Breaking down all of The Masked Singer season 11 clues

Can you figure out which famous face is under each mask?

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Masked Singer season 11.

Another Masked Singer season means another batch of clue packages to sift and sort through.

The hit singing-celebrities-in-disguise show is back for its 11th outing, and as with each previous season, Entertainment Weekly is keeping track of all the clues, the hints given on stage, the songs performed, and the judges' guesses each week to help you (and us, let's be real) figure out who is under each mask.

Without further ado, here's everything you need to know about each of the season 11 contestants. Can you figure out who's under the mask before they get revealed?

THE MASKED SINGER: Gumball
Gumball.

Michael Becker / FOX

Who is Gumball?

Clues for Gumball:

  • “Just like The Tin Man, my heart took quite a beating, because my yellow brick road to success came with zero direction,” he says to start the first clue package
  • He knew he wanted to be on stage but didn’t know how to make that happen, so he did “anything and everything to get an audience”
  • He’s shown picking up a red star and moving it
  • This included beatboxing on the street, performing at theme parks, and he even got booed off the stage during a competition for winning
  • Watched everyone else succeed but refused to quit because “no one was going to burst my bubble”
  • “Like a lot of us in Hollywood, I needed a little timing and a lot of luck, but look, I’m proof that even if your road isn’t paved with gold, as long as your heart is, you’ll find your way”
  • A sign for the American South with a heart on it, a drum set and guitar, a giant black spider on a red and white mushroom, and a horse drawn carriage inside of a bubble all appear in the first clue package
  • “It’s exciting to perform on Girl Group Night because there’s actually one girl who’s been singing lead in my life for years: my wife. I still remember the night I met her — an angel from across the room,” he says to start the second clue package
  • He knew immediately he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her
  • Everything was “perfect,” until she was diagnosed with something that “will impact her later in life”
  • Their forever suddenly looked different, and they had a decision to make: “We could let what’s on the horizon define us, or we could choose to be present in each and every moment — to say yes more and explore all of the wide open spaces out there”
  • He’s singing one of her favorites for her tonight
  • A carnival on a pier at sunset, a pair of angel wings and halo, a ferris wheel, a crescent moon decoration, a globe bowling ball, a portrait of Mrs. Gumball, and a “Prom King” banner all appear in the second package
  • He’s asked why he feels like he doesn’t belong on The Masked Singer: “I’ve always felt like I was pretending to be something else. My family moved around a lot as a kid, and as the perpetual new guy, I would do anything to make friends. Even when I started performing on stage, I always felt out of place. I have no formal training, no education. Despite some major successes, I still get those feelings to this day. But luckily I have people around me who tell me to dig deep and carry on. And that’s why I’m singing ‘Carry on Wayward Son.’ It’s about not giving up, and after making it to the Group B finale, I’m glad I listened to my wife. It’s the cheers from the crowd that’s making the new kid inside me believe that maybe I do belong here.”
  • A Masked Singer arcade game featuring TMS alums Piglet (Nick Lachey) and Queen of Hearts (Jewel), a yellow sportscar with an “X” on it, and a football all appear in the third clue package
  • Fourth clue package is a recap of his time on the show so far
  • Bonus “Road to Semi-Finals” clue: A white wolf. Of it, he says, “Just like a tasty candy, I think you’re going to wolf down this clue.”
  • Fifth clue package: “If you had told me that being a big old Gumball machine would be my favorite role yet, I would not have believed you. But, becoming Gumball has allowed me to tap into my roots and do something I have loved from the start: singing. Music was my first love, but when I moved to Hollywood I had to give that part of myself up to be taken seriously. Hollywood is a bit like a Gumball machine: People put a quarter in you and take a piece of you that they want. And I’m grateful for my life, but The Masked Singer has been me taking my quarter back and doing what I love for a change. I want my kids to see that their dad never said no to an adventure, and that’s my wish for them as well — that they live life to the fullest, even if that means putting on a Gumball costume and rocking out.”
  • Sixth clue package is a recap of his journey this season, but he does give one new clue: “I’ve been on TV for almost two decades nonstop, and yet being here I feel like I’ve finally gotten to show who I really am”

On stage:

  • First performance: “If I Only Had a Heart” by Jack Haley and “Heartbeat Song” by Kelly Clarkson
  • Who is he inspired by in The Wizard of Oz? “Well, for me, it’s The Tin Man. When you met him, he was a little rusty, maybe just like me.”
  • Wizard of Oz Night clue: A heart clock. Of it, he says, “Deep down, at the end of the day, Tin Man always had the heart of a superhero, and I actually might, too.”
  • Second performance: “Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks
  • Girl Group Night clue: “Clue-e-oke” performance of “Don’t Cha” by The Pussycat Dolls. Of it, he says, “Well, don’t you wish you could’ve starred with Channing Tatum like me.”
  • Third performance: “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas
  • Soundtrack of My Life Night clue: A record called “Sticky and Sweet: Ken [Jeong’s] Greatest Hits” that has “Kenspiration” printed on it. Of it, he says, “Ken, one of the funniest jobs that I have ever been a part of, you were involved as well.”
  • Fourth performance: “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
  • Quarterfinals Night clue: A phone call from his wife. She says: “Hi Gumball, it’s your wife, Mrs. Gumball. I’m just so proud of you, and watching you on that stage reminds me of your time spent on Broadway. You’re really back in your element and I’m just so excited to watch. Go bring home that Golden Mask. I love you!”
  • Prime Delivery clue: A child’s play-doctor kit
  • Bonus “Road to Semi-Finals” performance: “Go the Distance” by Michael Bolton
  • Fifth performance: “I Lived” by OneRepublic
  • Semi-Finals Super Clue: A cheerleader rooting for Gumball. Of it, he says, “Hearing those cheers reminds me of a role that changed this Gumball’s life forever.”
  • Sixth performance: “Latch” by Disclosure ft. Sam Smith
  • Seventh performance: “Renegade” by Styx
  • Final onstage clue: Nick Cannon tells the finalists, “Gumball, Goldfish, this isn’t the first time you’ve been costars on camera.”

