The Masked Singer (2019–…): Season 8, Episode 1 - A Royal Season Premiere - full transcript
( indistinct radio chatter )
Four years ago,
a secret game began.
"The Masked Singer!"
116 celebrities played,
but only seven wore the crown.
Tonight a new game
of "The Masked Singer" begins.
26 celebrities
have been plucked from
their star-studded lives,
stripped of their fame,
good looks,
their limos, yachts,
and private jets...
- ( shouting )
- Hey!
...and delivered
to the most secure place
in television history...
- Hey!
- ( squeals )
...where they'll sing
for their lives under the mask.
- Epic, epic!
- Who is under that mask?
But this season,
there's a whole new twist.
Each week,
only one secret celebrity
will move on as king or queen,
while the rest will be forced
to reveal themselves.
- Who will be unmasked...
- Who is this?
...and who will reign supreme?
- ( vocalizing )
- It's a cutthroat season.
- It's vicious.
- ( vocalizing )
It's "Masked Singer"
season eight!
Let the games begin.
- Whoo!
- Yes!
- ♪ Who are you?
- Season eight!
- Wow.
- Whoo!
- Yeah!
- Wow.
- This audience
is looking sharp.
- Yeah!
And we are rolling deep
in star power,
major players,
and A-list talent.
And speaking of A-listers,
panel, how y'all doing?
- Yeah!
- Missed you, Nick!
- I missed you guys.
- I missed you too, Daddy.
This season will be like
nothing you've seen before.
- We've got more
celebrities than ever.
- Whoo! Yeah!
All of them are vying
for the most prestigious award
in the business,
the Golden Mask Trophy.
- Whoo!
- But in each show,
only one of them
makes it through
to the next episode
as the king or queen
of "Masked Singer."
That's new, guys.
That's pretty cool, right?
- Very cool!
- So let's get this
premiere party started.
First up, and ready to strike
a chord, it's the Harp.
♪ I just wanna be,
wanna be somebody ♪
- Whoo!
- Yes!
- Oh, my gosh!
- Wow, the Harp.
- ♪ Somebody
- Oh, she's gorgeous.
- Majestic.
- Right?
- Royal.
- Almost like an angelic harp.
- Royal.
- She looks young.
She's got grace.
She's got class.
- She's got stage presence.
- Wow. Glamorous.
- Right?
- Beautiful.
Who's the plucky celebrity
hiding in the harp?
Well, let's go looking
for some clues.
Y'all check it out.
I can't believe I'm here
on premiere night,
but I am telling you,
life does have a funny way
of putting you exactly
where you need to be.
When I was a teenager,
I auditioned for
the biggest show in the world.
- Both: The biggest show?
- Like "American Idol?"
It was my dream,
but I didn't fit the mold
and was turned down.
I was devastated,
but I knew I had to keep going.
It was my uniqueness
that later landed me
the opportunity
of a lifetime...
...and became an idol
for anyone
that felt like an outsider.
- A witch hat.
- "Wicked"?
Or "Harry Potter."
The nos in my life
made me stronger,
but I'm not taking no
for an answer tonight.
♪ Made a wrong turn
♪ Once or twice
♪ Dug my way out
♪ Blood and fire
♪ Bad decisions
♪ That's all right
♪ Welcome to my silly life
♪ Mistreated, misplaced,
misunderstood ♪
♪ Miss knowing it's all good
♪ It didn't slow me down
- Season eight chills.
- ♪ Mistaken
♪ Always second guessing
♪ Underestimated
♪ Look, I'm still around
♪ Pretty, pretty please
♪ Don't you ever, ever feel
♪ Like you're less than
♪ Less than perfect
♪ Pretty, pretty please
♪ If you ever, ever feel
♪ Like you're nothing
♪ You are perfect
♪ To me
♪ You're so mean
♪ When you talk
♪ About yourself
♪ You were wrong
♪ So complicated
♪ Look happy, you'll make it
( vocalizing )
♪ Such a tired game
♪ Yeah
♪ Don't you feel
- Yes!
- Oh, my God!
♪ Yeah, pretty, pretty please
♪ If you ever, ever feel
♪ Like you're nothing
♪ You're perfect
♪ To me
♪ You're perfect
♪ To me
Wow. Whoo! Whoo!
All right.
- Nick: Wow.
- Who is this?
Talk about
a beautiful instrument.
Right? What a way to open up
the show on season eight!
With a legend, obviously.
I mean, everything is bigger--
the audience, the talent.
That was out of the park.
See you at the finale.
Yeah, you were beyond powerful.
You command that stage.
I was just in awe.
I cannot wait
to see who you are.
All right, well,
I have the first
onstage clue of the season,
and we're gonna
announce the clue
in the tradition
of an award show.
First clue question is,
Harp, what accomplishment
in your incredible career
are you the most proud of?
I think maybe the award
I won for my acting.
No, no, no, no, no.
Actually, the one I won
for my singing.
Wait, no, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no.
It's probably the one
for my comedy
because I got to share that
with my besties.
- No way!
- Comedy?
- What the heck?
- Wow, so are you guys
picking up on any clues?
Man, when I think
of a triple threat
that could have an award
in music and in acting
and in comedy,
I would think Queen Latifah.
- Oh!
- Oh, yes. Good guess.
- They like that, Robin.
- Robin: Because
she's won a Grammy.
- Oscar-nominated.
- That's a good guess.
I'm getting good at this game
eight seasons later.
Well, you know,
when I heard "auditioned for
the biggest show on Earth,"
I immediately was thinking
"American Idol,"
- like a Jordin Sparks.
- Nicole: Yeah.
- Jenny:
Even like a Fantasia.
- Oh!
Ken: Well, speaking
of "American Idol,"
this could be Jennifer Hudson.
- All right.
- Robin: Wow. Yeah.
She has done everything.
But the comedy clue to me...
- Yeah.
- ...she was in my favorite
movie of all time,
"Sex in the City 1."
Let me finish.
That's your favorite movie
of all time?
It is my favorite movie
of all time
because there was sex
and there were cities,
- and I loved it.
- Jenny: Oh, my gosh.
That's probably the best guess
you've ever given though, Ken.
- Thank you, Mommy.
- Like, tying all
the clues together.
It'll go to his head,
and we just started.
Nick:
Well, we did just start,
but it is off to a great start
and an amazing performance.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please give it up
one more time for the Harp!
Harp, you can head on back
to the lair.
We'll see you
a little bit later.
Season eight.
We're back, baby.
- Yes!
- Yeah.
Let's go!
Nick: Tonight
for the first time ever...
We're gonna boldly go where
you've never been before.
...four performers,
three unmaskings...
- Oh, my God!
- And only one moves on
as the king or queen
of "The Masked Singer."
- ( screaming )
- Can you feel the love tonight?
- ♪ Who is that?
- Whoo!
Welcome back
to "The Masked Singer"
season eight premiere.
- Whoo!
- And it's time
for our next singer.
- It's the Hedgehog.
- Hedgehog?
♪ I like to move it, move it,
I like to move it, move it ♪
- He's huge!
- He's tall.
♪ Move it, move it,
you like to move it ♪
♪ I like to move it, move it,
I like to move it, move it ♪
Get it, Hedgehog.
He's got a little rhythm.
He's got a little move.
♪ You like to move it
He's loveable.
Me and the Hedgehog
got some similar swag,
I see. Okay.
It's time for some
super spiky Hedgehog clues.
Ken, let's see if you're sharp
enough to catch these.
I'm not.
It's so special
to be here tonight,
but this isn't
my first big premiere.
Some say this show is mad.
This is probably
one of the more normal things
that I've ever done.
Let's just say
I've been naked in "Playboy."
I'm a part of one of
the biggest groups of all time.
Maybe a famous guitarist,
like a Keith Richards.
We've sold out
the Hollywood Bowl,
Sydney Opera House,
and I've even been a part
of the Olympics.
I not only have
a cult following,
but also a celebrity following.
