With tears from each finalists and the panel, it was a heartfelt Season 9 finale for “The Masked Singer” as Macaw and Medusa poured their hearts on the stage throughout two remaining rounds of competitors earlier than certainly one of them emerged victorious, and each of them had been unmasked.

With the final two masks able to battle it out for “The Masked Singer” Golden Masks trophy, after which reveal their identities to the world, we weren’t ready for a way emotional this foolish present’s season finale could be.

We should always have been ready contemplating each Macaw and Medusa have poured their hearts out with each efficiency, and shared unbelievable vulnerability via their clue packages. We all know that this expertise is a journey of discovery for them, in addition to it’s about us all discovering who they’re.

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This week, they delivered two show-stopping performances every. Sure, we’re effectively conscious of the haterade certainly one of them has been splashed with throughout social media every week, however we’ll stand by that assertion. Each of them stepped up and delivered emotional performances.

By the tip of the night time, each of the unmasked celebrities had been in tears, together with a lot of the panel, and possibly a great chunk of the viewers at residence. We have heard how the anonymity of this present empowers these artists to be true in methods they’ve by no means felt capable of earlier than, and that was extra true right here than in a very long time.

It left us hoping perhaps we might put a masks on to cover our tears whereas they had been taking theirs off. Oh, and we’ll give a pre-shoutout to one of many panelists who had a stellar night time with this finale, nailing each of their guesses for who these final two are. And contemplating how they have been fairly stumped all season lengthy, that is fairly spectacular.

Let’s soar proper in with this week’s masks. And don’t fear, earlier than we get to the stunning unmasking(s), we will make you energy via the horrible (and infrequently good) guesses made by our illustrious panel of Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong and Nicole Scherzinger first. We do that as a result of we love … to torture you.

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ROUND 1

MACAW

(“Maintain Again the River,” James Bay) Macaw continues to surprisingly develop stronger every time he is up right here as a performer. Although he is clearly been at this for awhile as knowledgeable singer, it is the truth that he is a lot extra authentically related to himself and every efficiency that he is capable of ship such heartfelt and passionate moments like this.

Guesses: Solely reaffirming our conviction that we “know precisely who that is,” Macaw opened up on this finale about his nerves being judged once more in a format like this, whereas additionally noting that perhaps if he wins, it could show that he can really win one thing!

Final week, he spoke about how he was afraid of who he was for therefore lengthy. He even mentioned that he used to keep away from love songs as a result of he could not relate and lamented he waited so lengthy to be his true self for worry he’d lose everybody. With out saying it, it appears fairly clear he is not too long ago come out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood.

One other line that stood out was that he hoped that with this expertise he might encourage others, utilizing the road “come again on TV” to inform others “you are sufficient.” That makes it clear that we all know him from tv, which actually suits our favourite guess, too. HIs connection is with Nicole. “Not solely will we each like to journey, however we each have a particular love for the Philippines.”

Within the quarter-finals, Macaw mentioned that whereas he feared he would not have the ability to deal with the strain of a giant stage like this once more, “I’ve had such a enjoyable time after going via quite a lot of life transitions; I really feel like I will unfold my wings and present my true colours,” and be his true self. Affirmation, maybe?!

He additionally talked about how a lot it has meant to him the sensation that he is being accepted for who he’s on this stage, from behind his masks. Acceptance is one thing, he mentioned, he is struggled with each in his profession and in his private life. His latest “Tremendous Clue” was the phrase “Chief.” Macaw defined, “Whether or not within the studio, on the stage, or on TV, I understand how to steer.”

In earlier clue packages, Macaw revealed that he is been performing since he was actually younger, saying that his father used to bribe him into it with quesadillas. He was pushed into acting at an area Mexican restaurant, along with his mother and father a giant a part of what received him into leisure.

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That mentioned, although, the strain of attempting to please them and “be the nice son” left him overwhelmed and having panic assaults. Finally, although, Macaw mentioned what began as a strategy to make them blissful finally introduced him “glee,” with an emphasis on that phrase. He additionally mentioned that that is the yr he is determined to be courageous each on stage and in his life, with this present a giant a part of that.