Judges' guesses for Gumball: Chace Crawford, Kevin Jonas, Jamie Dornan, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Derek Hough, Taran Killam, Jack Black, Zachary Levi, James Marsden, James Van Der Beek, Jason Sudeikis, Taylor Kitsch, Scott Porter, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Gumball Unmasked: Scott Porter

THE MASKED SINGER: Goldfish
Goldfish on 'The Masked Singer'.

Michael Becker / FOX

Who is Goldfish?

Clues for Goldfish:

  • “It’s o-fish-al, you finally caught me in the Masked Singer net. When I first started out, I made a splash overnight, but all that success made me feel like I was living in a fishbowl,” she says to start the first clue package
  • Goldfish had everyone’s “eyes and expectations” on her
  • She’s shown posing for cameras but then runs away from it
  • She says she could play it safe or dive into “deeper, darker, edgier waters” — she took the risk
  • “I swam against the current and broke the mold, and to this day still love to keep people guessing — that’s why I am here”
  • Says Hollywood can “be a little soul-sucking” so she’s proud she’s kept her head on her shoulders
  • Paparazzi camera flashes, a jar of hearts, a spinning ship’s wheel, two lip prints (or kisses), a glass slipper, and the Golden Mask trophy all appear in the first clue package
  • “Sometimes the most transformative moments are actually breakups. I always thought I would be married young, like my mom, but dating in Hollywood is hard, and this Goldfish wasn’t always lucky,” she says to start the second clue package
  • She had to see her ex everywhere and their run-ins were turned into TikToks
  • She says it forced her to “reflect” and “learn what I actually need”
  • “Now here is a song for anyone who has ever got their heart broken, but if the lyrics cut deep, take it from me, there are plenty of fish in the sea”
  • A Christmas snowglobe, a vampire bat hanging from a tree, and her reflection in a koi pond all appear in the second clue package
  • Why does this mean so much to you? “I really try to appreciate every moment because I’ve learned that life comes in waves. I had just gotten a dream role, but the night before my debut, I received the worst news I could have ever imagined: I lost my No. 1 supporter. Nothing could have prepared me for that.”
  • She felt like she couldn’t move, but then she remembered no one enjoyed watching her perform more than the person she lost
  • “So, I reached down inside and found the courage to take that stage, and I performed for the one seat that wasn’t filled”
  • She says it was heartbreaking but beautiful to honor this person — a true “show must go on” moment
  • A map of an island with a question mark in the middle, a picture of what looks like Goldfish’s dad, a wizard’s hat, and a poster for Goldfish with a giant rose in the center all appear in the third clue package
  • Fourth clue package is a recap of her time on the show so far
  • Bonus “Road to Semi-Finals” clue: A raccoon. Of it, she says, “Ooh look at that wild thing. I hope this helps you rack up some guesses.”
  • Fifth clue package: “Being in the Semi-Finals is sort of surreal, and I’ve got to say, fame was never my goal. I honestly thought I was going to be a pediatrician, but I loved to perform. I just didn’t realize that in order to do what I love, I would have to live in a fishbowl, and it made me retreat and be a lot more private. Becoming the Goldfish has unleashed a really fun, silly side of myself that honestly only a few people in my life actually get to see, and it’s been so much fun letting loose. Coming from a girl that once wore a prom dress to an awards show, this is everything — the gown, the gills, the glam. Tonight I’m singing ‘You Oughta Know’ by Alanis Morissette, and I’m here to remind you that I would love a spot in the finale. It would mean everything to put that Golden Mask Trophy next to my others.”
  • Sixth clue package is a recap of her journey this season, but she does give one new clue: “I’ve been on a journey of self-discovery, and being here, I’ve been able to express myself so freely. I come from a working class family, that has no connection to Hollywood whatsoever, so there’s no reason I should have made it”

On stage:

  • First performance: “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo
  • Onstage clue: A gold record. Of it, she says, “Let the record show that gold is my lucky color.”
  • Second performance: “Baby Come Back” by Player
  • Transformers Night clue: Bumblebee says, “A true performer, Goldfish famously poured their heart and soul and tears into her work.”
  • Third performance: “The Show Must Go On” by Queen
  • Queen Night clue: Galileo with a scroll with Ken Jeong’s name on it. Of it, she says, “Well, Ken, you’re ridiculous, and you have so much heart and I love it so much — you obviously haven’t changed since the last time we worked together.”
  • Fourth performance: “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole
  • Quarterfinals Night clue: A phone call from her husband. He says: “Hey babe. I’m so happy to see you thriving in this competition, but honestly I knew you would all along. You never back down from a challenge and you absolutely love to perform live. The Golden Mask trophy has got Goldfish’s name all over it. So proud of you, babe.”
  • Bonus “Road to Semi-Finals” performance: “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green
  • Fifth performance: “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette
  • Semi-Finals Super Clue: Season 10’s Anonymouse, a.k.a. Demi Lovato. Of it, she says, “It’s a real blast from the past because me and the mouse, we go way, way back.”
  • Sixth performance: “Heart of Glass” by Blondie
  • Seventh performance: “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John
  • Final onstage clue: Nick Cannon tells the finalists, “Gumball, Goldfish, this isn’t the first time you’ve been costars on camera.”

