The Masked Singer: Find Out the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sent Packing on New York Night

The March 1 episode of The Masked Singer honored the city of New York and revealed a hip-hop legend as Polar Bear. Plus, find out how things ended with a surprising twist.

By Daniel Trainor Mar 02, 2023 2:00 AMTags
Watch: Germaphobe Howie Mandel Talks Wearing Masked Singer Lobster Costume

The Masked Singer took a musical bite out of the Big Apple. 

The March 1 episode of the celebrity singing competition paid homage to New York City with a night filled with songs referencing the city that never sleeps.

After a Scottish Terrier was presented as a new clue, two-time defending champion Medusa took to the stage for a subdued, dramatic performance of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York." Real Housewives of New York City star Luann de Lesseps then emerged to present another clue: a glittery bridge. 

Next up, Polar Bear made his Masked Singer debut with a rendition of Blondie's "Rapture." The cool-as-ice mammal's clue package included flowers, a scratch-off lottery ticket, a punching bag and a message in a bottle. After his performance, Long Island Medium's Theresa Caputo hit the stage and revealed that Polar Bear has given a speech at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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Finally, California Roll—a five-person ensemble dressed as various sushi—impressed with a performance of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi." Their debut was preceded by a clue package including sunglasses, a tiger, ice cream cones and references to Snoop Dogg and Dolly Parton.

Special guest Pizza Rat—or, at least a man dressed as the notorious subway rodent—presented a final California Roll clue: the number 5 billion. 

After the fan vote, Polar Bear was sent home and unmasked as DJ and hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash. In 2007, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five became the first hip-hop act inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Michael Becker / FOX / Getty Images

With Polar Bear gone, Medusa and California Roll were left to duke it out in the Battle Royale. After both acts performed their version of Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl," California Roll was selected to move on to the quarterfinals.

However, the panelists had a trick up their sleeves.

Due to their overwhelming admiration for Medusa, panelist Nicole Scherzinger rang the Ding Dong Keep It On Bell—a new Masked Singer feature this season—and saved Medusa, propelling her to the quarterfinals, as well. 

"After I heard the California Roll, I knew they won," Medusa said after being saved. "I felt so embarrassed. Thank you so much. This means more to me than you'll ever know. I'm very relieved."

Meet a whole new batch of masked contestants when The Masked Singer returns next Wednesday at 8 p.m. on Fox.

For details on all of this season's competitors, keep scrolling.

Gnome/Dick Van Dyke

Gnome performed Billie Holiday's "When You're Smiling" on the Feb. 15 episode, but was sadly the first celeb unmasked. He was revealed to be 97-year-old icon Dick Van Dyke.

Mustang/Sara Evans

On the Feb. 15 episode, Mustang belted out Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" after a clue package that included a soap bucket, barbells, a reference to Elvis and the fact that the celeb has "almost died more times than I can count."

After falling to Medusa in the Battle Royale, Mustang was unmasked as country singer Sara Evans.

Rock Lobster/Howie Mandel

Rock Lobster debuted on the Feb. 22 episode with a performance of ABBA's "SOS." His clues included a plushy monster toy, a gavel and the knowledge that he had a history in movies and TV.

After the initial studio audience vote, Rock Lobster was unmasked as Howie Mandel.

Night Owl/Debbie Gibson

Night Owl debuted on the Feb. 22 episode with a rendition of ABBA's "Fernando." Her clue package included an hourglass, Long Island iced teas, a snake and the claim that she helped pave the way for singers like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Nicole Scherzinger.

After falling to Medusa in the Battle Royale, Night Owl was unmasked as pop star Debbie Gibson.

Polar Bear/Grandmaster Flash

On the March 1 episode, Polar Bear made his debut with a performance of Blondie's "Rapture." His clue package included flowers, a scratch-off lottery ticket, a punching bag and a reference to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Polar Bear was unmasked as hip-hop pioneer and Rock & Rock Hall of Fame member Grandmaster Flash.

Wolf/Michael Bolton

After a March 8 performance of The Doors' "Break on Through" and a clue package including a saxophone, a clock, a ship and references to Andy Garcia, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and Andy Samberg, Wolf was unmasked as "When A Man Loves a Woman" singer Michael Bolton.

Squirrel/Malin Akerman

Squirrel made her first appearance on the March 8 episode, performing a rendition of "Try" by Pink. Her clue package included meatballs, a gorilla, a castle and the knowledge that she once made out with Tom Cruise.

On the March 15 episode, a wedding dress was unveiled as a new clue before a performance of "Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers.

After the first round of voting, Squirrel was unmasked as 27 Dresses and Billions star Malin Akerman.

Jackalope/Lele Pons

Jackalope made her debut on the March 15 episode with a performance of "Whenever, Wherever" by Shakira. Her clue package included references to social media, a necklace with the letter "G" and the Ghostface mask from Scream.

