The Masked Singer Season 12 Premiere Recap: Leaf Sheep Revealed

SPOILER ALERT: Details follow for Season 12, Episode 1 of “The Masked Singer,” “Season Premiere: Who Can It Be Now?” which aired September 25 on Fox.

As a singer, John Elway is a great football player. The gridiron legend and two-time Super Bowl champ (XXXII, XXXIII) with the Denver Broncos was the first celebrity to be unmasked on “The Masked Singer” as the show’s Season 12 kicked off on Wednesday night.

For Leaf Sheep, Ken Jeong got it right with Elway. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg thought it was another NFL legend, Tom Brady. Robin Thicke also went football, with Troy Aikman. Rita Ora said it was Billy Bob Thornton.

Elway sang “I Like It, I Love It,” by Tim McGraw, for his performance. “These days, I’m a little sluggish,” Elway, as the Leaf Sheep, said in the pre-taped package voiceover introducing his number. “But you should have seen me in my prime. I made a total splash. Scored headlines, topped the country’s charts and even revived a franchise. And now, I’m here to keep the good times rolling.”

John Elway as Leaf Sheep is the first celebrity unmasked on “The Masked Singer” this season.

Season 12 opened with William Shatner (Season 8’s “Knight) introducing the show. “186 celebrities, over 11 seasons of ‘The Masked Singer.’ The only show that keeps you guessing, wondering, begging, to know, Who Could It Be Now?’” From there, panelist Rita Ora sang a remixed version of Men At Work’s “Who Can It Be Now?”

Back for Season 12 ae host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke, while Ora also returned to the desk for the second consecutive season to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger.

“The Masked Singer” Season 12 themed episodes include tributes to Mattel’s Barbie as it hits its 65th anniversary, and the film “Footloose” as it marks its 40th anniversary. Miley Cyrus will also be honored with an episode devoted to her music catalog, while also new is a “Who Are You Fest,” featuring music from “memorable festival lineups,” as well as a “Sports Night” and a “60’s Night.” Tentpole themes that are back include “Soundtrack of My Life” and “Thanksgiving Night.”

New this season, clues will be “strategically embedded in costumes, in song choices and on-stage moments.” And the fifteen celebrity contestants will be endorsed by a “celebrity Masked Ambassador,” made up of previous participants including Dick Van Dyke (Season 9’s Gnome), Jewel (Season 6 winner as the Queen of Hearts), Ne-yo (Season 10 winner as the Cow) and DeMarcus Ware (Season 11’s Koala).

Season 12 features 15 contestants performing in new costumes including “Ship,” “Leaf Sheep,” “Woodpecker,” “Chess Piece,” “Bluebell,” “Buffalo,” “Showbird,” “Dust Bunny,” “Goo,” “Strawberry Shortcake” and more.

Here were the performances on Wednesday’s Episode 1, “Season Premiere: Who Can It Be Now?”:

Buffalo

Song: “(I Just) Died In Your Arms,” by Cutting Crew

Panel guesses: B2K, Earth Wind and Fire, 98 Degrees

Introduced by Masked Ambassador: Nick Lachey (Piglet, Season 5)

Ambassador voiceover: “I am so pumped to be part of an exclusive group of Masked Singer ambassadors here to endorse our friends. And my vote goes to the Buffalo. Raised in the poor grasslands, the Buffalo had it tough. Sleeping in roach-filled beds at night, and practicing at bus stops by day.”

Buffalo voiceover: “That’s right Piglet, but thanks to a big cattle call, it was game on. From there, it was traveling the world. The walk of fame and starring in two of the biggest sitcoms of all time. Hit the jackpot and couldn’t have done it alone.”

More Ambassador: “Buffalo, you really are a national treasure. And always the center of attention at my epic Super Bowl parties. I have no doubt you’re going to stand out from the herd this season.”

Gift Clue: Crown.

Woodpecker

Song: “Flowers,” by Miley Cyrus

Panel guesses: Willow Smith, Cardi B, Halle Bailey, Keke Palmer

Introduced by Masked Ambassador: Jenifer Lewis (Miss Cleocatra, Season 11)

Ambassador voiceover: “You’ll remember, I kicked up a storm on Season 11. And now, I have top secret information on someone I have known since her start. Woodpecker! She’s been called a mogul. A sheik CEO. And she even became friends with Beyonce! This bird is a baddie.”

