‘The Masked Singer’ Season 12 Episode 11 Recap: Strawberry Shortcake

SPOILER ALERT: Main points observe for Season 12, Episode 11 of “The Masked Singer,” “Semi Finals: Ultimate 3,” which aired Wednesday, December 11 on Fox.

AJ Michalka was once at first meant to accomplish on “The Masked Singer” together with her sister Aly, the opposite part in their Aly & AJ musical duo. However with Aly unavailable — she not too long ago gave beginning to her first kid — AJ made up our minds to provide it a take a look at as a solo act. And she or he went some distance: AJ Michalka was once published on Wednesday’s penultimate Season 12 episode of “The Masked Singer” as Strawberry Shortcake.

“To start with, we have been meant to do it in combination, and we have been like, this is able to be actually a laugh to do as a staff,” Michalka advised Selection. “Nevertheless it was once going to be actually tough to agenda. So I finished up doing it by myself. And she or he absolutely supported it.

“The problem and the thrill got here from understanding that I had by no means actually carried out on level with out my sister,” Michalka added. “I sought after to problem myself as a solo artist and spot how some distance I may just get. And I had a blast. I didn’t comprehend it can be that tough to sing beneath a masks that heavy, however I did it, and I’m actually pleased with myself.”

Michalka sang “Lose You to Love Me,” by means of Selena Gomez, as her ultimate quantity; she had prior to now carried out “Gradual Burn,” by means of Kacey Musgraves, “Wrecking Ball,” by means of Miley Cyrus, “I Hope You Dance,” by means of Lee Ann Womack, and “Nearer,” by means of Tegan and Sara, at the display. Songs she had prepped however didn’t get an opportunity to accomplish have been “What Was once I Made For,” by means of Billie Eilish, and “Why Can’t I” by means of Liz Phair.

“I cherished that I used to be ready to select my very own songs,” she mentioned. “Understanding that I felt actually ok with the fabric I used to be opting for, that made me actually glad.”

Michalka mentioned her favourite efficiency was once “I Hope You Dance,” which she devoted to her mom. “My mother was once an improbable singer, however has struggled with self-confidence and simply stopped making a song utterly,” she mentioned. “That was once roughly my very own message to her to get her in the market to sing.”

For Strawberry Shortcake, not one of the panelists guessed it proper. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed Sarah Hyland. Robin Thicke concept it was once Kelsea Ballerini. Ken Jeong mentioned it was once Joey King. (Panelist Rita Ora was once absent because of sickness.)

In what host Nick Cannon mentioned was once the nearest margin in “The Masked Singer” historical past — not up to 1% —Wasp earned the highest Semi Ultimate votes, instantly sending him directly to the finals.

That ended in a “smack royale” between Buffalos and Strawberry Shortcake for the opposite spot transferring on. They each sang “Counting Stars” by means of OneRepublic, and in the long run Buffalos made it via whilst Strawberry Shortcake was once eradicated.

The Semi Finals opened with Wasp, Strawberry Shortcake and the Buffalos making a song “Some Nights,” by means of Amusing. With Strawberry Shortcake now published, that leaves Buffalos and Wasp to fight it out in subsequent week’s season finale.

AJ Michalka as Strawberry Shortcake joins Kobie Turner as Goo, Jana Kramer as Royal Knight, Bronson Arroyo as Sherlock Hound, Drake Bell as Ice King, Bethany Hamilton as Macaron, Natalie Imbruglia as Bluebell, Laverne Cox as Chess Piece, Andy Richter as Dusty Bunny, Paula Cole as Send, Marsai Martin as Woodpecker, Yvette Nicole Brown as Showbird and John Elway as Leaf Sheep as the celebs unmasked on “The Masked Singer” Season 12.

Again for Season 12 are host Nick Cannon, along panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke, whilst Ora additionally returned to the table for the second one consecutive season to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger.