After falling to The Fairy in the Battle Royale, Jackalope was unmasked as YouTube star, actress and singer Lele Pons.

Axolotl/Alexa Bliss

Axolotl debuted on the March 22 episode with a performance of LeAnn Rimes' "Can't Fight the Moonlight. Her clue package included pom poms, a raw steak, a ring bell and an engagement ring with a musical note on it. 

She was revealed to be WWE superstar Alexa Bliss.

Fairy/Holly Robinson Peete

The Fairy made her debut on the March 15 episode with a rendition of "You're No Good" by Linda Ronstadt. Her clue package featured a black panther, a basketball, a rubber duck, a police badge and references to "friends" Sean Penn, Rob Lowe and Emilio Estevez.

On the March 22 episode, Fairy sang Bonnie Raitt's "Angel From Montgomery" and unveiled a new clue: a blackjack hand of 21.

After falling to Macaw in the Battle Royale, Fairy was unmasked as Holly Robinson Peete.

Moose/George Wendt

Moose debuted on the March 29 episode with a performance of "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News. His clue packaged featured a beer glass, hot dogs, a letterman jacket and a stuffed animal bear.

He was unmasked as Cheers star George Wendt.

Scorpio/Christine Quinn

On the March 29 episode, Scorpio debuted with a performance of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper. Scorpio's clue package included sporting equipment, a picture of a beautiful house and a red dress.

She was later unmasked as Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn.

Doll/Dee Snider

The Doll made his debut on the March 29 episode with a performance of "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds. His clue package included hairspray, a playbill and a dollhouse filled with animals.

On the April 5 episode, The Doll returned with a performance of "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley. He presented two new clues: a lollipop in the shape of a heart and a guitar case with the words "King Status" written on it. 

The Doll was unmasked as Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider.

Dandelion/Alicia Witt

Dandelion debuted on the April 5 episode with a performance of "Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland. Her clue package included a zombie, a piano, a tornado and references to Madonna, Flea and Elton John.

On the April 12 episode, Dandelion sang "Starlight" by Muse and revealed two new clues: a Santa hat with a laughing emoji and the words "space star." She was later unmasked as The Walking Dead and Friday Night Lights actress Alicia Witt.

Lamp/Melissa Joan Hart

The Lamp debuted on the April 12 episode with a performance of "Venus" by Bananarama. Her clue package included an energy drink, a yearbook and references to Ryan Reynolds, Mario Lopez and James Van Der Beek.

She was unmasked as Clarissa Explains It All and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch star Melissa Joan Hart.

California Roll

The five-person California Roll made their debut on the March 1 episode with a performance of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi."

Their clue package included sunglasses, a tiger, ice cream cones and references to Snoop Dogg and Dolly Parton.

After defeating Medusa in the Battle Royale, California Roll advanced to the quarterfinals.

Medusa

Medusa sang Billie Eilish's "Happier Than Ever" on the Feb. 15 premiere episode after a clue package that included a picture of Buckingham Palace, a reference to the Super Bowl and the fact that Medusa has "been here before."

She defeated Mustang in the Battle Royale set to "Diamonds" by Rihanna.

On the Feb. 22 episode, Medusa sang ABBA's "Dancing Queen" and unveiled a new clue revealing a connection to Coldplay's Chris Martin. Plus, a bonus clue was brought to the stage after her performance courtesy of Bachelor star Nick Viall: a plane ticket to Tokyo from 1996.

During the March 1 episode, Medusa performed Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York." Her new clues were a Scottish Terrier and a glittery bridge.

Despite falling to California Roll in the Battle Royale, the judges rang the Ding Dong Keep It On Bell to save Medusa and send her to the quarterfinals.

Gargoyle

Debuting on the March 8 episode, Gargoyle performed Charlie Puth's "One Call Away" with a clue package featuring a jukebox, an "I Love LA" sticker, a video game controller, hot sauce and a credit card. 

Though he was knocked out of the Battle Royale by Squirrel, Gargoyle lived to see a day after the panel rang the Ding Dong Keep It On Bell. 

Macaw

Macaw debuted on the March 22 episode with a performance of "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw. His clue package included quesadillas, a jar of salsa, dolphins and the knowledge that Macaw has a history of panic attacks.

Mantis

Mantis hit the stage for his debut performance on the April 5 episode with a rendition of "(I've Got a) Golden Ticket" by Jack Albertson and Peter Ostrum from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. His clue package included a guitar, a skull, poker chips, cowboy boots and the knowledge that Mantis "almost won an Emmy."

UFO

UFO debuted on the April 12 episode with a rendition of Coldplay's "Yellow." Her clue package included a reference to New England, the Golden Gate Bridge, a cemetery, a sewing machine and Queen Victoria

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