The panelists were speechless in the first ‘Masked Singer’ wildcard episode

Everyone knows that you don’t have to be the best vocalist to compete on The Masked Singer (Wednesdays, 8 pET on CTV). So long as you’re some kind of celebrity, you qualify to do the show. 

Besides, when you can’t sing you probably know how to perform, and a good routine and a killer song choice can take you far. But then there was Racoon, whose vocals are so bad, he sounded like he was already road kill. 

The return of the honourary fifth panalist

Before Raccoon could bound onto the stage though, guest-host Niecy Nash changed up her hair and “poured” her “quarantine curves” into a new jumpsuit to introduce this week’s guest-panelist: Joel McHale. 

Ken Jeong’s former Community co-star has been on the series enough times now that he really is an honourary fifth panelist, but he was extra feisty on Wednesday night. He said Robin’s shirt made him look like he was running a topless bar, for one. And of course, he did the obligatory Ken jokes that fans have come to love and expect.

But when Racoon took the stage Joel was actually speechless, and you could see him looking around at the other panelists as if to say, “Is this for real?” Eventually, he got over his shock and busted out some dance moves, as you do in these instances. 

#RaccoonMask is leaving his mark on #TheMaskedSinger stage! pic.twitter.com/wMcGrglFe7

— The Masked Singer (@MaskedSingerFOX) March 25, 2021

Yup, in the history of “Ring of Fire” karaoke performances it’s unclear if anyone has ever butchered Johnny Cash so, but Raccoon hammed it up to full effect. He made Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg the object of his affection by plastering her image on “wanted” posters for the performance, and even got down on one knee by the end. Of course, Jenny is taken, (sorry Donnie Wahlberg fans), but she was still very much into the gag.

“I’m speechless, much like the Raccoon was during the song,” Joel finally managed when it was his turn to comment. Wonder how he’d react to the fact Racoon lasted longer than Kermit the Frog?

Introducing: The Wildcard

The panel didn’t have long to speculate over the nuances of the performance, however, as there was a full night to get through. Once again, the Russian Dolls blew everyone’s minds when this week three of them took the stage and performed “Wonder” by Shawn Mendes.

The performance was memorable, but the bigger question at this point is how many dolls actually exist in this set? Traditional nesting dolls come in sets of five or more. Thanks to a new hint from Cluedle-Doo, viewers do know there are at least four in this Masked Singer set. Right now, the panelists are only aware of three though, so it will be fun to see how that particular twist plays out in the coming weeks.

For now, there was an even bigger twist to grapple with on Wednesday night: the introduction of the first Wildcard, AKA Orca. After Robopine made Nicole Scherzinger cry with his soulful performance of “All of Me,” and once Seashell wrapped her beautiful iteration of “Confident” by Demi Lovato, it was Orca’s time to shine. Or is that swim?

🔥🔥🔥 The first Wildcard coming in lit! #TheMaskedSinger pic.twitter.com/U4n8CJbtUg

— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) March 25, 2021

The contestant came out strong with his pizza clues and a fun performance of “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and while he might not have had the strongest vocals of the night, the panelists thought he was one of the best.

They immediately went to rock stars with guesses like Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) and Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), as Jenny leaned towards Kevin Bacon. (Because why not Kevin Bacon?)

The elimination everyone saw coming

Fans will have a couple more weeks to dive into Orca’s identity however, because once the votes were in, he easily knocked out Racoon. For his part, Racoon knew he was no singer, and at the end of the day, that’s what made his performances fun. But who was he?

Once again, the internet proved it knew best because since Racoon’s introduction, fans have been guessing Danny Trejo online. That name didn’t even cross the panelists’ minds, even though, as they joked later, they had named basically everyone in Hollywood Trejo has worked with.

They leaned into Danny DeVito, Gary Busey, Sylvester Stallone and Tony Danza, but it was indeed Trejo who took off his mask (and not his pants, thankfully). 

Why is everyone calling me a raccoon? #themaskedsinger

— Danny Trejo (@officialDannyT) March 25, 2021

“I feel like a winner -- I don’t care. I love it. And besides that I was a cute Racoon,” he said. Then he turned to Jenny and revealed the reason he was so smitten with her.

Saying he is helping to raise two autistic kids, Trejo announced, “I love the work you do." (Though it should be noted that there are important criticisms of McCarthy's approach to autism "advocacy.")

It was me behind the #RaccoonMask! I loved singing on #TheMaskedSinger stage and can’t wait to see who’s unmasked next Wednesday at 8/7c on @FOXTV pic.twitter.com/qup8hUHzy9

— Danny Trejo (@officialDannyT) March 25, 2021

And with that, The Masked Singer bids farewell to another costumed critter. Next week, get ready for a brand new costumed Wildcard as Group B returns to the stage.

Watch The Masked Singer Wednesdays at 8 pET on CTV and catch up here.

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