Bradley Cooper, Jimmy Fallon,
Kate Beckinsale,
Tina Fey, Elon Musk,
they're all fans.
A knight. Maybe someone
from "Saturday Night Live."
I'm here to sing you
a little song
and give you a big laugh,
just like I did that one time
with the Queen.
Cheers to season eight.
( whistling )
- Yeah!
- Oh, my God! Look!
Oh!
Yeah!
♪ Love, love me do
♪ You know I love you
♪ I'll always be true
- Who is that?
- ♪ So please
♪ Love me do
♪ Oh, yeah, love me
♪ Love, love me do
♪ You know I love you
♪ I'll always be true
♪ So please
♪ Love me do
You hear an accent?
I hear a little accent.
♪ Someone to love
♪ Somebody new
♪ Someone to love
♪ Someone like you
♪ Love, love me do
♪ You know I love you
♪ I'll always be true
♪ So please
♪ Love me do
♪ Whoa, love me now
♪ Yeah, yeah,
love me, love me ♪
( vocalizing )
Yes!
That was amazing!
Yeah!
The Hedgehog definitely
brought that sonic boom.
Great job. Classic.
Seriously, we've never
had a band ever on the show
on all of the seasons.
It felt electric.
Didn't they sound amazing?
Robin: Yeah.
Let me tell you, Hedgehog,
I dug it.
- ( Ken laughs )
- Nick: Yeah.
So any idea who could be
inside the Hedgehog?
- I got some clues.
- I love a good clue, Nick.
- We need some help.
- All right, let's see
what we got here.
All right, Hedgehog,
you have had such
an accomplished career.
Which award
means the most to you?
Well, I won
a Tony and a Grammy.
- Oh.
- Won a Tony and a Grammy.
- Yes, sir.
- Does that help?
I feel like this is just
staring at me in the face.
This could be
Ringo Starr himself,
because "Love Me Do"
sounds exactly like--
hear me out.
- How dare you?
- That's a good guess...
- Sold out the Hollywood Bowl.
- ...for him.
- Legendary group. Okay.
- Give him a little credit.
Okay, I'll change that guess.
It's not Ringo Starr.
- It's Elton John.
There you go.
- Robin: Yeah!
- Jenny: Oh, my God.
- That's what you get.
That's what you get.
On three,
let's get a "No, Ken."
One, two, three!
All: No, Ken!
Nick: So, Robin,
who do you think it is?
You know, the British voice,
and there was a snake,
and I'm a huge
Monty Python fan.
Me, too.
And it could be Eric Idle
from Monty Python.
- That's a good guess.
- See, I was thinking
- it could be John Cleese
or Michael Palin.
- Wow.
- He said there was
a cult following.
- Oh, all right.
We keep thinking, 'cause
it's got a British accent,
this guy is British,
but we've been fooled
so many times.
He could be from Florida,
you know?
Okay, I'm gonna pretend
I didn't just hear that
and I'm gonna still go off
the British clues
right now if that's okay.
And when I think
of Great Britain,
I think of one
of my favorite movies.
It took place in London.
- "Love Actually."
- Jenny: Ah.
I think this could be though,
because he's hilarious
and I love him,
he played the rock star
in "Love Actually."
- Yeah.
- Bill Nighy.
- Do you remember him?
- Bill Nighy's a genius.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- He's brilliant.
Absolutely.
Great guesses up there, y'all.
Keep it going for the Hedgehog.
Hedgehog, Hedgehog!
All: Hedgehog, Hedgehog,
Hedgehog, Hedgehog, Hedgehog!
Hedgehog, Hedgehog, Hedgehog,
Hedgehog, Hedgehog!
So let me get this right.
Three people go home tonight?
Now it's three people go home
and only person moves on.
- Wow.
- It's like a new multiverse.
Totally!
♪ Who is that?
♪ Who is that?
Welcome back to "Masked Singer."
Season premiere is off
and running.
Now remember, from all
of tonight's singers,
only one moves on
to compete next week.
And up next,
it's the Hummingbird.
Oh, look at that
fabulous number.
Whoa, look at those wings.
- He moves okay.
- The Tex-Mex Hummingbird.
Looks like the Hummingbird's
been in my closet.
I'm excited for the kickoff
of season eight
because I promise you
this Hummingbird knows a thing
or two about competition.
- It's in my DNA.
- Jenny: Ooh.
- DNA. Family.
- He's in the family.
- It's in the family.
- I got my start with
the help of Shaq
and formed a patriotic team
that felt like family.
Football cleats.
We got Tom Brady?
Hummingbird:
Together we dominated
the Super Bowl.
My career has been a revelation,
but I'm only human,
and I'm so nervous
to step on that stage tonight.
But here we go.
I guess it's all or nothing.
♪ I don't need to be
anything other ♪
♪ Than a prison guard's son
♪ I don't need
to be anything other ♪
♪ Than a specialist's son
♪ I don't have
to be anyone other ♪
♪ Than the birth
of two souls in one ♪
♪ Don't know where I'm going
♪ But I know
where I'm coming from ♪
♪ I don't wanna be
anything other ♪
♪ Than what I've been
tryna be lately ♪
♪ All I have to do
is think of me ♪
♪ And have peace of mind
♪ I'm tired of looking
round rooms ♪
♪ Wondering what
I've got to do ♪
♪ Or who I'm supposed to be
♪ I don't wanna be anything
other than me ♪
All right.
♪ I came from the mountain
♪ The crust of creation
♪ My whole situation is paved
with clay and stone ♪
♪ And now
I'm telling everybody ♪
♪ I don't wanna be
anything other ♪
♪ Than what I've been
tryna be lately ♪
♪ All I have to do
is think of me ♪
♪ And I have peace of mind
- Yes!
- ♪ I'm tired of looking
round rooms ♪
♪ Wondering what
I've got to do ♪
♪ Or who I'm supposed to be
♪ I don't wanna be anything
other than me ♪
Talking about keeping it fly.
Giving us
some good rock vibes.
Panel, talk to the Hummingbird.
Robin:
Man, that was awesome, man.
You know, I think it
was a great song choice.
Got everybody hyped up.
Great job. Great job.
All right, maybe another
awards style clue
could help us out, right?
All the help we can get.
The clue is, Hummingbird,
what in your
golden trophy room
- do you cherish the most?
- What I cherish the most
is my special awards
that are out of this world.
They're not exactly golden,
they're silver,
but that doesn't mean
second place.
Mm. I don't know.
This is screaming out,
like, a football legend,
someone who's won
two Super Bowl rings.
Someone like Peyton Manning,
who has football in his DNA.
Father Archie Manning,
Super Bowl,
and he was friends with Shaq,
and if you look at his face,
it kinda like Peyton Manning.
So I think I'm right.
Can I get a "No, Ken," on three?
One, two, three.
All: No, Ken!
Okay, let me finish.
Or I think this could be
the greatest of all time.
He just got fined for not
showing up to training camp
because he is here
on "The Masked Singer."
This is seven-time
Super Bowl winner Tom Brady.
- Tom, welcome to
"The Masked Singer!"
- Jenny: Wow!
- That would be incredible.
- Yes.
Well, I'll roll off of that.
Football clues, you know,
two rings,
and there was a cowboy hat.
- I'm thinking Deion Sanders.
- Jenny: Right?
Prime Time!
But this guy
could be a singer.
Like a Rob Thomas,
do you know what I mean?
Or Uncle Kracker.
What's that guy from Nickelback?
- Chad?
- Chad Kroeger.
Yes! Why not?
He could really sing.
- He's pretty good.
- Yeah.
Nick: All right,
well, you know what?
Those are a lot of good guesses,
and we had a great performance.
Y'all keep it going
for the Hummingbird.
Great job, Peyton.
Flutter on backstage,
Hummingbird.
I'm kinda stumped.
That's a tough one.
That's a tough one.
Season eight, you know
this is a mega star.