Woodpecker voiceover: “OK, that’s a lot to live up to. I try not to think about that. I just point out that the only doors that open are the ones you knock on. So, I knock on them all. And now I’m striving to be the youngest billionaire. I want to prove that I can do anything. That’s why I’m here, the singing, the dancing. Bring it on!”

More Ambassador: “I believe in you 100 percent. Make Auntie Jen proud!”

Gift Clue: “World Record.”

Leaf Sheep

Song: “I Like It, I Love It,” by Tim McGraw

Panel guesses: Tom Brady, John Elway, Troy Aikman

Introduced by Masked Ambassador: Demarcus Ware (Koala, Season 11)

Ambassador voiceover: “Keeping my identity a secret was pretty tough to handle. But I know someone who can manage it all. The GOAT! Er, sheep?”

Leaf Sheep voiceover: “That’s Leaf Sheep to be exact. I know, you’re very confused right now. And so was I until three days ago. But the Leaf Sheep is a real thing, look it up. Now these days, I’m a little sluggish. But you should have seen me in my prime. I made a total splash. Scored headlines, topped the country’s charts and even revived a franchise. And now, I’m here to keep the good times rolling.”

More Ambassador: “Based on running in the same circles, I think your glory days are still ahead. Good luck out there.”

Gift Clue: “Hall of Fame” trophy.

Showbird

Song: “Just Fine,” by Mary J. Blige

Panel guesses: Jennifer Hudson, Taraji P. Henson, Kerry Washington

Introduced by Masked Ambassador: Joel McHale (Previous guest panelist)

Ambassador voiceover: “I want to introduce you to a good friend, it’s Showbird, everyone.”

Showbird voiceover: “Honestly, I’m just as confused as you are. I mean, I never imagined all of this for myself. I was a total tomboy growing up and a total nerd. Legos, Comic-Con, the works. I thought I’d keep things a little more humble, low key. Modest. Not bearing my soul is some of the biggest blockbuster movies ever. Unlike Joel here.”

More Ambassador: “I laugh because that’s very true. I am jealous. And I know you’re a little bit out of your element but don’t worry. You’re going to be just fine.”

Gift Clue: Popcorn.

The Ship

Song: “Pompeii,” by Bastille

Panel guesses: Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osbourne, Enya, Sarah McLachlan

Introduced by Masked Ambassador: Jewel (Queen of Hearts, Season 6)

Ambassador voiceover: “I was surprised at how much depth there was to the competition beneath the surface. And that’s something that I think will serve someone who I always had a great relationship with. The Ship.”

The Ship voiceover: “I know how quickly the tides can change. From angry to serene on a dime. And my life has been the same. My career set sail at a rapid clip. I had massive hits, made history but I lost control. I became lost at sea and at times felt totally forgotten. It’s taken me years to find my way back to shore. But I finally got the career I’ve always wanted. And that’s why being here is so scary. Because once again, I’m in uncharted waters.”

More Ambassador: “That’s exactly why I think you should do this. To steer toward your fears head on, just like we did all those years ago together. And if you do that, I know that you’ll be unsinkable.”

Gift Clue: Sparkly cowboy hat.

Last season’s performers included Vanessa Hudgens, who won the Season 11 crown as Goldfish, beating out Scott Porter, who had performed as Gumball. Other performers included Thelma Houston (Clock), Chrissy Metz (Poodle Moth), Corey Feldman (Seal) and Clay Aiken/Ruben Studdard (Beets), Jenifer Lewis (Miss Cleocatra), Kate Flannery (Starfish), Charlie Wilson (Ugly Sweater), DeMarcus Ware (Koala), Colton Underwood (Love Bird), Sisqó (Lizard), Billy Bush (Sir Lion), Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs), Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound) and Kevin Hart (Book).

“The Masked Singer” comes from Fox Alternative Entertainment. Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis and Cannon are executive producers, while Seitchik serves as showrunner. The series is based on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.