Judges' guesses for Goldfish: Hilary Duff, Lucy Hale, Lea Michele, Selena Gomez, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sarah Hyland, Kristen Stewart, Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, Nicole Scherzinger, Julianne Hough, Ashley Tisdale

Goldfish Unmasked: Vanessa Hudgens

THE MASKED SINGER: Clock. CR: Michael Becker / FOX. ©2024 FOX Media LLC.

Michael Becker / FOX

Who is Clock?

Clues for Clock:

  • “I’m delighted being here on Billy Joel Night, because let’s face it, we’re both timeless. Once upon a time I was the belle of the ball. I had the whole world dancing from dusk till dawn,” she says to start the first clue package
  • She’s shown twirling with a baby doll in her arms
  • Everyone knew her but trends changed and she felt “frozen in time”
  • “So, this queen reinvented herself and I achieved massive success again on my own terms, with the crowning achievement of performing for a president”
  • Like the Piano Man says, she’s gonna sing a song tonight and the others better watch out: “Your time is about to be up!”
  • A disco ball, a baby doll, a clock frozen at approximately 6:02, and a golden globe all appear in the first clue package
  • “In my life, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. Just like any good TV series, I’ve laughed and I’ve cried, and thank goodness, I’ve always been renewed,” she says to start the second package
  • But it’s her “positive outlook” that’s carried her “season to season”
  • For instance: When she was “broke” she appreciated the “free things” in life, when her car wouldn’t start, she’d look forward to a walk, and even though her marriages didn’t work out, something great still came from it — "my beautiful children,” she says
  • “I’ve learned there will always be good times and bad, and now let’s keep the good things rolling all the way to the Group C finale”
  • Pictures of Clock laughing and crying, a newspaper story that says “Clock renewed! It’s always her time to shine,” a map of the Mississippi River Trail, a piggy bank, a motor, a picture of her with two kids, and four clocks moving in unison all appear in the second clue package
  • “I’m honored to be in the Group C finale, because in my line of work, we love a curtain call — in this case, a shower curtain call,” she says to start the third clue package
  • What does she sing in the shower? “There’s something about the shower that gives me the courage to belt out the biggest diva hits of all time, and let me tell ya, I’ve been amongst them.”
  • Says she was nominated for “one of the most prestigious awards” against the likes of Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole
  • She didn’t think she’d win though so she stayed in and cleaned the kitchen floor instead, but then, she won
  • “I gave my acceptance speech to the mop instead of to millions — can you imagine?”
  • “When it’s your time to shine, you better show up and respect yourself” — a nod to Aretha Franklin
  • A bright pink blanket, a peacock lamp, a t-shirt with a “sweet” heart on it, a platinum record, an alarm clock that says “wake up,” and a mop all appear in the third package
  • Fourth clue package is a recap of her time on the show so far
  • Bonus “Road to Semi-Finals” clue: A black cat. Of it, she says, “A stitch in time saves nine lives. Are you feline better about who I am?”
  • Fifth clue package: “Standing here in the Semi-Finals has been a total statement for me, because, well, I’m not as young as I used to be. But, becoming the clock has been so fun. It’s reminded me after all these years that mama’s still got it. But it’s also been a challenge. When I was younger, I had stage fright so badly my knees would knot together under my gospel robe. I had to learn how to connect to the audience through eye contact and a smile, and now this mask takes all that away. So, I’ve had to connect in other ways. This dress was not made for moving, but that doesn’t stop me. See, I wanted to do Masked Singer to introduce myself to a whole new generation, and to make it this far is a real treat.”

On stage:

  • First performance: “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
  • Billy Joel Night clue: The song “Vienna” played on piano. Of it, she says, “Well, ‘Vienna’ is all about seizing the day. And I actually have a day in my name.” 
  • Second performance: “Good Times,” theme song from Good Times
  • TV Theme Night clue: A steamship with hearts on it. Of it, she says, “Love and boat, two things that combine to make a hit — something I know firsthand.”
  • Third performance: “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
  • Shower Anthems Night clue: A rubber ducky that says “Nick.” Of it, she says, “Well, Nicholas, this isn’t the first time you’ve trusted me.”
  • Fourth performance: “Get on Your Feet” by Gloria Estefan
  • Quarterfinals Night clue: A phone call from her son. He says: “Hi, mom. You never cease to amaze me. I’ve seen you perform thousands of times. I know you’re nervous tonight, but remember, you’ve performed for the pope. Ken Jeong should be a piece of cake. Good luck!”
  • Bonus “Road to Semi-Finals” performance: “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge
  • Fifth performance: “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas
  • Semi-Finals Super Clue: A platter of gold bars. Of it, she says, “This isn’t the first stage show that I have done, and every performance has been solid gold, baby!”
  • Prime Delivery clue: Roller skates. Of it, she says, “I like those skates, Jenny [McCarthy-Wahlberg].”

Judges' guesses for Clock: Anita Baker, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Diana Ross, Stephanie Mills, Debbie Allen, Janet Jackson, Deniece Williams, a member of Sister Sledge, Shirley Bassey, Roberta Flack, Thelma Houston

Clock Unmasked: Thelma Houston

THE MASKED SINGER: Poodle Moth. CR: Michael Becker / FOX. ©2024 FOX Media LLC.

Michael Becker / FOX

Who is Poodle Moth?