I wanna know who that is.
♪ Who is that?
♪ Who is that?
Welcome back
to our season eight
premiere party.
- Whoo!
- Yeah!
And it's time for
our final singer, the Knight!
- Oh!
- Oh!
- Look at that!
- What is that?
- He's so regal! So strong!
- What is that?
He's not--
he's not the tallest guy.
Is that a duck?
- Wow.
- Wow.
- ( Knight laughs )
- Oh, my God.
- All right.
- That is hilarious.
Knight just came in
on a golden goose.
Wow. Whoa, whoa!
It's violent, too.
All right, Knight.
- ( Knight laughs )
- Here are some clues.
I can't believe it's taken me
eight seasons to be
on "The Masked Singer."
I was holding out
for the hosting gig,
but Nick keeps having babies,
- so I guess
he isn't going anywhere.
- ( squawking )
Now I'm supposed to list off
why I'm so famous.
Stuff like
I'm Shakespearian trained,
that I'm on multiple
walks of fame
and I've done stage,
TV, starred in movies,
and worked with George Lucas,
even released albums.
Solar system.
Neil deGrasse Tyson?
I've done a great deal,
but there some things
I've never done.
I've never thrown a chair
on national TV.
It was two chairs.
What can I say?
I'm a passionate man.
Police badge.
It could be a movie detective,
like a Warren Beatty.
I've never sold a body part
for profit.
It was a charitable donation.
And I've never
mounted a golden goose
while singing showtunes,
but there's a first time
for everything. Giddy up!
♪ Have you seen
the well-to-do ♪
♪ Up and down Park Avenue
♪ On that famous thoroughfare
♪ With their noses in the air
♪ High hats and narrow collars
♪ White spats
and lots of dollars ♪
♪ Spending every dime
for a wonderful time ♪
♪ If you're blue
and you don't know
where to go to ♪
♪ Why don't you go
where fashion sits ♪
♪ Puttin' on the ritz
♪ Different types
who wear a day coat ♪
♪ Pants with stripes
and cutaway coat ♪
♪ Perfect fits
♪ Puttin' on the ritz
♪ Puttin' on the ritz
♪ Dressed up like
a million dollar trouper ♪
The voice is like
a voice-over voice.
- Familiar.
- Yes!
♪ Trying to look
like Gary Cooper ♪
♪ Super duper
♪ Dips his hat
just like an English chappie ♪
♪ To a lady
with a wealthy pappy ♪
♪ Very snappy
♪ You'll declare it's simply
topping to be there ♪
♪ And hear them
swapping smart tidbits ♪
♪ Puttin' on the ritz
♪ Yeah, puttin' on the ritz
- Yeah!
- All right. All right.
- Putting on the ritz is right.
- Yeah, come on!
Wow. Talking about
making it a night!
- ( Knight laughs )
- We love to see it.
- Awesome job.
- I don't even know
what's going on right now,
- but I'm here for it.
- But it's amazing, ain't it?
The madness, I love it.
First of all, let me say
your actual tone is a vibe.
I just wanna squeeze your
little knight thighs right now.
I know,
and they're so spread out.
I mean, he's so limber.
Maybe another-- stop!
Why are you chasing me?
- You are ridiculous.
- I'm dying here!
Watch you putting
this beak, man.
Maybe another hint will shed
some light on the Knight.
All right,
I got a clue here, man.
Put your goose away.
- Oh, my--
- I'm gonna--
- we're gonna be serious
for a second.
- Yes, I'm serious.
I've tried to be funny
and that didn't work,
so I'll be serious.
What do you cherish more,
the big awards
or the small ones?
- I love all the awards.
Every single one of them.
- Ah.
The big ones, the small ones.
I got a little teeny one
from my native country.
I got it embedded in my chest.
- Ken: What?
- You know the vibes I'm getting
is like a male version
of a Betty White.
- Betty White? Betty White?
- I didn't say it! She did!
- I'm saying it.
I'm saying it, but--
- She said Betty White, not me.
- Why are you hitting me
with the duck?
- She's too far away!
- Oh, my God.
- Ken: Look at the clue.
It's staring you
right in the face.
It's a Knight. He's riding it.
It could be
Mr. "Knight Rider" himself,
- David Hasselhoff!
- Oh, no, no! No, it's not!
- Robin: No.
- Ken: There you go.
- My good friend--
- No, let me get this.
I'm good friends
with the Hoff.
- Ken: He looks
himself exactly--
- ( crowd jeering )
- Thank you.
- Now, wait a minute.
David Hasselhoff
is very tall, Ken.
But this outfit is designed
where his actual head
is where the goose is
- and his buttocks is where
the Knight's head is.
- ( jeering continues )
So he's inverted
and collapsing on himself.
This kid's like seven,
and he was booing you.
- Sit your ass down.
- Wow.
To me, those clues
were kinda leading towards
you know, the solar system,
"Star Trek,"
William Shakespeare,
William Shatner.
- Ken: Oh, good guess.
- Nicole: Ooh.
- Ken: Loving it.
- Jenny: Could be.
Nick: Why you giving
William Shatner a thumbs down?
Nobody gives William Shatner
a thumbs down.
- Any other guesses?
- Well, you know,
I'm all over the place here.
First I saw throwing chairs,
I'm thinking Jerry Springer.
- You know what I mean?
Somebody like that.
- Ken: Good guess.
And then I saw the covers
'cause there was a cassette tape
that said "covers" on them.
I'm thinking Weird Al Yankovic,
- But he's taller than that.
- Jenny: Right?
They like that one, Robin.
Jenny: We don't know
who you are obviously,
but those are respectable names.
Those are some high level names.
Either way, you got my goose,
but I got to get
control of this show.
Give it up for the Knight
one more time, y'all.
Who is this?
Men In Black,
please come help me out.
Go put that goose somewhere.
Okay, you've seen four
incredible performances.
Studio audience, panel,
in just a moment, I'll ask you
to vote for your favorite.
For the very first time,
the character
with the most votes
will be crowned king or queen
of "The Masked Singer."
The other three
will be unmasked
and head back
to their glorious mansions.
- Whoo!
- Everyone, voting opens now.
- Whoo!
- Oh!
Get ready for the results
and the first unmasking
of the season.
It's "The Masked Singer."
We'll be right back.
♪ Who is that?
Welcome back to
"The Masked Singer" premiere.
- Yes!
- It's time to unmask
the first singer
of season eight.
Have the strings been cut
on the Harp?
- No!
- Is it time to flutter home
- for the Hummingbird?
- Not the Hummingbird.
Is it time to say nighty-night
to the Knight?
- Robin: Oh!
- Oh!
Was he on point, or were
the spikes not sharp enough
for the Hedgehog?
( crowd cheering, shouting )
The results are in.
- The first singer
of season eight...
- The first one to go home.
- ...to get unmasked...
- Oh, no.
- Oh, man.
- Oh, my God.
Nick: ...is...
Oh! It's too soon.
- The Knight.
- Oh, my God!
The rest of you head on back
to the lair and await your fate.
Y'all keep it going
for the Knight.
Make some noise.
Nick:
We hate to see you go,
but we are excited
to see who you are.
- Yeah.
- Who is this?
I definitely believe
it's a big name under this mask.
Knight, where--
where are you going, man?
I'm trying to fly away.
Calm down.
Control your duck.
Panel,
I need your final guesses.
Ken: It is so clear to me
and the audience
he is authentically riding
that goose.
He is a knight.
He is "Knight Rider."
- This is David Hasselhoff.
- Yes.
- I don't know what
you're talking about.
- How dare you?
- How dare you?
- The boos just
make me so happy.
- What?
- I'm thinking that
all of the clues
pointed to William Shatner.
We've got the solar system.
We got William Shakespeare.
I think it's
William Shatner, baby.
- Hello, Captain Kirk!
- Robin: That's a good guess.
- Nick: Nicole?
- The clues are leaning towards
John Lithgow to me.
