The Masked Singer Season 12, Episode 3: “Soundtrack of My Life Night”
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains details about Season 12, Episode 3 of The Masked Singer, titled “Soundtrack of My Life Night,” which aired on October 9 on Fox.
As the third episode of The Masked Singer unfolds, fans are treated to a night filled with nostalgia and musical tributes. The theme, “Soundtrack of My Life Night,” sets the stage for contestants to perform songs that resonate deeply with their personal journeys. The excitement is palpable as viewers eagerly anticipate the unmasking of the celebrities behind the elaborate costumes.
The Unmasking: Paula Cole and Marsai Martin
In a thrilling twist, the episode reveals two eliminated contestants: singer Paula Cole and actress Marsai Martin. Cole, known for her iconic hits like “I Don’t Want to Wait,” famously used as the theme song for Dawson’s Creek, was hidden under the Ship costume. Meanwhile, Martin, recognized for her role in Black-ish, performed as the Woodpecker.
The panelists had their guesses, with Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg correctly identifying Cole as the Ship. Ken Jeong speculated it was Alanis Morissette, while Robin Thicke thought it might be Amy Lee from Evanescence. Rita Ora suggested Sarah McLachlan, showcasing the panel’s diverse range of guesses.
Paula Cole’s Experience on the Show
Reflecting on her experience, Cole shared her initial hesitations about participating in the show. “I did not know about the show,” she admitted. “They approached me, and I had to kind of check my snobbery at the door.” After watching a few episodes, she embraced the fun and joy of the competition. Cole expressed her fondness for the Ship costume, stating, “I felt agency and some power in her and I loved dancing. I loved my anonymity behind her mask.”
Conversely, no one on the panel guessed Marsai Martin’s identity as the Woodpecker. Thicke guessed Liza Koshy, while Ora named Keke Palmer, Jeong suggested Quinta Brunson, and McCarthy-Wahlberg opted for Tatyana Ali.
The Performances: A Musical Journey
The night kicked off with an energetic performance of “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco, featuring the Buffalos, Ship, and Woodpecker. The Woodpecker was the first to be eliminated, leading to a face-off between the Ship and Buffalos, who performed “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac. Ultimately, the Ship was voted out, allowing the Buffalos to advance to the quarterfinals.
Spotlight on the Contestants
Ship
- Song: “Because the Night” by Patti Smith Group
- Panel Guesses: Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones, Joan Osbourne, Paula Cole
- Time Capsule Clue: A note from LeAnn Rimes congratulating the Ship on a best new artist win in 1998.
- Voiceover Insight: The Ship shared a personal story about overcoming hardships and the thrill of pursuing a music career.
Woodpecker
- Song: “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae
- Panel Guesses: Liza Koshy, Quinta Brunson, Tatyana Ali
- Time Capsule Clue: A tree trunk.
- Voiceover Insight: The Woodpecker paid tribute to her family, highlighting the strong women who inspired her musical journey.
Buffalos
- Song: “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve
- Panel Guesses: B2K, Boyz II Men, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Black Eyed Peas
- Time Capsule Clue: A “halftime show” t-shirt.
- Voiceover Insight: The Buffalos shared a heartfelt message about loss and the importance of family, dedicating their performance to a beloved figure in their lives.
Season 12 Highlights
Returning for Season 12 are host Nick Cannon and panelists Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Robin Thicke, with Rita Ora filling in for Nicole Scherzinger. This season promises exciting themed episodes, including tributes to Mattel’s Barbie, the film Footloose, and a special episode honoring Miley Cyrus. New elements include strategically embedded clues in costumes and song choices, enhancing the mystery for viewers.
The season features 15 contestants in imaginative costumes such as Ship, Leaf Sheep, Woodpecker, and Buffalos, each bringing their unique flair to the competition. The “Ding Dong Keep It On” bell returns, allowing one singer across the three group finals to be saved, adding another layer of suspense to the unfolding drama.
As the competition heats up, fans can look forward to more surprises and unforgettable performances in the episodes to come. The journey of The Masked Singer continues, captivating audiences with its blend of mystery, music, and celebrity intrigue.