Clues for Poodle Moth:

  • “If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what a poodle moth is, and would you believe that only one has ever been found in the world? Luckily getting discovered once is all you need,” she says to start the first clue package
  • She was always “drawn to the flame” but thought the bright lights were never meant for her — she told herself she wasn’t pretty enough or funny enough or talented enough
  • “So, I took a step back and helped others achieve their dreams”
  • She loved that but desperately wanted to spread her own wings
  • “If I could just take that first step, the light I thought was so impossible to find would be one step closer, so, I took the leap and I was discovered”
  • She learned she was “one of a kind”
  • A full moon, a street lamp that lights up as she walks by it, a black cowboy hat, a book with an American flag on it, a collection of candles, and floating lanterns over a bustling skyline all appear in the first clue package
  • “In my life, I was raised to know one thing: Sometimes, the ones you love most leave without so much as a letter. My dad left a hole in my heart that I never have filled,” she says to start the second package
  • She says she’d send him letters but always got “return to sender” in reply, each one “breaking [her] heart”
  • “If the one person whose only job is to love you won’t, then who will?”
  • One day she wrote a letter to herself to realize she was worthy of being loved
  • Says she’s learned to use her talents to help other kids looking for answers like she was
  • “I’m writing my own story and tonight I’ve chosen a theme song that reminds me of the beauty of what’s still to come”
  • A lighthouse, letters to her father with “return to sender” stamped on them, a watercolor picture of a cat, theater masks, a note that says “you are enough,” a clipboard, and a jar of fireflies all appear in the second clue package
  • What does singing in the shower do for her? “Music has always been my therapy. And while some people sing pop hits in the shower for fun, I use it as a time for total emotional release. And I let the tears fall when I sing.”
  • For instance, she says, “Like when my family sold my childhood home — that house was filled with some pretty tumultuous memories”
  • Growing up was “tough” and “there was so much sadness within those walls” that she dreamed of leaving it
  • But, “when it came time to clean out the kitchen, repaint the hallway” she felt like a part of her was gone because that was “the house that built me, for better or worse”
  • Says Poodle Moth: “Living there taught me resilience, and now I try to lock the doors on the negative memories and open windows to positivity. And thanks to a few good shower cries, I know I can push through to begin each day confident and free.”
  • A bathtub, a storybook featuring a house with a sign out front that says “3” on it, a book called “An Extraordinary Moth,” and a palm frond/fan all appear in the third clue package
  • Fourth clue package is a recap of her time on the show so far

On stage:

  • First performance: “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
  • Billy Joel Night clue: A baseball with the word “Opry” on it. Of it, she says, “I felt like a big shot when I performed at the Grand Ole Opry.”
  • Second performance: “Unwritten,” theme song from The Hills
  • TV Theme Night clue: Gilmore Girls theme song, “Where You Lead.” Of it, she says, “I have a very special connection to Gilmore Girls that hits very close to home.”
  • Third performance: “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert
  • Shower Anthems Night clue: Soap on a rope that says “Robin.” Of it, she says, “Robin, working with your dad — ugh I’m gonna cry — is part of one of the biggest moments of my career in my life.”
  • Fourth performance: “Price Tag” by Jessie J ft. B.o.B.
  • Quarterfinals Night clue: A phone call from her sister. She says: “Oh Poodle Moth, is there anything you can’t do? Seriously, from performing in that costume to earning a Golden Globe nomination, your talents are endless. Keep singing your heart out. I love you to the moon and back.”

Judges' guesses for Poodle Moth: Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Rita Wilson, Melissa McCarthy, Lauren Graham, Connie Britton, Sharon Stone, Brooke Shields, Shania Twain, Chrissy Metz, Sheryl Crow, Riley Keough, Faith Hill

Poodle Moth Unmasked: Chrissy Metz

THE MASKED SINGER: The Beets

Michael Becker / FOX

Who are Beets?

Clues for Beets:

  • “There’s no place like home, and wouldn't we know it. Home for us has been wherever we’re together, and for a moment, we had millions of eyes on us. Yeah, 40 million of them,” they say to start the first clue package
  • They say the world tried to pit them against each other but they’ve always had each other’s back: “Of course, we’re family”
  • Between “his big ole brain” and “his unbeatable heart” they work well together
  • “Guess all we need now is to find the nerve to turn up together on this stage. It will be like going back to our roots”
  • One of them is “feisty”
  • An old timey radio, a gift-wrapped copy of a book titled “Beeting the Odds,” a 2 of hearts card, and a box of red apples all appear in the first clue package
  • “Like the best girl groups out there, we both bring our own spice. I was the total ladies’ man, and I was the tough guy, two guys who couldn’t be any more different. But we didn’t try to outdo each other, instead, like a good girl group, we teamed up,” they say to start the second clue package
  • It was their friendship that made them “a delicious duo” and kept them “on menus nationwide”
  • They say they’re still touring and hitting the town, but they want to make the Group B finale, too
  • Mistletoe, a barbell made of watermelons, an airplane boarding pass to “anywhere!,” a menu for “Beets Restaurant,” and a castle made of different types of bread all appear in the second package
  • What song did they choose and why? “We chose a really powerful song. It’s about a single moment in your life that shows you what you’re capable of. And for us, that moment was when we each became fathers. I always wanted to be a dad but I wasn’t sure that it would happen for me, so when I held my child for that very first time, my world changed. And for me, I suddenly realized the impact of every decision I made. But it’s not a perfect road — right now, my kid repeats everything I say so I have to be really careful. You have to be careful? I’m teaching my son to drive, though at least the hubcaps are still on. Well now, let’s go out and make a new pivotal moment by hitting those high notes. This one’s for you, Little Beets.”
  • Season 5’s Banana Split (a.k.a. Katharine McPhee and David Foster), a clock with a thumbs up in the middle that is set to 1:42ish, and a knight in shining armor all appear in the third clue package

On stage:

  • First performance: “Home” by Michael Bublé
  • Who are they inspired by in The Wizard of Oz? “I think because of our loyalty as friends, Dorothy and Toto.”
  • Wizard of Oz Night clue: Toto. Of it, they say, “Like Toto and Dorothy, we are the best of friends, and we’re pretty good costars, too.”
  • Second performance: “I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters
  • Girl Group Night clue: “Clue-e-oke” performance of “Weak” by SWV. Of it, they say, “We made our audience weak in the knees on Broadway.”
  • Third performance: “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston
  • Soundtrack of My Life Night clue: A record called “Fresh Beetz with Nick [Cannon]” that has “A Wild Night” printed on it. Of it, they say, “Nick, always good seeing you. We should grab a drink together again sometime soon.”