Brilliant actor.
And I'm sorry, has anyone
ever seen "The Crown"?
That's right.
He played Churchill,
and he's a knight!
- I love her dedication.
- All right. Robin?
This is a very weird costume,
and I saw the cassettes
and the "cover,"
and I'm thinking
this could be Weird Al.
All right.
Okay, panel, you've made
your final guesses.
- Yes.
- Let's see if any of you
are right.
- Knight, you know
what time it is.
- All: Take it off!
- Take it off!
- ♪ Who are you?
- Take it off!
- ♪ Who, who, who, who?
Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off! Take it off!
- Take it off!
- Who is it?
The one and only
legendary actor, author,
Emmy and Golden Globe winner,
- William Shatner!
- Nicole: William Shatner!
We are not worthy!
Shatner's in the building!
- Legendary.
- Yeah, yeah.
- Thank you.
- You are royalty.
What was it like
being the Knight tonight?
Oh, here he goes--
you don't--
Take it. Whatever.
You're William Shatner.
- You do whatever you wanna do.
- That's right.
It was horrible.
I can't tell you
how horrible it was.
I couldn't see anything.
I can't walk.
The noise was deafening.
The mask was obliterating.
- Oh, was that fun.
- Oh, my God.
- Yes!
- We love you, man.
- Well, we had fun.
- Robin, what were
you wanna say?
I was gonna say
I was lucky enough
to have Mr. Shatner
as a family friend
of my father's for many years.
- I knew him when he was...
- Yeah.
- You could sing even then.
- Thank you, Will.
Thank you. Miss you.
Well, Mr. Shatner,
thank you for doing
our little old show.
- No kidding! Starstruck.
- Thank you! Thank you!
And you're sticking
around with us.
We gonna put you in the VIP.
You gonna get to see
everybody else.
- Give it up
for William Shatner!
- Oh, where am I going?
I mean, that was
actually William Shatner.
I can't believe it.
- He's a 91-year-old
living legend.
- Right?
That was amazing.
Okay, let's check in backstage.
Harp, Hummingbird,
and Hedgehog,
one of you will return next week
as king or queen.
The other two will
return to their respective
celebrity compounds.
The next singer
to be unmasked is...
The Hedgehog.
Nick: Come on out here,
Hedgehog.
All: Hedgehog, Hedgehog,
Hedgehog, Hedgehog, Hedgehog!
Nick: Hedgehog,
we hate to see you go,
but we're excited
to see who you are.
But before we get to that,
panelists, I need
your final guesses.
I'm still sticking with
my "Love Actually" cast.
I'm doubling down on Bill Nighy.
- I love this guy.
- Robin: Bill Nighy.
Ken, you're shaking
your head no.
Yeah, the clues were all about
being UK royalty,
especially with
the Queen of England image,
so this is either Prince Harry,
which just came to me just now.
- Robin: You could just--
- Okay, all right,
you don't like that?
- It's Elton John.
- Robin: Let that go
right on by.
- Don't like that either.
- Unlike you,
I'm still standing.
This tiny dancer is Elton John.
- Nick: Robin?
- I saw the suit of armor,
and I'm thinking "Monty Python
and the Holy Grail."
I think this is Eric Idle.
I think "Monty Python" also,
but I'm thinking John Cleese.
He's been photographed
with the Queen.
- He's won a ton of awards.
- Yeah.
I think we're on the same
wavelength, but I really
think it's John Cleese.
- Different vocal tones.
- Nick: Okay, panel.
You've given us
your final guesses.
Let's see if any of you
are correct.
Hedgehog, we gotta know,
who are you?
- Who are you, Hedgehog?
- Who is it?
- Audience, say it with me.
- Jenny: Tell us now!
- Robin: Hedgehog!
- Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off! Take it off!
- Robin: Who is it?
- Take it off!
- Come on, Eric! Monty Python!
- Take it off!
All: Take it off!
Take it off!
- ♪ Tell me, who are you?
- Take it off! Take it off!
- ♪ Are you
- Take it off!
Oh, my God!
♪ Who is that?
Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off!
Jenny: It's like
back to back action!
Take it off! Take it off!
- Take it off! Take it off!
- Who is it? Come on, Eric!
- Take it off!
- Monty Python!
- ♪ Come on, tell me,
who are you? ♪
- Take it off!
♪ Are you
- Oh!
- Robin Thicke was right!
- Yes! I knew the voice.
I knew the voice.
- Come on, Robin!
Nick: The legendary Eric Idle!
I guess it was hot
under there, huh?
It's a little hot
in there, yeah,
and actually this is
John Cleese's real body.
- Robin, you got it right.
- Robin Thicke.
Thank you. Thank you.
My father was the biggest
Monty Python fan,
and he turned me onto you guys
when I was about ten years old.
- I've seen every
Monty Python movie.
- Me, too.
- I've even shown them
to my son now.
- Aww.
I'm a huge fan,
and I know your voice like
the back of my hand.
- Well, thank you.
- Nicole: Aww.
Truly a comedic genius,
a legend.
Is there anything
you want to say to your fans
at home or to our panel?
And so I wrote to him
and asked him if I could do it.
- Oh, wow.
- I had a letter back saying,
"Yes, you can do the song,
but would you please tell me
what show it is
so I can make sure
to avoid it?"
Nick: Well, you did
an outstanding job.
Here to perform unmasked
once and for all
with a song
I think we all know
from the iconic film,
"The Life of Brian,"
the artist formerly known
as the Hedgehog,
- it's the legendary Eric Idle!
- Whoo!
♪ Some things in life are bad
♪ They can really make you mad
♪ Other things just make you
swear and curse ♪
♪ When you're chewing
on life's gristle ♪
♪ Don't grumble,
give a whistle ♪
♪ And this'll help things
turn out for the best ♪
♪ And
♪ Always look on
the bright side of life ♪
- Aw.
- Wow. Yes!
Oh, yes.
♪ Always look on
the light side of life ♪
( whistling )
♪ If life seems jolly rotten
♪ There's something
you've forgotten ♪
♪ And that's to laugh and smile
and dance and sing ♪
♪ When you're feeling
in the dumps ♪
♪ Don't be silly chumps
♪ Just purse your lips
and whistle, that's the thing ♪
♪ And always look on
the bright side of life ♪
Come on.
( whistling )
Hey! ♪ Always look on
the bright side of life ♪
( whistling )
- Oh, I love you!
- Whoo!
- Yes! Love you!
- Keep it going for Eric Idle.
- We love you!
- Head over to our
VIP section, Mr. Idle.
( fanfare )
Announcer:
It's time for the king
or queen to be crowned.
Now get your brick on!
Oh, oop--
sorry, wrong show.
I, uh-- here.
You mind holding this?
I've gotta get over
to "Lego Masters."
I'm up next, so--
you guys don't care.
Nick: Get out of here, Will.
Okay, back to business.
It's our premiere extravaganza,
and we are at a crucial point.
Who gets the crown
and who gets the boot?
Let's get the Harp
and the Hummingbird on out here.
- Oh, this is so cutthroat!
- Wow.
( fanfare )
- This is a finale energy.
- It is. It is.
Okay.
According to the votes cast by
our panel and studio audience,
the first king or queen
of season eight is...
Oh, boy.
Oh, man.
This is so intense.
This is the most intense
premiere ever.
- The Harp!
- Nicole: Yeah!
There it is.
Queen Harp, you're coming back.
Oh, look, we got
the whole royal setup for you.
And, Queen Harp,
you will definitely
be back here next week
to compete against
two brand new singers.
But for now you can
head on back, rest up,
hit the lair
for some royal treatment.
And while we are still
showing love,
y'all make some noise
for Hummingbird.
- Hummingbird!
- Yay!
We are so sorry to see you go.
But we can't wait
to see who you are!
Who is Hummingbird?
Take it off!
- What?
- No!
Who saw that coming?
You know, when they told me
I had to wear a mask,
I thought they meant
a face mask.