Combining the entire clues all through the season, Jenny was musing about Zayn Malik as there was a clue about leaving a gaggle, and spinning arrows might have referred to One Course. With the LGBTQIA+ popping out clues, although, she shifted to Neil Patrick Harris, who suits the “triple risk” clue.

Nicole introduced up Hoobastank frontman Doug Robb based mostly on the voice, however pivoted with the silver medal again to “American Idol” runner-up David Archuleta. His point out that he was related to her via the Philippines, had her desirous about Darren Criss, however with the ultimate clue about presumably lastly successful tonight, she shifted again to Archuleta.

All of those clues line up with only one chance for us (and Twitter), “American Idol” runner-up, David Archuleta. By the best way, he’s fairly fashionable within the Philippines, Nicole, so it is good to see her circling the best reply — a minimum of, so far as we’re involved.

Archuelta has spoken earlier than concerning the super stress he endured happening “AI” present at 17 years previous; and he fell simply wanting successful, coming in second to David Prepare dinner. Archuleta “struck gold” after that with a gold document. And all of that got here after he received “Star Search” 5 years earlier, inspired by his father … and even promised Mexican meals for his efforts.

His speak about being courageous in his private life and on stage might be a reference to the truth that he is solely not too long ago come out as homosexual, which has created challenges in his relationships with a number of conservative members of the family.

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MEDUSA

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(“Elastic Coronary heart,” Sia) Medusa did not lean fairly a lot into her shrieking with out conserving the musicality proper in keeping with it, which is when she’s at her strongest. As such, we had been by no means totally pulled out of this vocal, as occurred to us so many instances final week. As a substitute, we discovered ourselves having fun with the completely different layers of her voice she portrayed. This tune isn’t any joke for any singer, with solely the perfect with the ability to deal with all of its items. This was certainly one of her strongest performances up to now — and simply in time!

Guesses: Giving clues to her actual id, Medusa spoke about how “cheeky reptilian enchantress” is mainly her aesthetic. The usage of “cheeky” suggests she could also be British, or have British connections. She additionally mentioned those that know her would by no means be stunned by this vibe for her.

She confirmed she’s knowledgeable artist by saying she had grown to like her costume a lot, she frightened she would not take it off when she goes on tour. She then name-dropped Queen of Hearts (Jewel) as a winner she’d like to rank amongst on the finish of this.

Final week, Medusa spoke concerning the lack of her “different half,” her largest cheerleader, who handed away in 2020. That is additionally when she came upon she was pregnant, making a connection between the 2.

In a previous week, she’d revealed, “I’ve skilled devastating loss in my life and I believe my objective as an artist was for individuals to really feel much less alone. That is what music has all the time executed to me, so simply the actual fact you guys are feeling what I am attempting to painting, it means greater than you may ever know.

Medusa additionally shared that she has a reference to Robin. “Each of our voices have taken us on a journey, one which put platinum on our partitions.” The week earlier than, she talked about attempting to manifest this run for herself, lighting a candle, rehearsing and even speaking together with her therapist.

A giant onstage clue was the phrase “Mother.” She defined, “Being an artist is my best ardour, however being a mother is my favourite job.” Throughout her wild card spherical, Medusa talked about how she’s all the time felt like an underdog and the way she needed to show herself usually in her profession. Earlier than that, she described herself as a “dancer in the dead of night” who grew up far-off from the highlight.

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She mentioned she realized to embrace her oddities, and the weirdness of this stage is what drew her to the present. However essentially the most tantalizing clue was when she mentioned she’d “technically” been right here earlier than, solely now she was right here to compete. Her “swag bag” clue was a DVD of a pretend film, “Medusa: Snakes on the Astral Airplane.” It additionally touted $340 million offered! “Typically success comes within the grayest of locations,” Medusa responded to this clue.

One other onstage clue was the phrase “Alias.” Medusa defined, “Right here, I am often called Medusa and at residence identified by identify, however to the world, I am going by one thing utterly completely different.” In different phrases, she has a well-known stage identify completely different from her actual one.