Judges' guesses for Beets: Will Arnett and Jason Bateman, K-Ci & JoJo, Steve Martin and Martin Short, Brooks & Dunn, Tituss Burgess and Alan Cumming, Zach Braff and Donald Faison, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman, Josh Groban and Brian McKnight, Dan + Shay

Beets Unmasked: Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken

Seal in The Masked Singer

Michael Becker/FOX

Who is Seal?

Clues for Seal:

  • First clue package starts off with an epic movie trailer, with narration, for a film called The Seal (the font looks suspiciously like Stranger Things’ title font)
  • “Hey guys! What’s all the fuss about? Just like a seal, I’m cute, cuddly, and friendly,” he says after the clip
  • He says it makes sense he is a wildcard because he was “mistakenly perceived as a wild child” growing up
  • Says we know him from screens, radios, and posters tacked up on our walls
  • “I’m so excited to be here on Girl Group Night because I was in one of the most famous groups in the world. And now I’ll get your seal of approval with a girl group anthem by some fabulous Masked Singer alums”
  • A treasure chest, some kind of science experiment, a driver license for Seal, a TV, a radio, a poster of him with vampire teeth, a stuffed polar bear, and a snowball all appear in the first clue package
  • What song is he singing tonight? “I’ve chosen Run-DMC’s ‘It’s Tricky,’ because that pretty much sums up my life. See, I’ve had to navigate the chilly waters of Hollywood since I was a child. There’s a lot of misconceptions out there about me, I mean, I’ve been tagged with a ‘bad boy’ badge basically since day 1, and they still keep trying to stick it on me. It’s been really tricky. I’d love for nothing more than people to know the other sides of me, the softer, fuzzier ones. I’m actually a family guy. Sure, I can still turn on the edge when the time comes — it’s all about the balance. And that’s why being here is a blast. I get the chance to show people I’m not what they may think, and trust me, your jaw is about to be on the floor when you see what this Seal has up his fin tonight.”
  • A Zombie poster, a toy ship with a heart on its sail, a July 2024 calendar with “Friday” circled, and a black book with a chapter called “Last Chapter: Win the Golden Mask” in it all appear in the second clue package

On stage:

  • First performance: “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips
  • Girl Group Night clue: “Clue-e-oke” performance of “Bo$$” by Fifth Harmony. Of it, he says, “You know, it’s easy to be confident when you have a boss like Steven Spielberg.”
  • Second performance: “It’s Tricky” by Run-DMC
  • Soundtrack of My Life Night clue: A record called “Sealed with a Kiss: A Tribute to Jenny [McCarthy-Wahlberg]” that has “House Call” printed on it. Of it, he says, “Oh yeah, baby. Let me tell you, Jenny, it’s always fun hosting you for a change because you’ve hosted me so many times, and especially when it’s at my place.”

Judges' guesses for Seal: Haley Joel Osment, Corey Feldman, Sean Astin, Macaulay Culkin, Jerry O'Connell

Seal Unmasked: Corey Feldman

THE MASKED SINGER: Cleocatra

Michael Becker / FOX

Who is Miss Cleocatra?

Clues for Miss Cleocatra:

  • “Are you a good witch or a bad witch? It’s taken me some time to figure that out,” she says to start the first clue package
  • Says “long ago, I was living life in technicolor, but I always worried the empire I built could all crumble beneath me”
  • She says her days were “horribly split” and she went from “glorious rainbows” to “horrendous black and white”
  • Miss Cleocatra was considered a national treasure but she felt wicked instead
  • “That’s when I got the diagnosis I never wanted but so desperately needed, and suddenly, everything became crystal clear”
  • She’s glad she reached out for help because now she knows she’s the good witch after all
  • An hourglass, a sign for Bel-Air, a sign for “Vacay!”, a symbol of triangles within a triangle, a black bird, and a tiara all appear in the first clue package
  • “I’m thrilled to be here tonight to champion fierce girl groups. You know, I had my own gang of great women that shaped me, starting with my own mother,” she says to start the second clue package
  • “She was a maid so I didn’t have to be” — but the best thing she got was her mother’s work ethic
  • She says it made her the “hardest hustler in Tinseltown” but now all the biggest stars look to her — mentions Michelle Obama and her mother
  • “I’m most proud of the little princesses who see me as their queen. I want them to know if they want to be supreme, free your mind and work harder than anyone else!”
  • A snake, a 5 domino, pictures of Bette Midler, Whoopi Goldberg, Michelle Obama, and Marian Shields Robinson, and a glowing ring in the palm of her hand all appear in the second package

On stage:

  • First performance: “Stormy Weather” by Etta James
  • Who is she inspired by in The Wizard of Oz? “I am the Good Witch!”
  • Wizard of Oz Night clue: A silver wand with a star on it. Of it, she says, “I’ve already worked my magic on an Emmy Award-winning show.”
  • Second performance: “Free Your Mind” by En Vogue
  • Girl Group Night clue: “Clue-e-oke” performance of “Stop! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes. Of it, she says, “Well, the Supremes aren’t just on my playlist — they’re a part of my career!”

Judges' guesses for Miss Cleocatra: Taraji P. Henson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, Roberta Flack, Jenifer Lewis

Miss Cleocatra Unmasked: Jenifer Lewis

THE MASKED SINGER: Starfish
Starfish on 'The Masked Singer'.

Michael Becker / FOX

Who is Starfish?

