On a lively Saturday evening, the ITV reality show The Masked Singer hit a slight hiccup when one of the contestants, dressed as Toad In The Hole, stormed off stage. This dramatic moment unfolded after the panel of celebrity judges decided to save Bear, the contestant donning a Shakespearean-style outfit. The tension was palpable, but the show's charismatic host, Joel Dommett, quickly worked his magic, inviting the Toad back to the stage. What followed was an unforgettable reveal: the iconic American R&B singer Macy Gray, best known for her hit “I Try,” was the celebrity hiding behind the Toad costume!
If you're not familiar with The Masked Singer, it’s an exhilarating reality series where contestants perform in outlandish, often over-the-top costumes that obscure their identities. The mystery is half the fun! A panel of famous faces attempts to guess who’s hiding behind the masks while the audience and panelists vote on whether to keep the contestants around for another round. If a performer doesn’t get enough votes, they’re eliminated and, eventually, unmasked. It’s a guessing game of epic proportions, combining hilarious moments, incredible performances, and thrilling reveals.
For Macy Gray, a 57-year-old legend in the music world, her time on The Masked Singer was brief but unforgettable. During her unmasking, Dommett, with his signature humor, asked if she enjoyed the experience. Macy’s understated but cool response was a simple, “Yeah.” But her appearance was far from ordinary. Gray, who once performed on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2000 and 2003, has a musical resume that spans decades. She became a household name with her 1999 smash hit “I Try” and won a Grammy Award in 2001 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her soulful voice and unique style have always set her apart, so it was exciting to see her in such a different setting on the show.
The panel, which includes regulars like Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, and Davina McCall, had a blast guessing the identities of the masked contestants. In fact, Ross, in his usual witty manner, jokingly apologized to Macy for Dommett’s infamous shorts. Of course, the host took it all in stride, joking that he appreciated her presence on the show. These lighthearted moments, alongside the larger-than-life costumes, are part of what makes The Masked Singer so endearing. And let’s not forget how the show consistently attracts big names to its stage, creating a buzz each season.
As for the performances, this particular episode delivered a mix of surprises and incredible music. Macy Gray took center stage and delivered a smooth, soulful rendition of “Sunny” by Bobby Hebb, leaving the panel wondering if she could be the legendary Tracy Chapman. Mo Gilligan even threw out a guess, thinking she might be the folk and blues icon. But in the end, it was Gray who stunned everyone. Meanwhile, Bear, who gave off some serious Shakespearean vibes, wowed the panel with a performance of “Miami” by Will Smith, bringing some much-needed 90s nostalgia to the stage.
In addition to Macy Gray’s unmasking, the episode also saw a few more exciting moments. Bush, another masked contestant, showed off their vocal chops with a cover of “Hold My Hand” by Jess Glynne, while the mysterious Pufferfish performed “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper, which Maya Jama, the new panellist, described as “stunning.” And let's not forget about Wolf, who brought the house down with a performance of “Copacabana (At the Copa)” by Barry Manilow. It was a true showcase of different genres and talents, which is what makes the show so thrilling for viewers.
Another fun guessing game took place with the Wolf’s performance. Special guest Suranne Jones threw out a bold guess, thinking the Wolf could be Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet. However, Davina McCall wasn’t so sure and leaned toward Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran. This back-and-forth among the panellists is part of the charm of the show, where each guess seems more outlandish than the last, keeping audiences engaged and laughing throughout the night.
As the competition narrowed down, Bear and Toad In The Hole had to perform again. The stakes were high—who would stay and who would be unmasked? Bear took on “Stay” by The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber, while Toad In The Hole sang “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette. The panelists had to make the tough call to save Bear, leaving Toad In The Hole to be revealed. When the time came to take off the mask, the big reveal was a showstopper, but it was still Macy Gray who left her mark on the stage.
In previous weeks, The Masked Singer had already seen some big reveals, including the unmasking of Sir Mo Farah, who was hiding inside the costume of none other than the show’s host, Joel Dommett! The twists and turns keep coming, and each episode offers a new set of surprises and exciting performances. It's a reality show that blends music, mystery, and humor in a way that's hard to match.
If you’re looking to tune in, The Masked Singer airs every Saturday night on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and the STV Player. Harriet Rose, the host of The After Mask, also adds another layer of excitement, providing behind-the-scenes insight and interviews with the stars on ITVX and YouTube. If you want to stay in the loop and get the best stories sent straight to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe to one of the newsletters from The Standard.
Whether you’re a fan of The Masked Singer or just love a good mystery, this show has something for everyone. Between the wild costumes, the suspenseful reveals, and the talented artists who keep us guessing, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves a good dose of entertainment. The thrill of the chase, the music, and the occasional celebrity face-off makes it an unforgettable Saturday night experience.
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