” he advised his youthful followers. “As you become older, always remember that youngster that you just as soon as have been. At all times hold dreaming and imagine in your self to the fullest it doesn’t matter what, how darkish it will get, what number of instances you fall. You may at all times stand up and fly once more.”

His friendship bracelet was for Robin, with Wasp including, “I had a blast once we painted the city purple in Nashville. We had such an excellent time, you keep in mind?’ That left Robin scrambling to give you who all he is “painted the city purple” with.

Wasp shifted his focus to like for the quarter finals … the place he is additionally struggled. Whereas using the blue motorbike that kicked off his efficiency, he talked about not realizing what love was from any real-world examples, which can be why he flew quick and free searching for that rom-com magic.

He mentioned he failed greater than as soon as alongside the best way, and even had just a few U-turns he mentioned ought to’ve been unlawful, however he is presently in love and hopeful that perhaps he is lastly heading in the right direction. His on-stage clue was a telephone name from a beloved one, which for Wasp was his cousin.

“Hey Wasp, it is your greatest good friend and cousin,” he mentioned as Wasp acquired visibly emotional. “You by no means stop to amaze me. You are able to so many issues it is ridiculous, from placing out hits to dwell theater to starring in one of many largest exhibits of the last decade, you’re a huge star. I do know you’ve got acquired what it takes to win this factor.”

Final time we checked in with him, Wasp paid tribute to his mom, who handed away after going through her “darkest battle,” that he wasn’t geared up to assist her overcome. He talked about her as his protector and his hero, sharing that she beloved Halloween and enjoying dress-up — even saying she’d most likely wish to put on his wasp costume.

As he talked, we noticed an old-timey (treasure?) map, a stethoscope, and a shot of a lava lamp subsequent to a DNA strand behind him. His ’60s invention was the ATM, with a $1,000,000 withdrawal triggering payments to fly in all places. “That is an fascinating invoice,” Wasp mentioned, exhibiting Robin’s face on a million-dollar invoice. “Similar to this invoice, I’ve additionally hit one million,” he added.

For his second efficiency, Wasp pulled again the curtain on his crowded upbringing, rising up with greater than a dozen members of the family residing below the identical roof, with Wasp describing all of them as “hustlers.” The one factor lacking was his dad.

He mentioned that when he lastly stepped out and made it, although, he returned residence to like and assist from his complete household, together with his father. His dad even expressed how happy with him he was. Clues within the package deal included a folding ladder, a theater marquee along with his identify, and a purple crab.

His on-stage toy was a Barbie stage with two dolls standing on it, every with one arm raised, one on a little bit of a pedestal. “Each minute I am on the market, I take my dwell performances to new heights,” Wasp defined.

The Wasp’s Masked Ambassador is Ne-Yo (a.ok.a. Season 10 winner Cow), who mentioned, “I feel it is about time for my boy the Wasp to enter this recreation. I’ve recognized him since he was recent on the scene and he gained enormous success by taking my phrases of knowledge. I feel he is acquired what it takes to snag the Golden Masks trophy, identical to I did in Season 10.”

Wasp then opened up about rising up in a tricky neighborhood, saying there is no cause he would have made it out. “However I discovered to dig deep and struggle,” he mentioned, sporting a pair of boxing gloves. He then mentioned that his profession blew as much as the “largest screens and levels on the planet.” Ne-Yo mentioned he had the women swarming.

Different visible clues included a shot of Mars and a lightbulb over Ne-Yo’s head whereas speaking about his phrases of knowledge. For Sports activities Night time, the singers introduced an athletic shoe from residence to signify their life. Wasp’s honeycomb themed basketball sneakers left him saying, “Contemporary kicks assist me keep on my recreation.”

Enthusiastic about what Wasp mentioned about their time collectively in Nashville, Robin speculated about Anthony Ramos, although he did not keep in mind partying with him and the one Nashville connection he may give you was perhaps Hamilton toured there. Yeah, it wasn’t nice, with Robin admitting, “I do not keep in mind quite a bit.”