Clues for Starfish:

  • “I heard you guys were having a career party, so I threw on a bathing suit and came right over. When I first started out, I was serving steaks to the stars with nothing to my name,” she says to start the first clue package
  • Says she rubbed elbows with Steve Martin and Whitney Houston but all she heard was “check, please!”
  • Then, she got the gig of a lifetime: “One that would make my name known worldwide”
  • Now she has it all and she can afford it, she says
  • “So trust that your ‘yes’ is coming, or just find a rich sugar mama like me to mooch off of”
  • A cup of office supplies, photos of Steve Martin and Whitney Houston, a sign that says “No shirt, no shoes, no starfish” on it with a four-leaf clover, a bottle of “PA’s Sunscreen” with Pennsylvania on the logo, a stuffed doll, and lots of “masked bucks” of money all appear in the first clue package
  • “Growing up, while other kids played in the sandbox, I played with the jukebox. That machine transformed my life! It opened my ears to Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, and of course, Green Day,” she says to start the second clue package
  • It inspired her to join a band, she even toured the nation
  • But she’s been “lucky” to “dabble in many tidepools” — “this Starfish is versatile, baby!”
  • “If those robotic things can turn into lots of different stuff, so can I! Here I come, guns a-blazing!”
  • A jukebox, records for Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac and Green Day, a fishbowl labeled “Teacher’s Lounge,” a goldfish, a neon sign that says “Live” on it, and a Starfish merch stand all appear in the second clue package
  • How do you handle pressure? “After my two best gal pals got my dream job, the pressure was on for me to become a star on my own. And then I get this call to step in on something else, to replace someone who got fired. That first day on the job, I felt like my every move was being scrutinized, but this was my chance!”
  • Nothing was going to stop her, she put her spin on things, and it worked
  • “Looking back, I’m glad I was able to perform under pressure and that’s exactly what I’m going to do tonight”
  • A rotary phone, a telescope with 3 different planets on it, a white stuffed rabbit, and a desk bell all appear in the third clue package

On stage:

  • First performance: “Material Girl” by Madonna
  • Onstage clue: A clock that says “50 billion” on it. Of it, she says, “I’ve been streamed over 50 billion minutes and that was just in one year.”
  • Second performance: “21 Guns” by Green Day
  • Transformers Night clue: Optimus Prime says, “A true teammate, Starfish has earned awards as part of a talented group.”
  • Third performance: “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie
  • Queen Night clue: A magician reveals a card with Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg’s name on it. Of it, she says, “Jenny, last time we hung out, I offered you tickets to my show. You can consider this one on the house, too.”

Judges' guesses for Starfish: Catherine O'Hara, Cheri Oteri, Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Kate McKinnon, Amy Schumer, Kate Flannery, Lisa Kudrow

Starfish Unmasked: Kate Flannery

THE MASKED SINGER: Ugly Sweater.
Ugly Sweater on 'The Masked Singer'.

Michael Becker / FOX

Who is Ugly Sweater?

Clues for Ugly Sweater:

  • “When I hit the scene as a young, handsome Ugly Sweater, I was the epitome of style on top of the world,” he says to start the first clue package
  • But he lost focus and his “whole world unraveled”
  • A blue train almost hits him
  • He went from living in “penthouses” to “sleeping on park benches” and his life was “hanging on by a thread”
  • But he started fighting to reclaim his voice when he hit rock bottom and realized he needed to change
  • “Now I’m back on top, better than before. So I’m gonna win that trophy for all the people who helped me get back on my feet to live a life that’s simply the best”
  • A blue train, a rabbit in a hat, a rainstorm, a newspaper with the headline “Ugly Sweater Is Unraveling,” a black old-school alarm clock with the hands at 2 and 8, and a blue record on a record player all appear in the first clue package
  • “There’s one person in my life who helped me tap into my inner Optimus Prime: my wife. When I met my soulmate, we couldn't be more opposite. My life was unraveling and hers was all buttoned up,” he says to start the second clue package
  • He was on top of the charts and she didn’t know who he was
  • “Sometimes unlikely pairings just work together like plaids and stripes. She built me up one brick at a time and now I’m gonna get down with a fun song just for my sweater half”
  • A sign for a “Crochet Couture” sale with his wife on it, an airplane on top of a pile of clothes, a stop sign with a slash through it, and a price tag that has a tire and fire on it all appear in the second clue package
  • Queen is timeless. Is that something you relate to? “They say what’s old is new again, and I say no! I’ve been recycled and upcycled more times than I can count. Inspired everyone from Snoop Dogg to Nirvana. Talk about a fashion statement! I even worked with the legendary Tupac — I like to keep that tidbit in my pocket”
  • He’s influenced “a certain circle of stars” by doing his own thing
  • “As a sweater who was once tossed aside, getting to the quarterfinals would show you can always break free from anything, whether it’s your past, your dirty laundry or your skinny jeans”
  • Just do what you love like it’s going out of style, he advises
  • A pink pool floatie, the pray hands emoji, a 24k gold bar, the crying emoji, and an assortment of laundry all appear in the third clue package

On stage:

  • First performance: “The Best” by Tina Turner
  • Onstage clue: An orange sweater with googly eyes and the word “featuring” on it. Of it, he says, “Ugly Sweater is always in style, that must be why the biggest stars want to work with me.”
  • Second performance: “Brick House” by Commodores
  • Transformers Night clue: Bumblebee says, “The Ugly Sweater spends his time wisely. So much so that he even has a Lifetime Achievement award.”
  • Third performance: “I Want to Break Free” by Queen
  • Queen Night clue: Two bikes with Nick Cannon’s name on them. Of it, he says to the host, “I’ll never forget giving you dating advice, and honestly, you didn’t forget either.”