“The Masked Singer” Season 12 themed episodes come with tributes to Mattel’s Barbie because it hits its sixty fifth anniversary, and the movie “Footloose” because it marks its fortieth anniversary. Miley Cyrus may also be commemorated with an episode dedicated to her track catalog, whilst additionally new is a “Who Are You Fest,” that includes track from “memorable competition lineups,” in addition to a “Sports activities Night time” and a “60’s Night time.” Tentpole topics which can be again come with “Soundtrack of My Existence” and “Thanksgiving Night time.”

New this season, clues will probably be “strategically embedded in costumes, in tune possible choices and on-stage moments.” And the fifteen famous person contestants will probably be recommended by means of a “famous person Masked Ambassador,” made up of earlier individuals together with Dick Van Dyke (Season 9’s Gnome), Jewel (Season 6 winner because the Queen of Hearts), Ne-yo (Season 10 winner because the Cow) and DeMarcus Ware (Season 11’s Koala). And the “Ding Dong Stay It On” bell may be again this morning, however just one singer around the 3 workforce finals will also be stored.

Season 12 options 15 contestants appearing in new costumes together with “Send,” “Leaf Sheep,” “Woodpecker,” “Chess Piece,” “Bluebell,” “Buffalo,” “Showbird,” “Mud Bunny,” “Goo,” “Strawberry Shortcake,” “Wasp,” “Sherlock Hound,” “Royal Knight,” “Ice King” and “Macaron.”

Right here have been performances on Wednesday’s Episode 11, “Semi Finals: Ultimate 3”:

Strawberry Shortcake

Track: “Lose You to Love Me,” by means of Selena Gomez

Panel guesses: Joey King, Sarah Hyland, Lucy Hale

What have you ever realized: “I’ve realized that I’m resilient and powerful. And I’m simply so glad to be right here on level. The ones phrases imply such a lot to me. I really like being right here. That is what I like to do. I took an extended destroy from it. And I’m so happy I got here again. That is the place I’m meant to be.”

Friendship bracelet clue: For Ken Jeong. “Press Excursion.” “One of the most highlights of my profession was once the click excursion we did in combination. You made me snigger all the day.”

Strawberry Shortcake voiceover: “Oh my goodness. This season’s pageant has been no cakewalk. And I’m actually proud to have survived that smackdown. What no person tells you is sort of a just right cake, Hollywood is layered. Positive, it flickers. And is tremendous a laugh. However there’s additionally such a lot drive to make it large. And it comes with a large number of rejection, a bit of little bit of self-doubt and a touch of feeling such as you’ve poured your entire middle into one thing that folks may by no means see. I feel that’s why some folks begin to really feel so disillusioned with their desires. That’s what came about to me. I used to be so brought about by means of the drama of early popularity that I made up our minds to take an extended destroy. I needed to lose the lighting to like what I do once more. Turning into Strawberry Shortcake, I’m reminded of why I began all the ones years in the past. It’s a laugh, it’s foolish and it’s so me. And certain, there’s drive to stay going to the finale. However simplest as a result of this revel in has been so scrumptious. I don’t need it to finish. Strawberry Shortcake is with me for existence.”

Earlier songs: “Gradual Burn,” by means of Kacey Musgraves; “Wrecking Ball,” by means of Miley Cyrus; “I Hope You Dance,” by means of Lee Ann Womack; “Nearer,” by means of Tegan and Sara

Earlier panel guesses: Renee Rapp, Lana del Rey, Rachel Ziegler, Chloe Fineman, Hilary Duff, Ashley Tisdale, Kelsea Ballerini, Hailee Steinfeld, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Haylie Duff, Danielle Haim

Buffalos

Track: “Africa,” by means of Toto

Panel guesses: Boyz II Males, Colour Me Badd, After 7

What do you wish to have to mention to one another: “First, I might say by no means in one million years who I be expecting to also be in a buffalo masks. However, I’m happy I’m doing it with my brothers and the most productive buddies I ever had.”

Friendship bracelet clue: For Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg. “Donnie.” “We pass long ago with Donnie. And we additionally pass long ago with you.”