Jenny mused by means of artists like Maxwell and Jason Derulo, who has a “Heartbeat” music to tie to that clue, however Ken was feeling tremendous assured that perhaps, lastly, simply this as soon as, he might be proper and Usher can be on this present. At this level, we hope Usher does do the present so Ken can not guess him and nonetheless get it flawed! He did get a expertise present connection as Usher appeared on Star Search.

As for clever guesses, although, we’re nonetheless leaning towards Mario. He was raised by his grandmother in west Baltimore whereas his single mom struggled with heroin dependancy, and he is beforehand talked about having 18 members of the family residing in his home.

Ne-Yo wrote “Let Me Love You” for him, cementing that connection. He additionally starred within the TV adaptation of theatrical manufacturing Hire, giving us our marquee — and the ladder, too, whereas we’re at it, for its distinctive staging.

And whereas he cannot tout Star Search on his resume, Mario did compete at a expertise present at Coppin State Faculty at age eleven the place he was found and signed by producer Troy Patterson, finally resulting in a report cope with Clive Davis’ J Information in his early teenagers.

Earlier than the primary outcomes, everybody acquired a bonus clue collectively from the three finalists with a friendship bracelet for Nick and a be aware that learn, “From performing with you to attending your epic events, all three of us have connections to you, the legendary Nick Cannon.”

As for the primary outcomes, the night time simply appeared to construct from one nice efficiency to the subsequent, which could be very unhealthy information for Strawberry Shortcake. Jenny declared Buffalos the most effective efficiency of the season, however that was earlier than Wasp introduced down the home.

All of that implies that Strawberry Shortcake’s passionate, heartfelt and beautiful efficiency is additional and additional again within the reminiscences of the viewers and panel. In truth, all three acts have been unbelievable tonight and gave performances worthy of advancing, however we would positively ship Wasp straight by means of from right here as he actually was on one other degree.

After what was the closest margin within the historical past of The Masked Singer — by lower than one %, per Nick — the artist advancing routinely to the finale was Wasp. If the masks that was inside a proportion level of them additionally advances, we might be one for one unbelievable (and extremely shut) finale!

Combining the Smackdown and Battle Royale format into one thing model new, the Smack Royale sees the 2 masks competing by performing the identical music back-and-forth on the similar time, just like the Battle Rounds on The Voice. Now, did they must rehearse this in each attainable mixture, or are they simply winging it?

(“Counting Stars”, OneRepublic) This was an fascinating experiment that wasn’t fully profitable in execution as you needed to hear arduous to listen to if Strawberry Shortcake was a part of concord elements or if that was simply Buffalos. It might need labored higher in a real one-on-one. It additionally felt just like the association featured extra of them singing collectively or on high of each other than in solo breakout moments. The tip outcome was a spherical that felt a bit of extra muddled than it ought to be and us extra uncertain than ever about who we wished to see advance as everybody appeared to carry out fairly properly. We’ll say that Buffalos appeared to place much more physicality and keenness into their performances.

One other shut second spherical continued to show simply how robust these semi-finalists are. It is actually arduous to say definitively that both of them have been in a distinct league than the opposite on the night time, so we needed to look again throughout the season.

The finale is a end result of a season-long journey, so by that mark we might say that Buffalos will get the sting as they’ve provided distinctive, highly effective and distinctive preparations the entire manner. In the long run, the panel agreed, after calling the pairing a “Supergroup,” sending Buffalos into subsequent week’s finale, and the top of this journey for Strawberry Shortcake.

• Robin Thicke: Kelsea Ballerini
• Jenny McCarthy: Sarah Hyland
• Ken Jeong: Joey King

The panel was shifting in the correct route with Disney connections, however they appeared to neglect a number of the different clues, like that highly effective sister connection, so that they did not land on the correct guess because it was certainly proud new aunt and sister to Aly, AJ Michalka below the masks.

Though she was none of their guesses, AJ continued to the touch everybody’s hearts along with her farewell messages as Robin reiterated she was the most effective singers to ever grace the stage, whereas Ken recalled their connection whereas telling her how “unbelievable” she was on this present.

The Masked Singer reveals its Season 12 winner subsequent Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.