What a way to earn a living.
Four years ago,
a secret game began.
"The Masked Singer!"
116 celebrities played,
but only seven wore the crown.
Tonight a new game
of "The Masked Singer" begins.
26 celebrities
have been plucked from
their star-studded lives,
stripped of their fame,
good looks,
their limos, yachts,
and private jets...
- ( shouting )
- Hey!
...and delivered
to the most secure place
in television history...
- Hey!
- ( squeals )
...where they'll sing
for their lives under the mask.
- Epic, epic!
- Who is under that mask?
But this season,
there's a whole new twist.
Each week,
only one secret celebrity
will move on as king or queen,
while the rest will be forced
to reveal themselves.
- Who will be unmasked...
- Who is this?
...and who will reign supreme?
- ( vocalizing )
- It's a cutthroat season.
- It's vicious.
- ( vocalizing )
It's "Masked Singer"
season eight!
Let the games begin.
- Whoo!
- Yes!
- ♪ Who are you?
- Season eight!
- Wow.
- Whoo!
- Yeah!
- Wow.
- This audience
is looking sharp.
- Yeah!
And we are rolling deep
in star power,
major players,
and A-list talent.
And speaking of A-listers,
panel, how y'all doing?
- Yeah!
- Missed you, Nick!
- I missed you guys.
- I missed you too, Daddy.
This season will be like
nothing you've seen before.
- We've got more
celebrities than ever.
- Whoo! Yeah!
All of them are vying
for the most prestigious award
in the business,
the Golden Mask Trophy.
- Whoo!
- But in each show,
only one of them
makes it through
to the next episode
as the king or queen
of "Masked Singer."
That's new, guys.
That's pretty cool, right?
- Very cool!
- So let's get this
premiere party started.
First up, and ready to strike
a chord, it's the Harp.
♪ I just wanna be,
wanna be somebody ♪
- Whoo!
- Yes!
- Oh, my gosh!
- Wow, the Harp.
- ♪ Somebody
- Oh, she's gorgeous.
- Majestic.
- Right?
- Royal.
- Almost like an angelic harp.
- Royal.
- She looks young.
She's got grace.
She's got class.
- She's got stage presence.
- Wow. Glamorous.
- Right?
- Beautiful.
Who's the plucky celebrity
hiding in the harp?
Well, let's go looking
for some clues.
Y'all check it out.
I can't believe I'm here
on premiere night,
but I am telling you,
life does have a funny way
of putting you exactly
where you need to be.
When I was a teenager,
I auditioned for
the biggest show in the world.
- Both: The biggest show?
- Like "American Idol?"
It was my dream,
but I didn't fit the mold
and was turned down.
I was devastated,
but I knew I had to keep going.
It was my uniqueness
that later landed me
the opportunity
of a lifetime...
...and became an idol
for anyone
that felt like an outsider.
- A witch hat.
- "Wicked"?
Or "Harry Potter."
The nos in my life
made me stronger,
but I'm not taking no
for an answer tonight.
♪ Made a wrong turn
♪ Once or twice
♪ Dug my way out
♪ Blood and fire
♪ Bad decisions
♪ That's all right
♪ Welcome to my silly life
♪ Mistreated, misplaced,
misunderstood ♪
♪ Miss knowing it's all good
♪ It didn't slow me down
- Season eight chills.
- ♪ Mistaken
♪ Always second guessing
♪ Underestimated
♪ Look, I'm still around
♪ Pretty, pretty please
♪ Don't you ever, ever feel
♪ Like you're less than
♪ Less than perfect
♪ Pretty, pretty please
♪ If you ever, ever feel
♪ Like you're nothing
♪ You are perfect
♪ To me
♪ You're so mean
♪ When you talk
♪ About yourself
♪ You were wrong
♪ So complicated
♪ Look happy, you'll make it
( vocalizing )
♪ Such a tired game
♪ Yeah
♪ Don't you feel
- Yes!
- Oh, my God!
♪ Yeah, pretty, pretty please
♪ If you ever, ever feel
♪ Like you're nothing
♪ You're perfect
♪ To me
♪ You're perfect
♪ To me
Wow. Whoo! Whoo!
All right.
- Nick: Wow.
- Who is this?
Talk about
a beautiful instrument.
Right? What a way to open up
the show on season eight!
With a legend, obviously.
I mean, everything is bigger--
the audience, the talent.
That was out of the park.
See you at the finale.
Yeah, you were beyond powerful.
You command that stage.
I was just in awe.
I cannot wait
to see who you are.
All right, well,
I have the first
onstage clue of the season,
and we're gonna
announce the clue
in the tradition
of an award show.
First clue question is,
Harp, what accomplishment
in your incredible career
are you the most proud of?
I think maybe the award
I won for my acting.
No, no, no, no, no.
Actually, the one I won
for my singing.
Wait, no, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no.
It's probably the one
for my comedy
because I got to share that
with my besties.
- No way!
- Comedy?
- What the heck?
- Wow, so are you guys
picking up on any clues?
Man, when I think
of a triple threat
that could have an award
in music and in acting
and in comedy,
I would think Queen Latifah.
- Oh!
- Oh, yes. Good guess.
- They like that, Robin.
- Robin: Because
she's won a Grammy.
- Oscar-nominated.
- That's a good guess.
I'm getting good at this game
eight seasons later.
Well, you know,
when I heard "auditioned for
the biggest show on Earth,"
I immediately was thinking
"American Idol,"
- like a Jordin Sparks.
- Nicole: Yeah.
- Jenny:
Even like a Fantasia.
- Oh!
Ken: Well, speaking
of "American Idol,"
this could be Jennifer Hudson.
- All right.
- Robin: Wow. Yeah.
She has done everything.
But the comedy clue to me...
- Yeah.
- ...she was in my favorite
movie of all time,
"Sex in the City 1."
Let me finish.
That's your favorite movie
of all time?
It is my favorite movie
of all time
because there was sex
and there were cities,
- and I loved it.
- Jenny: Oh, my gosh.
That's probably the best guess
you've ever given though, Ken.
- Thank you, Mommy.
- Like, tying all
the clues together.
It'll go to his head,
and we just started.
Nick:
Well, we did just start,
but it is off to a great start
and an amazing performance.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please give it up
one more time for the Harp!
Harp, you can head on back
to the lair.
We'll see you
a little bit later.
Season eight.
We're back, baby.
- Yes!
- Yeah.
Let's go!
Nick: Tonight
for the first time ever...
We're gonna boldly go where
you've never been before.
...four performers,
three unmaskings...
- Oh, my God!
- And only one moves on
as the king or queen
of "The Masked Singer."
- ( screaming )
- Can you feel the love tonight?
- ♪ Who is that?
- Whoo!
Welcome back
to "The Masked Singer"
season eight premiere.
- Whoo!
- And it's time
for our next singer.
- It's the Hedgehog.
- Hedgehog?
♪ I like to move it, move it,
I like to move it, move it ♪
- He's huge!
- He's tall.
♪ Move it, move it,
you like to move it ♪
♪ I like to move it, move it,
I like to move it, move it ♪
Get it, Hedgehog.
He's got a little rhythm.
He's got a little move.
♪ You like to move it
He's loveable.
Me and the Hedgehog
got some similar swag,
I see. Okay.
It's time for some
super spiky Hedgehog clues.
Ken, let's see if you're sharp
enough to catch these.
I'm not.
It's so special
to be here tonight,
but this isn't
my first big premiere.
Some say this show is mad.
This is probably
one of the more normal things
that I've ever done.
Let's just say
I've been naked in "Playboy."
I'm a part of one of
the biggest groups of all time.
Maybe a famous guitarist,
like a Keith Richards.
We've sold out
the Hollywood Bowl,
Sydney Opera House,
and I've even been a part
of the Olympics.
I not only have
a cult following,
but also a celebrity following.
