In the 2024 season of The Masked Singer, Andy Richter was unmasked as Dust Bunny, surprising the panelists who failed to guess his identity correctly. Richter, known for his roles on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, and Conan, as well as his own series Andy Richter Controls the Universe and Andy Barker P.I., managed to keep his secret until the show’s latest episode.
During the reveal, Richter shared in a video package, “Singing has always been a secret ambition of mine. When I was a rookie in the industry, my job was making coffee. Then, I was asked to stand in for someone to test the lighting. Apparently, I had a face for TV. Since then, I’ve worked with stars like Anne Hathaway, David Bowie, and even Marlon Brando, although no one has ever seen that footage!”
In this episode, guests Joel McHale and Nikki Glaser introduced a performance featuring panelists Robin Thicke and Rita Ora. The two sang “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions in a boxing ring, with Ora ultimately winning their duet. Glaser previously competed in Season 8 as Snowstorm, while McHale has made several guest appearances, recently promoting his relationship with Yvette Nicole Brown, who was revealed to be Showbird.
Richter as Dust Bunny joins other unmasked celebrities from Season 12, including Paula Cole as Ship, Marsai Martin as Woodpecker, Yvette Nicole Brown as Showbird, and John Elway as Leaf Sheep.
The show continues with host Nick Cannon and panelists Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Robin Thicke. Rita Ora returns to the panel for her second consecutive season, filling in for Nicole Scherzinger. This season features themed episodes that celebrate significant anniversaries, including Mattel’s Barbie at 65 years, and the 40th anniversary of Footloose. An episode will also honor Miley Cyrus’s music, and new themes include “Who Are You Fest,” which showcases memorable festival lineups, along with “Sports Night” and “60s Night.” Returning tentpole themes include “Soundtrack of My Life” and “Thanksgiving Night.”
This season introduces new elements such as clues embedded in costumes, song choices, and on-stage moments. The 15 celebrity contestants will be supported by a “Celebrity Masked Ambassador,” comprised of previous contestants like Dick Van Dyke (Gnome, Season 9), Jewel (Queen of Hearts, Season 6 winner), Ne-Yo (Cow, Season 10 winner), and DeMarcus Ware (Koala, Season 11). The “Ding Dong Keep It On” bell returns, allowing one contestant in each of the three group finals to be saved.
Season 12 features a variety of new costumes, including Ship, Leaf Sheep, Woodpecker, Chess Piece, Bluebell, Buffalo, Showbird, Dust Bunny, Goo, and Strawberry Shortcake, among others.
In Episode 4, titled “Sports Night,” Group B performers included:
1. Wasp
Song: “Rock Your Body” by Justin Timberlake
Panel Guesses: Taye Diggs, Bruno Mars, Jason Derulo
Masked Ambassador Clue: Ne-Yo (Cow, Season 10) shared that he has known Wasp since the beginning of his career and believes he has what it takes to win the Golden Mask trophy.
Wasp Voiceover: “I grew up in a tough neighborhood. There was no reason I should have made it out. But I learned to dig deep and fight.
My career has been a high activity, performing on the biggest stages and screens.”
Shoe Clue: Basketball shoes—“Fresh kicks help me stay on my game.”
2. Chess Piece
Song: “Believe” by Cher
Panel Guesses: Serena Williams, Regina King, Ashley Graham
Masked Ambassador Clue: Nikki Glaser (Snowstorm, Season 8) introduced Chess Piece as her most fashion-forward friend.
Chess Piece Voiceover: “I love a fashion moment, but I never thought I’d be here. I had to believe in myself and make bold moves to secure my crown and that leading role.”
Shoe Clue: Tennis shoes—“In the first round of the match, it’s love serving love.”
With each episode, The Masked Singer continues to captivate audiences, showcasing exciting performances and surprising celebrity reveals.
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