Judges' guesses for Ugly Sweater: Aaron Neville, Ronald Isley, Eddie Levert, Charlie Wilson, Nile Rodgers, Verdine White, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Al Green

Ugly Sweater Unmasked: Charlie Wilson

Koala in THE MASKED SINGER

Michael Becker/FOX

Who is Koala?

Clues for Koala:

  • “Ah the Koala, he’s cute, but can also be extremely defensive. Let’s get closer,” a wildlife documentarian says to start the first clue package
  • “Don’t worry, I don’t bite. I’m actually kind of shy. When I first started out, I wasn’t super star material. I avoided interviews, and if you put me on the spot I’d forget my words,” Koala tells us
  • Wanna know how to make Koala disappear? “Point a camera at me”
  • He broke out with his first hit and he was forced to speak up, and everything changed: “Now, you can’t get me to shut up”
  • “Just like Bumblebee it took me a while to find my voice, but I’ve learned when you raise it up, you can rule the world”

On stage:

  • First performance: “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
  • Transformers Night clue: Optimus Prime says, “I’m wondering myself [who this is]. I’ve never seen such a majestic animal, let alone a Koala. Now for his clue: He’s on a shortlist with some of the greatest of all time.””

Judges' guesses for Koala: Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders, Terry Crews, Shannon Sharpe

Koala Unmasked: DeMarcus Ware

MAsked Singer season 11 Lovebird
Lovebird on 'The Masked Singer'.

Fox

Who is Lovebird?

Clues for Lovebird:

  • “It is so fitting that I’m a Lovebird, because what can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic. Every decision I’ve made in my life has been because of love — either hoping to find it or the fear of losing it,” he says to start the first clue package
  • Says love makes him do wild things
  • “Ok, moving on,” he says after a wedding cake without a bride is shown
  • He always follows his heart and ended up in front of “millions”
  • “I even won awards for being so lovable”
  • But his proudest achievement is finally finding someone to “nest with”
  • Says he’s not a singer, but he’s wanted to do the show for many seasons
  • A pink, yellow, and orange heart shape in a pool, a wedding cake with only a groom on it, a watch with “#1” on it, a bird trophy for “most lovable,” two dice with 3 and 2 on them, and bellinis all appear in the first clue package
  • “As a kid, I was obsessed [with Transformers]. I loved that Transformers robots can hide in plain sight, and I know exactly how that feels. The world got to know me as somebody I wasn’t, but I was celebrated, so I ran with it,” he says to start the second clue package
  • His package is framed like a camcorder recording
  • But eventually he had to “escape the cage [he] was trapped in” and the truth set him free
  • Since, he has tried to use his voice “for good,” helping people “from courthouses to White Houses”
  • He says “let me be a reminder — don’t hide, share all that you are”
  • A film camera with “24/7” on it, golden popcorn, a view of Washington, D.C., at sunset, a romantic picnic setup, and birdcages all appear in the second clue package

On stage:

  • First performance: “Home” by Phillip Phillips
  • Onstage clue: An old timey TV that says “leading man.” Of it, he says, “I may make for a great Lovebird, but you know I’m even better as a leading man.”
  • Second performance: “All That You Are” by Goo Goo Dolls
  • Transformers Night clue: Optimus Prime says, “Lovebird has made television history before and he is looking to do that again by winning the Golden Mask.”

Judges' guesses for Lovebird: Travis Kelce, Odell Beckham Jr., Nick Viall, The Situation, Colton Underwood, Dwayne Johnson, Josh Duhamel

Lovebird Unmasked: Colton Underwood

THE MASKED SINGER: Lizard

Michael Becker / FOX

Who is Lizard?

Clues for Lizard:

  • “Some people might label me a ladies’ man, the bad boy type in Billy Joel songs, but that’s not the real me, and despite some of my better known hits, I tend to see people for who they are on the inside,” he says to start the first clue package
  • He’s shown using a wrench on the underside of a car
  • When he met the love of his life, she was “the definition of an Uptown Girl” and he was a downtown boy that was “smitten”
  • But, years later, she was “fed up of my superstar shenanigans” and threatened to leave
  • He had a premonition that she was pregnant and she was, so he promised to change 
  • “Now my whole world is about being a good husband and a cool dad, and what’s cooler than showing up on my family’s favorite show?”
  • A pop culture gossip show called “TMS” with the words “Live, Laugh, Lizard” on the chyron, a heart-shaped lollipop, a crab on top of a cupcake, a red Christmas ornament with a lizard on it, a race car bed with an egg tucked in it, and a “Mskd Sngr” license plate all appear in the first clue package
  • “As a little lizard, I loved cartoons so much that I spent all my days drawing them. I got so good I was offered a dream job at a huge animation studio — yeah, the mouse was chasing this lizard,” he says to start the second package
  • Lizard is shown drawing a self-portrait
  • His dad begged him to do it but he knew he had to be a performer, so he “took the riskier road to stardom”
  • His dad “was shook” but it lit a fire in him to prove he could do it
  • “When I became one of the most recognizable reptiles on the planet, he was so proud”
  • He may not do animation but he sure does “draw in a crowd”
  • A hand drawn self-portrait, a wall of clocks, a photo of his dad, an unsigned contract with Reptile Animation Studio, a Lizard doll, and cowboy boots next to cans of gasoline all appear in the second clue package
  • What does he sing in the shower? “I go full emo, I’m talking the anthem of troubled teens everywhere. Before I could even drive, I was living two lives — I got straight As in school, but after school, I was running the streets with a bad crowd.”
  • He’s shown standing next to season 4’s Dragon, a.k.a. Busta Rhymes
  • Says he saw “the inside of a jail cell more than once”
  • He took a long look in the mirror and realized “that thug life” wasn’t for him
  • From then on, he went in a different direction and “cleaned up” his act, even though he never forgot “those dark days” or the “wake-up call” he “desperately needed”
  • A locker room, a thermometer inside of a locker that reads “zero degrees,” a mirror, and a picture of Justin Timberlake all appear in the third package

On stage:

  • First performance: “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel
  • Billy Joel Night clue: A postcard that says “billboards” on it. Of it, he says, “I’ve had a No. 1 billboard and I’m not talking about Times Square.”
  • Second performance: “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?,” theme song from Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?
  • TV Theme Night clue: A “Scooby” Great Dane. Of it, he says, “A dog actually helped me reach an even bigger audience.”
  • Third performance: “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence
  • Shower Anthems Night clue: A gold loofah that says “Rita.” Of it, he says, “Rita, I’m honored to say, we both have won the same out-of-this-world award.”