Bradley Cooper, Jimmy Fallon,
Kate Beckinsale,
Tina Fey, Elon Musk,
they're all fans.
A knight. Maybe someone
from "Saturday Night Live."
I'm here to sing you
a little song
and give you a big laugh,
just like I did that one time
with the Queen.
Cheers to season eight.
( whistling )
- Yeah!
- Oh, my God! Look!
Oh!
Yeah!
♪ Love, love me do
♪ You know I love you
♪ I'll always be true
- Who is that?
- ♪ So please
♪ Love me do
♪ Oh, yeah, love me
♪ Love, love me do
♪ You know I love you
♪ I'll always be true
♪ So please
♪ Love me do
You hear an accent?
I hear a little accent.
♪ Someone to love
♪ Somebody new
♪ Someone to love
♪ Someone like you
♪ Love, love me do
♪ You know I love you
♪ I'll always be true
♪ So please
♪ Love me do
♪ Whoa, love me now
♪ Yeah, yeah,
love me, love me ♪
( vocalizing )
Yes!
That was amazing!
Yeah!
The Hedgehog definitely
brought that sonic boom.
Great job. Classic.
Seriously, we've never
had a band ever on the show
on all of the seasons.
It felt electric.
Didn't they sound amazing?
Robin: Yeah.
Let me tell you, Hedgehog,
I dug it.
- ( Ken laughs )
- Nick: Yeah.
So any idea who could be
inside the Hedgehog?
- I got some clues.
- I love a good clue, Nick.
- We need some help.
- All right, let's see
what we got here.
All right, Hedgehog,
you have had such
an accomplished career.
Which award
means the most to you?
Well, I won
a Tony and a Grammy.
- Oh.
- Won a Tony and a Grammy.
- Yes, sir.
- Does that help?
I feel like this is just
staring at me in the face.
This could be
Ringo Starr himself,
because "Love Me Do"
sounds exactly like--
hear me out.
- How dare you?
- That's a good guess...
- Sold out the Hollywood Bowl.
- ...for him.
- Legendary group. Okay.
- Give him a little credit.
Okay, I'll change that guess.
It's not Ringo Starr.
- It's Elton John.
There you go.
- Robin: Yeah!
- Jenny: Oh, my God.
- That's what you get.
That's what you get.
On three,
let's get a "No, Ken."
One, two, three!
All: No, Ken!
Nick: So, Robin,
who do you think it is?
You know, the British voice,
and there was a snake,
and I'm a huge
Monty Python fan.
Me, too.
And it could be Eric Idle
from Monty Python.
- That's a good guess.
- See, I was thinking
- it could be John Cleese
or Michael Palin.
- Wow.
- He said there was
a cult following.
- Oh, all right.
We keep thinking, 'cause
it's got a British accent,
this guy is British,
but we've been fooled
so many times.
He could be from Florida,
you know?
Okay, I'm gonna pretend
I didn't just hear that
and I'm gonna still go off
the British clues
right now if that's okay.
And when I think
of Great Britain,
I think of one
of my favorite movies.
It took place in London.
- "Love Actually."
- Jenny: Ah.
I think this could be though,
because he's hilarious
and I love him,
he played the rock star
in "Love Actually."
- Yeah.
- Bill Nighy.
- Do you remember him?
- Bill Nighy's a genius.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- He's brilliant.
Absolutely.
Great guesses up there, y'all.
Keep it going for the Hedgehog.
Hedgehog, Hedgehog!
All: Hedgehog, Hedgehog,
Hedgehog, Hedgehog, Hedgehog!
Hedgehog, Hedgehog, Hedgehog,
Hedgehog, Hedgehog!
So let me get this right.
Three people go home tonight?
Now it's three people go home
and only person moves on.
- Wow.
- It's like a new multiverse.
Totally!
♪ Who is that?
♪ Who is that?
Welcome back to "Masked Singer."
Season premiere is off
and running.
Now remember, from all
of tonight's singers,
only one moves on
to compete next week.
And up next,
it's the Hummingbird.
Oh, look at that
fabulous number.
Whoa, look at those wings.
- He moves okay.
- The Tex-Mex Hummingbird.
Looks like the Hummingbird's
been in my closet.
I'm excited for the kickoff
of season eight
because I promise you
this Hummingbird knows a thing
or two about competition.
- It's in my DNA.
- Jenny: Ooh.
- DNA. Family.
- He's in the family.
- It's in the family.
- I got my start with
the help of Shaq
and formed a patriotic team
that felt like family.
Football cleats.
We got Tom Brady?
Hummingbird:
Together we dominated
the Super Bowl.
My career has been a revelation,
but I'm only human,
and I'm so nervous
to step on that stage tonight.
But here we go.
I guess it's all or nothing.
♪ I don't need to be
anything other ♪
♪ Than a prison guard's son
♪ I don't need
to be anything other ♪
♪ Than a specialist's son
♪ I don't have
to be anyone other ♪
♪ Than the birth
of two souls in one ♪
♪ Don't know where I'm going
♪ But I know
where I'm coming from ♪
♪ I don't wanna be
anything other ♪
♪ Than what I've been
tryna be lately ♪
♪ All I have to do
is think of me ♪
♪ And have peace of mind
♪ I'm tired of looking
round rooms ♪
♪ Wondering what
I've got to do ♪
♪ Or who I'm supposed to be
♪ I don't wanna be anything
other than me ♪
All right.
♪ I came from the mountain
♪ The crust of creation
♪ My whole situation is paved
with clay and stone ♪
♪ And now
I'm telling everybody ♪
♪ I don't wanna be
anything other ♪
♪ Than what I've been
tryna be lately ♪
♪ All I have to do
is think of me ♪
♪ And I have peace of mind
- Yes!
- ♪ I'm tired of looking
round rooms ♪
♪ Wondering what
I've got to do ♪
♪ Or who I'm supposed to be
♪ I don't wanna be anything
other than me ♪
Talking about keeping it fly.
Giving us
some good rock vibes.
Panel, talk to the Hummingbird.
Robin:
Man, that was awesome, man.
You know, I think it
was a great song choice.
Got everybody hyped up.
Great job. Great job.
All right, maybe another
awards style clue
could help us out, right?
All the help we can get.
The clue is, Hummingbird,
what in your
golden trophy room
- do you cherish the most?
- What I cherish the most
is my special awards
that are out of this world.
They're not exactly golden,
they're silver,
but that doesn't mean
second place.
Mm. I don't know.
This is screaming out,
like, a football legend,
someone who's won
two Super Bowl rings.
Someone like Peyton Manning,
who has football in his DNA.
Father Archie Manning,
Super Bowl,
and he was friends with Shaq,
and if you look at his face,
it kinda like Peyton Manning.
So I think I'm right.
Can I get a "No, Ken," on three?
One, two, three.
All: No, Ken!
Okay, let me finish.
Or I think this could be
the greatest of all time.
He just got fined for not
showing up to training camp
because he is here
on "The Masked Singer."
This is seven-time
Super Bowl winner Tom Brady.
- Tom, welcome to
"The Masked Singer!"
- Jenny: Wow!
- That would be incredible.
- Yes.
Well, I'll roll off of that.
Football clues, you know,
two rings,
and there was a cowboy hat.
- I'm thinking Deion Sanders.
- Jenny: Right?
Prime Time!
But this guy
could be a singer.
Like a Rob Thomas,
do you know what I mean?
Or Uncle Kracker.
What's that guy from Nickelback?
- Chad?
- Chad Kroeger.
Yes! Why not?
He could really sing.
- He's pretty good.
- Yeah.
Nick: All right,
well, you know what?
Those are a lot of good guesses,
and we had a great performance.
Y'all keep it going
for the Hummingbird.
Great job, Peyton.
Flutter on backstage,
Hummingbird.
I'm kinda stumped.
That's a tough one.
That's a tough one.
Season eight, you know
this is a mega star.
I wanna know who that is.
♪ Who is that?
♪ Who is that?