Jenny introduced up the DVD clue, which first pointed her to Ellie Goulding and the “Fifty Shades” soundtrack, and admitted she tuned in to Twitter (so this was taped after a minimum of the primary episode) and noticed that there was quite a lot of love for Fergie, who carried out on the Tremendous Bowl.

Robin went via his earlier guesses of Goulding, Kesha and Grimes, providing nothing actually new this week in any respect. Nicole, although, had been fixated on Lorde, however current clues (together with a Scottish terrier) had her pondering perhaps Shirley Manson.

Tonight, although, the Queen of Hearts clue took her again to Jewel’s run on the present, and one specific tune she sang. That tune, which was thought-about among the finest of the entire present’s run, was Bishop Briggs’ “River.”

For us and the vast majority of Twitter that is not fixated on Fergie based mostly on nothing however the voice, we have been on that connection for weeks and are satisfied that is Bishop Briggs. Bishop was born Sarah Grace McLaughlin (which may be very near Sarah McLachlan’s identify, a visible clue in certainly one of her packages), and ties in to her utilizing an alias.

For Bishop, the chess items might be as apparent because the bishop piece, whereas “the grayest of locations” might check with her tune that featured on “Fifty Shades Freed,” which grossed … you guessed it, $340 million. As for ties to the large sport, Bishop’s “Wild Horses” (one other chess piece) was utilized in a 2016 advert.

Later clues included a shot of Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who Bishop has toured with, and a ticket to Tokyo, which might check with her household shifting there. Her point out of ties to this stage might check with when Queen of Hearts (Jewel) sang her tune “River” again in Season 6 on her strategy to successful the crown — after which she name-dropped that precise artist this week!

Oh and Bishop is a brand new mother, saying the start of her first little one final August. As for her heartbreaking story of loss, Bishop shared that she misplaced her sister Kate to ovarian most cancers in 2020, so this journey could be a becoming tribute to her.

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ROUND 2

MACAW

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(“All By Myself,” Eric Carmen) Macaw has been laying his coronary heart on the stage with every efficiency and he could not have picked a greater tune to inform his story. This was a heartbreaking and triumphant second for him. On high of that, he nailed the unbelievable vary of this tune effortlessly. It was a good looking efficiency, palpable via the masks and the display.

That is much more exceptional as a result of he revealed in his remaining clue bundle that he suffered a significant harm final yr that left him silent for 3 months. So not solely was he questioning his id and if he would ever be deserving of affection, he was additionally questioning his chosen ardour and profession. This present is an awakening for therefore many causes for him.

Oh, and for the document, David Archuelta had vocal twine surgical procedure final yr and in an replace in March 2021 famous that he hadn’t spoken because the surgical procedure. Archulet has suffered from vocal paralysis points since he was a teen on “American Idol.” Mockingly, the identical physician who noticed him then did the surgical procedure.

After his efficiency, a clearly emotional Macaw mentioned, “I had quite a lot of nervousness earlier than coming onto this present as a result of I used to be afraid to point out myself. It has been a troublesome final couple years and I am actually humbled, so thanks.”

MEDUSA

(“Welcome to the Black Parade,” My Chemical Romance) Medusa requested via her tune if she would defeat the non-believers. At this level, we already know this was taped after a minimum of the primary spherical of competitors — was she seeing all of the Medusa haters on-line but?

Her stage presence stays so singularly distinctive, frantic and kinetic and even a bit jarring, however there isn’t any denying she has an amazing vocal functionality. This tune was the proper showcase for the sting in her voice, in addition to that softer aspect, and her energy. As soon as once more, she restrained the shouting that fueled so a lot of her haters (was it in response to that?).

On this remaining clue bundle, she talked about how onerous her journey was to this spot, having been eradicated solely to need to struggle her method again via the Ding-Dong-Preserve-It-On Bell Wild Card bracket.

She additionally mentioned she hopes her performances assist individuals to really feel much less alone and that she hopes her son hears Medusa’s message “that we’re able to being so many alternative issues suddenly, that with nice loss there’s all the time nonetheless pleasure, and greater than something, it is price combating for.” She wrapped by saying she hopes she makes him proud.