Judges' guesses for Lizard: Michael Bivins, all members of New Edition, Ray J, Sisqó, D'Angelo

Lizard Unmasked: Sisqó

Sir Lion The Masked Singer

Michael Becker/FOX

Who is Sir Lion?

Clues for Sir Lion:

  • “Every good night of television needs a twist, so what better role for me to play than the wildcard. Like the king of the jungle, I come from a well-known pride but never took it for granted,” he says to start the first clue package
  • Says he jumped through hoops to become a ringleader in Hollywood, rubbing elbows with everyone from Tom Cruise to Tom Hanks
  • “In show business, the higher you climb, the harder you fall. Luckily, lions are fierce and I’ve landed on my feet no matter what this town throws my way”
  • In Hollywood, “success and struggle go together like a horse and carriage”
  • An old-timey radio, circus tickets, an anchor, a hula hoop, Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks photos, a hot air balloon with Jerry Seinfeld on it, a photo of Rockefeller plaza, and a cannon all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

  • First performance: “Love and Marriage,” theme song from Married…With Children
  • TV Theme Night clue: A Flintstone’s bone that says co-star. Of it, he says, “I wasn’t in a cartoon but I’ve costarred on a different TV show with Betty Rubble.”

Judges' guesses for Sir Lion: Anderson Cooper, Ryan Seacrest, Andy Cohen, Seth Meyers

Sir Lion Unmasked: Billy Bush

THE MASKED SINGER Spaghetti and Meatballs

Michael Becker/FOX

Who is Spaghetti & Meatballs?

Clues for Spaghetti & Meatballs:

  • “Buongiorno! It’s me, Spaghetti & Meatballs. Throughout my career, I’ve worn many different hats searching for a life that’s full of flavor,” he says to start the first clue package
  • He started out on Wall Street chasing “the mighty dollar”
  • But when it got “stale” he raced after the “dough instead in a whole new industry”
  • Eventually he mastered “the secret recipe to success”
  • He’s shown clinking together salt and pepper shakers
  • Biggest lesson he’s learned: You don’t want to die young in a path you don’t love
  • So “spice things up” and the “pastabilities are endless”
  • He’s shown twirling pasta and on a gondola
  • A chef’s hat on a bench, a sign for “banca,” a breadstick, a red sports car toy, the Italian flag, salt and pepper, and a plate of pasta all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

  • First performance: “Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel
  • Billy Joel Night clue: A giant pizza with the word “showtime” on it. Of it, he says, “I spend a good portion of my time on a hit show.”

Judges' guesses for Spaghetti & Meatballs: Gordon Ramsay, Guy Fieri, Stanley Tucci, Bobby Flay

Spaghetti & Meatballs Unmasked: Joe Bastianich

THE MASKED SINGER: Afghan Hound.

Michael Becker / FOX

Who is Afghan Hound?

Clues for Afghan Hound:

  • “Just like the Lion, every single day I tell myself to be brave. When I was young, I would dream about what life could be like over the rainbow,” she says to start the first clue package
  • “And for my family and I, the dreams we dared to dream came true. Best of all we were together – until recently”
  • She says it was like “our whole house came crashing down,” and she found herself alone, lost, and “left to pick up the pieces”
  • But she wasn’t built to break, and kept going and laughing through the pain
  • She knows she’s not a singer, but says, “I want to make my family smile from afar, and that’s what’s giving me the courage to take this stage tonight”
  • A shark tooth necklace, a clothesline, a shirt with her face on it, a TV screen with her family together on it, a house key, a field of poppies, and a rainbow all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

  • First performance: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens
  • Who is she inspired by in The Wizard of Oz? “I would have to say the Cowardly Lion.”
  • Wizard of Oz Night clue: A badge of courage. Of it, she says, “Like the Lion, it takes courage to be on TV, especially with the characters of my family.”

Judges' guesses for Afghan Hound: Bethenny Frankel, Sistine Stallone, Olivia Jade, Brooke Hogan

Afghan Hound Unmasked: Savannah Chrisley

THE MASKED SINGER: Book
Book on 'The Masked Singer'.

Michael Becker / FOX

Who is Book?

Clues for Book:

  • “Of course I’m the Book! I have stories for days and a vocabulary that’s really — what’s the word? Good! And I owe it all to my ma,” he says to start the first clue package
  • Says his brother was a “troublemaker, a real crime novel,” so his mother had to “lay down the law on me”
  • This made him “good at everything — from school to sports”
  • But when it came to performing he was “abhorrent,” but he believed in himself: “And these days, I’m a bestseller, making over $4 billion at the box office — that’s a lot of paper”
  • Says he’s singing a song from last season’s champion with a mission to impress “one special friend”
  • The “crime” section of a library, a detective badge, a book called “Animals 101,” a neon sign for “Open Mic Night,” and a ghost all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

  • First performance: “So Sick” by Ne-Yo
  • Onstage clue: None (because he unmasks himself)

Judges' guesses for Book: None (because he unmasks himself)

Book Unmasked: Kevin Hart

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

Related content:

Related Articles