Buffalos voiceover: “Neatly, neatly, neatly. Glance who’s so as regards to the finale. Guy, we labored so laborious to get right here. However we’re no strangers to that. Bobbing up we needed to paintings tougher than someone. We have been continuously advised we must be one thing else. One thing we weren’t and that we’d by no means make it. However we didn’t pay attention. And staying true to ourselves was once the primary explanation why for our luck. We now know that was once a very powerful instance to set for the following technology. And particularly our youngsters. Yeah, our children like to sing. And what? They sound higher than us. We’re like, what have we carried out? What miracle have we created? Listening to their voices became the whole thing round, and provides us an actual explanation why to stay going. That’s proper. Each and every determination we 3 Buffalos make in combination is with them in thoughts. To verify they’ve all they want on this existence. And so they’re going to get an actual kick out of observing their pops up right here doing their factor as 3 inspirational Buffalos. Possibly in the future, it’s going to be their flip. Youngsters, we like you such a lot. That is for you. The whole thing is for you.”

Earlier songs: “(I Simply) Died In Your Hands,” by means of Chopping Group; “Ready For a Woman Like You,” by means of Foreigner; “Bittersweet Symphony,” by means of The Verve; “You’re Nonetheless the One,” by means of Shania Twain

Earlier panel guesses: B2K, Earth Wind and Hearth, 98 Levels, Bell Biv DeVoe, 112, Boyz II Males, Giant Time Rush, Bone Thugs N Cohesion, Black Eyed Peas, Temptations, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Blackstreet

Wasp

Track: “Gorgeous Issues,” by means of Benson Boone

Panel guesses: Anthony Ramos, Maxwell, Jason Derulo, Usher

One thing you’d like to mention to younger wasps: “I would like you to keep in mind your energy. As you grow older, by no means omit that kid you as soon as have been. At all times stay dreaming, and consider in your self regardless of how darkish it will get. Regardless of how time and again you fall, you’ll at all times rise up and fly once more.”

Friendship bracelet clue: For Robin Thicke. “Nashville.” “You understand Robin, I had a blast whilst we painted the city crimson in Nashville. We had the sort of just right time, do you consider?”

Wasp voiceover: “Turning into the Wasp, I by no means felt so tough. It’s introduced out this supercompetitive edge in me that truthfully, I haven’t felt since I used to be a child. My mother knew there can be simplest such a lot of alternatives for me to get out of the hood. So when she noticed a poster for a ability display, she signed me up at the spot. I used to be shook. However I tapped into this fireplace within me and I gained the entire thing. And, an trade rich person was once there who signed me at the spot. Discuss a turning level. Being right here has introduced me again to when I used to be hungry for a win. And it’s a fantastic factor. This night, I do know I’m up towards some steep pageant. And truthfully, I’m terrified to lose out on an opportunity to win all of it within the finale. This golden masks is coming for the golden masks, you heard?”

Earlier songs: “Rock Your Frame,” by means of Justin Timberlake; “Skyscraper,” by means of Demi Lovato; “Ain’t No Manner,” by means of Aretha Franklin; “Status Subsequent to You,” by means of Jungkook

Earlier panel guesses: Taye Diggs, Bruno Mars, Jason Derulo, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Daveed Diggs, Mario, Craig David, Eric Benét, Usher, Maxwell

Remaining season’s performers incorporated Vanessa Hudgens, who gained the Season 11 crown as Goldfish, beating out Scott Porter, who had carried out as Gumball. Different performers incorporated Thelma Houston (Clock), Chrissy Metz (Poodle Moth), Corey Feldman (Seal) and Clay Aiken/Ruben Studdard (Beets), Jenifer Lewis (Omit Cleocatra), Kate Flannery (Starfish), Charlie Wilson (Unsightly Sweater), DeMarcus Ware (Koala), Colton Underwood (Love Chook), Sisqó (Lizard), Billy Bush (Sir Lion), Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs), Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound) and Kevin Hart (E book).

“The Masked Singer” comes from Fox Choice Leisure. Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis and Cannon are govt manufacturers, whilst Seitchik serves as showrunner. The sequence is in accordance with the South Korean layout created by means of Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.