The Masked Singer Season 14 Episode 5 Recap: Unveiling the True Identity of Calla Lily
Spoiler Alert: The following details reveal the identity of a contestant from Season 14, Episode 5 of "The Masked Singer" (https://variety.com/t/the-masked-singer/), "Red, White and Clue," which aired on February 4th on Fox.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Teddi Mellencamp's journey on "The Masked Singer" brought her out of a dark place, and she expressed her gratitude for the experience. As Calla Lily, she performed 'Jack and Diane,' a song made famous by her father, John Mellencamp, during his John Cougar era. Prior to this, she had performed 'Fight Song' by Rachel Platten.
The panelist's guesses were intriguing. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg correctly identified Teddi Mellencamp, while Ken Jeong thought it was Christina Applegate, Rita Ora guessed Selma Blair, and Robin Thicke went with Danielle Fishel. Mellencamp shared her challenges, stating, 'I'm not a singer by trade, and a significant part of my memory has been affected by brain surgery. I was nervous but excited to step out of my comfort zone.'
Mellencamp's decision to join the show was influenced by her children's quick identification of her after her first performance. She also sought singing advice from her father, who encouraged her to 'sing loud and proud.' If she had continued, she planned to perform 'Before He Cheats' by Carrie Underwood.
Mellencamp's recent headlines have been dominated by her battle with Stage 4 cancer. Her father, John Mellencamp, shared a concerning update on a podcast, stating that his daughter is 'really sick' and 'suffering.' However, in a recent interview, Teddi Mellencamp revealed she's in immunotherapy and still considered Stage 4, but with no signs of cancer. She seemed in good spirits, discussing her revelation as Calla Lily, where she alluded to her health struggles: 'I was recently reminded of life's fragility. I fought for answers and faced my fears. It's been a challenging journey, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to perform and share my story.'
The episode introduced new contestants: High Voltage, Owl, Pangolin, and Eggplant, joining Galaxy Girl, Stingray, Cat Witch, Pugcasso, Snow Cone, and Crane in the next round. The celebrities unmasked so far include Claudia Oshry (Queen Corgi), Taraji P. Henson (Scarab), Tone Loc (Handyman), Tiffany Haddish (Le Who Who), Todd and Julie Chrisley (Croissants), and David 'Big Papi' Ortiz (Googly Eyes).
Host Nick Cannon and panelists Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, Rita Ora, and Robin Thicke returned for Season 14. Thicke kicked off the episode with a singing performance of James Brown's 'Living in America.'
A new segment, 'America's Insider,' features singer, dancer, and social media personality Kylie Cantrall, who provides behind-the-scenes hints and clues for viewers. The twist? Cantrall is in costume as Cat Witch but will only unmask for the audience, keeping the panelists in the dark.
The show's themed episodes pay tribute to 'Star Trek,' the 90s comedy 'Clueless,' the comic franchise 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,' and the blockbuster 'Twilight Saga' films. Additionally, the 'Fear Factor' reboot will feature Johnny Knoxville, and 'Ozzfest Night' honors the late Ozzy Osbourne, with a special tribute by Kelly Osbourne.
The 18 contestants in Season 14 have collectively sold 94 million records, received 47 Teen Choice Award nominations, 12 Emmy nominations, two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one Tony Award win, and one Academy Award nomination.
The performances on Wednesday's episode included:
High Voltage
Song: 'Miles On It' by Kane Brown and Marshmello
Previous song: 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' by Tears for Fears
Clue: Guitar. 'I've had this by my side since I was 13, reminding me that the greatest things come from finding your rhythm and sticking with it.'
Panel guesses: Jimmy Fallon, Conan O'Brien, John Stamos
Previous panel guesses: Conan O'Brien, Julian Edelman
Calla Lily (Teddi Mellencamp)
Song: 'Jack and Diane' by John Mellencamp
Previous song: 'Fight Song' by Rachel Platten
Clue: Diamond key. 'This has unlocked countless doors for me and reminds me to step boldly into what comes next.'
Panel guesses: Danielle Fishel, Selma Blair, Teddi Mellencamp
Previous panel guesses: Selma Blair, Christina Applegate
Owl
Song: 'Ain't No Sunshine' by Bill Withers
Previous song: 'Wild Thing' by The Troggs
Clue: Super bowl. 'I was super-excited to play a part in one of America's biggest events, with millions of eyes on me.'
Panel guesses: Matthew McConaughey, Kurt Russell, Jeff Daniels
Previous panel guesses: Matthew McConaughey, Billy Bob Thornton
Eggplant
Song: 'American Woman' by Lenny Kravitz
Previous song: 'Rocket Man' by Elton John
Clue: Hot sauce. 'My career has been hot, hot, hot, and this bottle says it best.'
Panel guesses: Billy Joel, Daryl Hall, Kenny Loggins
Previous panel guesses: Martin Short, Nathan Lane
The show's winners include T-Pain as Monster (Season 1), Wayne Brady as Fox (Season 2), Kandi Burruss as Night Angel (Season 3), LeAnn Rimes as Sun (Season 4), Nick Lachey as Piglet (Season 5), Jewel as Queen of Hearts (Season 6), Teyana Taylor as Firefly (Season 7), Amber Riley as Harp (Season 8), Bishop Briggs as Medusa (Season 9), Ne-Yo as Cow (Season 10), Vanessa Hudgens as Goldfish (Season 11), Boyz II Men as Buffalos (Season 12), and Gretchen Wilson as Pearl (Season 13).