“This implies a lot to me and the truth that I received to finish my journey with my sister’s favourite tune,” Medusa mentioned after her efficiency, tearing up. “Sadly she’s not right here. It means a lot. Really for my spirit and soul, I actually wanted this, so thanks.”

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2ND PLACE – UNMASKING 20

We all know the Medusa haters are able to have her go residence already, however there isn’t any denying she actually introduced her A-game tonight, and he or she’s placed on some powerhouse performances alongside the best way. We’re undecided she was as constant as Macaw, however she is certainly all coronary heart.

That mentioned, Macaw has been on a religious awakening of his personal on this present. Each of those finalists have paired nice vocal performances with shifting and private tales, making them evenly matched (hush, haters!) on each fronts. We are saying that particularly after tonight.

You need to take into account that this viewers has presumably solely seen this one episode of the present, so this is perhaps their solely expertise with both Macaw or Medusa. Based mostly on what they simply received, it isn’t straightforward to say who’s extra deserving to win this season — it actually is likely one of the strongest finales ever (and we’ll throw California Roll into that as effectively to say it was a strong Semi-FInals, too).

That mentioned, since we make ourselves do that, we’ll go forward and say that Macaw was extra constant over the season, however there was a strong momentum that we have sensed within the room with Medusa every time she’s been on the stage since her return. We might say Macaw is deserving of the win, however suspected he’d need to accept a second second-place end.

That is precisely what occurred, too — cue web outrage (we’ll share a few of it on the finish) — as Medusa took residence the Golden Masks trophy. However that also left the unmaskings, with a really worthy runner-up in Macaw going first.

• Robin Thicke: Jason Mraz
• Jenny McCarthy: Neil Patrick Harris
• Ken Jeong: David Archuleta
• Nicole Scherzinger: David Archuleta

In aligning with Nicole’s guess, Ken shared a heartfelt story about his connection to their decide, which he continued after it was revealed to certainly be David Archuleta.

Ken received emotional sharing that in a time when his spouse was on bedrest and so they had been frightened about dropping their little one, they had been tuned in to Season 7 of “American Idol,” calling Archuleta “a ray of sunshine.”

The “Idol” runner-up then opened up about how liberating this expertise was, simply as popping out was. Having grown up spiritual, “I believed that if I lived the best way, like, being queer, that I used to be going to be evil. So I labored actually onerous to be something however that,” he mentioned.

“It received to the purpose I assumed, ‘Possibly it is higher if I am not right here,'” he shared. “However I spotted I can not change this. So if anybody else that grew up feeling that they had been dangerous simply due to who they had been interested in, who they beloved, I would like you to know that it’s price taking the braveness to point out your true colours. It is scary, however you are price it, you matter, and it is so lovely.”

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WINNER – UNMASKING 21

• Robin Thicke: Grimes
• Jenny McCarthy: Fergie
• Ken Jeong: Susan Boyle
• Nicole Scherzinger: Bishop Briggs

Ken had made it clear earlier than that he had no thought, so he simply went wild and fell again on his most ridiculous guess of the season … which we are able to weirdly respect. The viewers was getting behind Jenny’s Fergie guess, however Nicole made it two for 2 as this season’s winner is Bishop Briggs.

She was proud to have had the chance to sing an emo anthem as a result of she mentioned listening to David’s story had her pondering, ‘Oh my gosh, take a look at us, a few emo youngsters right here on this stage uncertain of who we’re, not figuring out if we needed to proceed on, and we made it.”

When you or somebody you already know is combating melancholy or has had ideas of harming themselves or taking their very own life, get assist. The Nationwide Suicide Prevention Lifeline (simply dial 988) supplies 24/7, free, confidential help for individuals in misery.

And now, as promised, listed below are the web’s reactions to those reveals, and this season’s winner! Let’s simply say, this is perhaps the bitterest responses to any winner to date.

“The Masked Singer” will return for Season 10 subsequent fall on Fox.