Welcome back
to our season eight
premiere party.
- Whoo!
- Yeah!
And it's time for
our final singer, the Knight!
- Oh!
- Oh!
- Look at that!
- What is that?
- He's so regal! So strong!
- What is that?
He's not--
he's not the tallest guy.
Is that a duck?
- Wow.
- Wow.
- ( Knight laughs )
- Oh, my God.
- All right.
- That is hilarious.
Knight just came in
on a golden goose.
Wow. Whoa, whoa!
It's violent, too.
All right, Knight.
- ( Knight laughs )
- Here are some clues.
I can't believe it's taken me
eight seasons to be
on "The Masked Singer."
I was holding out
for the hosting gig,
but Nick keeps having babies,
- so I guess
he isn't going anywhere.
- ( squawking )
Now I'm supposed to list off
why I'm so famous.
Stuff like
I'm Shakespearian trained,
that I'm on multiple
walks of fame
and I've done stage,
TV, starred in movies,
and worked with George Lucas,
even released albums.
Solar system.
Neil deGrasse Tyson?
I've done a great deal,
but there some things
I've never done.
I've never thrown a chair
on national TV.
It was two chairs.
What can I say?
I'm a passionate man.
Police badge.
It could be a movie detective,
like a Warren Beatty.
I've never sold a body part
for profit.
It was a charitable donation.
And I've never
mounted a golden goose
while singing showtunes,
but there's a first time
for everything. Giddy up!
♪ Have you seen
the well-to-do ♪
♪ Up and down Park Avenue
♪ On that famous thoroughfare
♪ With their noses in the air
♪ High hats and narrow collars
♪ White spats
and lots of dollars ♪
♪ Spending every dime
for a wonderful time ♪
♪ If you're blue
and you don't know
where to go to ♪
♪ Why don't you go
where fashion sits ♪
♪ Puttin' on the ritz
♪ Different types
who wear a day coat ♪
♪ Pants with stripes
and cutaway coat ♪
♪ Perfect fits
♪ Puttin' on the ritz
♪ Puttin' on the ritz
♪ Dressed up like
a million dollar trouper ♪
The voice is like
a voice-over voice.
- Familiar.
- Yes!
♪ Trying to look
like Gary Cooper ♪
♪ Super duper
♪ Dips his hat
just like an English chappie ♪
♪ To a lady
with a wealthy pappy ♪
♪ Very snappy
♪ You'll declare it's simply
topping to be there ♪
♪ And hear them
swapping smart tidbits ♪
♪ Puttin' on the ritz
♪ Yeah, puttin' on the ritz
- Yeah!
- All right. All right.
- Putting on the ritz is right.
- Yeah, come on!
Wow. Talking about
making it a night!
- ( Knight laughs )
- We love to see it.
- Awesome job.
- I don't even know
what's going on right now,
- but I'm here for it.
- But it's amazing, ain't it?
The madness, I love it.
First of all, let me say
your actual tone is a vibe.
I just wanna squeeze your
little knight thighs right now.
I know,
and they're so spread out.
I mean, he's so limber.
Maybe another-- stop!
Why are you chasing me?
- You are ridiculous.
- I'm dying here!
Watch you putting
this beak, man.
Maybe another hint will shed
some light on the Knight.
All right,
I got a clue here, man.
Put your goose away.
- Oh, my--
- I'm gonna--
- we're gonna be serious
for a second.
- Yes, I'm serious.
I've tried to be funny
and that didn't work,
so I'll be serious.
What do you cherish more,
the big awards
or the small ones?
- I love all the awards.
Every single one of them.
- Ah.
The big ones, the small ones.
I got a little teeny one
from my native country.
I got it embedded in my chest.
- Ken: What?
- You know the vibes I'm getting
is like a male version
of a Betty White.
- Betty White? Betty White?
- I didn't say it! She did!
- I'm saying it.
I'm saying it, but--
- She said Betty White, not me.
- Why are you hitting me
with the duck?
- She's too far away!
- Oh, my God.
- Ken: Look at the clue.
It's staring you
right in the face.
It's a Knight. He's riding it.
It could be
Mr. "Knight Rider" himself,
- David Hasselhoff!
- Oh, no, no! No, it's not!
- Robin: No.
- Ken: There you go.
- My good friend--
- No, let me get this.
I'm good friends
with the Hoff.
- Ken: He looks
himself exactly--
- ( crowd jeering )
- Thank you.
- Now, wait a minute.
David Hasselhoff
is very tall, Ken.
But this outfit is designed
where his actual head
is where the goose is
- and his buttocks is where
the Knight's head is.
- ( jeering continues )
So he's inverted
and collapsing on himself.
This kid's like seven,
and he was booing you.
- Sit your ass down.
- Wow.
To me, those clues
were kinda leading towards
you know, the solar system,
"Star Trek,"
William Shakespeare,
William Shatner.
- Ken: Oh, good guess.
- Nicole: Ooh.
- Ken: Loving it.
- Jenny: Could be.
Nick: Why you giving
William Shatner a thumbs down?
Nobody gives William Shatner
a thumbs down.
- Any other guesses?
- Well, you know,
I'm all over the place here.
First I saw throwing chairs,
I'm thinking Jerry Springer.
- You know what I mean?
Somebody like that.
- Ken: Good guess.
And then I saw the covers
'cause there was a cassette tape
that said "covers" on them.
I'm thinking Weird Al Yankovic,
- But he's taller than that.
- Jenny: Right?
They like that one, Robin.
Jenny: We don't know
who you are obviously,
but those are respectable names.
Those are some high level names.
Either way, you got my goose,
but I got to get
control of this show.
Give it up for the Knight
one more time, y'all.
Who is this?
Men In Black,
please come help me out.
Go put that goose somewhere.
Okay, you've seen four
incredible performances.
Studio audience, panel,
in just a moment, I'll ask you
to vote for your favorite.
For the very first time,
the character
with the most votes
will be crowned king or queen
of "The Masked Singer."
The other three
will be unmasked
and head back
to their glorious mansions.
- Whoo!
- Everyone, voting opens now.
- Whoo!
- Oh!
Get ready for the results
and the first unmasking
of the season.
It's "The Masked Singer."
We'll be right back.
♪ Who is that?
Welcome back to
"The Masked Singer" premiere.
- Yes!
- It's time to unmask
the first singer
of season eight.
Have the strings been cut
on the Harp?
- No!
- Is it time to flutter home
- for the Hummingbird?
- Not the Hummingbird.
Is it time to say nighty-night
to the Knight?
- Robin: Oh!
- Oh!
Was he on point, or were
the spikes not sharp enough
for the Hedgehog?
( crowd cheering, shouting )
The results are in.
- The first singer
of season eight...
- The first one to go home.
- ...to get unmasked...
- Oh, no.
- Oh, man.
- Oh, my God.
Nick: ...is...
Oh! It's too soon.
- The Knight.
- Oh, my God!
The rest of you head on back
to the lair and await your fate.
Y'all keep it going
for the Knight.
Make some noise.
Nick:
We hate to see you go,
but we are excited
to see who you are.
- Yeah.
- Who is this?
I definitely believe
it's a big name under this mask.
Knight, where--
where are you going, man?
I'm trying to fly away.
Calm down.
Control your duck.
Panel,
I need your final guesses.
Ken: It is so clear to me
and the audience
he is authentically riding
that goose.
He is a knight.
He is "Knight Rider."
- This is David Hasselhoff.
- Yes.
- I don't know what
you're talking about.
- How dare you?
- How dare you?
- The boos just
make me so happy.
- What?
- I'm thinking that
all of the clues
pointed to William Shatner.
We've got the solar system.
We got William Shakespeare.
I think it's
William Shatner, baby.
- Hello, Captain Kirk!
- Robin: That's a good guess.
- Nick: Nicole?
- The clues are leaning towards
John Lithgow to me.
Brilliant actor.
And I'm sorry, has anyone
ever seen "The Crown"?
That's right.
He played Churchill,
and he's a knight!
- I love her dedication.
- All right. Robin?
This is a very weird costume,
and I saw the cassettes
and the "cover,"
and I'm thinking
this could be Weird Al.
All right.
Okay, panel, you've made
your final guesses.
- Yes.
- Let's see if any of you
are right.
- Knight, you know
what time it is.
- All: Take it off!
- Take it off!
- ♪ Who are you?
- Take it off!
- ♪ Who, who, who, who?
Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off! Take it off!
- Take it off!
- Who is it?
The one and only
legendary actor, author,
Emmy and Golden Globe winner,
- William Shatner!
- Nicole: William Shatner!
We are not worthy!
Shatner's in the building!
- Legendary.
- Yeah, yeah.
- Thank you.
- You are royalty.
What was it like
being the Knight tonight?
Oh, here he goes--
you don't--
Take it. Whatever.
You're William Shatner.
- You do whatever you wanna do.
- That's right.
It was horrible.
I can't tell you
how horrible it was.
I couldn't see anything.
I can't walk.
The noise was deafening.
The mask was obliterating.
- Oh, was that fun.
- Oh, my God.
- Yes!
- We love you, man.
- Well, we had fun.
- Robin, what were
you wanna say?
I was gonna say
I was lucky enough
to have Mr. Shatner
as a family friend
of my father's for many years.
- I knew him when he was...
- Yeah.
- You could sing even then.
- Thank you, Will.
Thank you. Miss you.
Well, Mr. Shatner,
thank you for doing
our little old show.
- No kidding! Starstruck.
- Thank you! Thank you!
And you're sticking
around with us.
We gonna put you in the VIP.
You gonna get to see
everybody else.
- Give it up
for William Shatner!
- Oh, where am I going?
I mean, that was
actually William Shatner.
I can't believe it.
- He's a 91-year-old
living legend.
- Right?
That was amazing.
Okay, let's check in backstage.
Harp, Hummingbird,
and Hedgehog,
one of you will return next week
as king or queen.
The other two will
return to their respective
celebrity compounds.
The next singer
to be unmasked is...
The Hedgehog.
Nick: Come on out here,
Hedgehog.
All: Hedgehog, Hedgehog,
Hedgehog, Hedgehog, Hedgehog!
Nick: Hedgehog,
we hate to see you go,
but we're excited
to see who you are.
But before we get to that,
panelists, I need
your final guesses.
I'm still sticking with
my "Love Actually" cast.
I'm doubling down on Bill Nighy.
- I love this guy.
- Robin: Bill Nighy.
Ken, you're shaking
your head no.
Yeah, the clues were all about
being UK royalty,
especially with
the Queen of England image,
so this is either Prince Harry,
which just came to me just now.
- Robin: You could just--
- Okay, all right,
you don't like that?
- It's Elton John.
- Robin: Let that go
right on by.
- Don't like that either.
- Unlike you,
I'm still standing.
This tiny dancer is Elton John.
- Nick: Robin?
- I saw the suit of armor,
and I'm thinking "Monty Python
and the Holy Grail."
I think this is Eric Idle.
I think "Monty Python" also,
but I'm thinking John Cleese.
He's been photographed
with the Queen.
- He's won a ton of awards.
- Yeah.
I think we're on the same
wavelength, but I really
think it's John Cleese.
- Different vocal tones.
- Nick: Okay, panel.
You've given us
your final guesses.
Let's see if any of you
are correct.
Hedgehog, we gotta know,
who are you?
- Who are you, Hedgehog?
- Who is it?
- Audience, say it with me.
- Jenny: Tell us now!
- Robin: Hedgehog!
- Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off! Take it off!
- Robin: Who is it?
- Take it off!
- Come on, Eric! Monty Python!
- Take it off!
All: Take it off!
Take it off!
- ♪ Tell me, who are you?
- Take it off! Take it off!
- ♪ Are you
- Take it off!
Oh, my God!
♪ Who is that?
Take it off! Take it off!
Take it off!
Jenny: It's like
back to back action!
Take it off! Take it off!
- Take it off! Take it off!
- Who is it? Come on, Eric!
- Take it off!
- Monty Python!
- ♪ Come on, tell me,
who are you? ♪
- Take it off!
♪ Are you
- Oh!
- Robin Thicke was right!
- Yes! I knew the voice.
I knew the voice.
- Come on, Robin!
Nick: The legendary Eric Idle!
I guess it was hot
under there, huh?
It's a little hot
in there, yeah,
and actually this is
John Cleese's real body.
- Robin, you got it right.
- Robin Thicke.
Thank you. Thank you.
My father was the biggest
Monty Python fan,
and he turned me onto you guys
when I was about ten years old.
- I've seen every
Monty Python movie.
- Me, too.
- I've even shown them
to my son now.
- Aww.
I'm a huge fan,
and I know your voice like
the back of my hand.
- Well, thank you.
- Nicole: Aww.
Truly a comedic genius,
a legend.
Is there anything
you want to say to your fans
at home or to our panel?
And so I wrote to him
and asked him if I could do it.
- Oh, wow.
- I had a letter back saying,
"Yes, you can do the song,
but would you please tell me
what show it is
so I can make sure
to avoid it?"
Nick: Well, you did
an outstanding job.
Here to perform unmasked
once and for all
with a song
I think we all know
from the iconic film,
"The Life of Brian,"
the artist formerly known
as the Hedgehog,
- it's the legendary Eric Idle!
- Whoo!
♪ Some things in life are bad
♪ They can really make you mad
♪ Other things just make you
swear and curse ♪
♪ When you're chewing
on life's gristle ♪
♪ Don't grumble,
give a whistle ♪
♪ And this'll help things
turn out for the best ♪
♪ And
♪ Always look on
the bright side of life ♪
- Aw.
- Wow. Yes!
Oh, yes.
♪ Always look on
the light side of life ♪
( whistling )
♪ If life seems jolly rotten
♪ There's something
you've forgotten ♪
♪ And that's to laugh and smile
and dance and sing ♪
♪ When you're feeling
in the dumps ♪
♪ Don't be silly chumps
♪ Just purse your lips
and whistle, that's the thing ♪
♪ And always look on
the bright side of life ♪
Come on.
( whistling )
Hey! ♪ Always look on
the bright side of life ♪
( whistling )
- Oh, I love you!
- Whoo!
- Yes! Love you!
- Keep it going for Eric Idle.
- We love you!
- Head over to our
VIP section, Mr. Idle.
( fanfare )
Announcer:
It's time for the king
or queen to be crowned.
Now get your brick on!
Oh, oop--
sorry, wrong show.
I, uh-- here.
You mind holding this?
I've gotta get over
to "Lego Masters."
I'm up next, so--
you guys don't care.
Nick: Get out of here, Will.
Okay, back to business.
It's our premiere extravaganza,
and we are at a crucial point.
Who gets the crown
and who gets the boot?
Let's get the Harp
and the Hummingbird on out here.
- Oh, this is so cutthroat!
- Wow.
( fanfare )
- This is a finale energy.
- It is. It is.
Okay.
According to the votes cast by
our panel and studio audience,
the first king or queen
of season eight is...
Oh, boy.
Oh, man.
This is so intense.
This is the most intense
premiere ever.
- The Harp!
- Nicole: Yeah!
There it is.
Queen Harp, you're coming back.
Oh, look, we got
the whole royal setup for you.
And, Queen Harp,
you will definitely
be back here next week
to compete against
two brand new singers.
But for now you can
head on back, rest up,
hit the lair
for some royal treatment.
And while we are still
showing love,
y'all make some noise
for Hummingbird.
- Hummingbird!
- Yay!
We are so sorry to see you go.
But we can't wait
to see who you are!
Who is Hummingbird?
Take it off!
- What?
- No!
Who saw that coming?
You know, when they told me
I had to wear a mask,
I thought they meant
a face mask.
What a way to earn a living.