‘The Masked Singer’ Finale Crowns Ne-Yo Season 10 Champion
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In the first season of The Masked Singer, audiences crowned the autotune-stripped T-Pain, known as the Monster. In the finale of Season 10, Cow disillusioned judges and audiences alike with his hip-swerving moves and flamboyant gestures, but his definitive falsetto made the artist hard to deny. As the masked contestant’s time on the show came to a close, Cow performed “Take a Bow” by Rihanna, and was revealed as R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo. By the show’s end, panelist Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke were able to pin Ne-Yo, who placed second in Season Two of Masked Singer U.K.
“And here he is, dressed as a cow with an apron on holding a trophy,” panelist Robin Thicke said after the reveal.
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The season’s runner-up Donut was revealed as The Dukes of Hazzards star John Schneider. Dressed in a donut-stacked costume, Schneider tugged at audiences’ heartstrings throughout the season as he revealed the death of his wife and performed emotional renditions that brought panelists, particularly Ken Jeong, to tears. For his final song, Donut chose a lighthearted tune, “Drift Away” by Dobie Gray, high-fiving the judges and belting a climatic final note. After reviewing the cowboy and bow-and-arrow clues, panelist Jenny McCarthy correctly guessed the Seventies actor.
“You’re part of my childhood, so I’m starstruck,” Jeong shared, holding back tears. “Just thank you for being so vulnerable. I feel you brother. I love you brother. Thank you for enriching our lives.”
Although the three-time, Grammy-winning artist Ne-Yo is known for Billboard-topping titles like “So Sick” and Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything,” he also penned Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” and Mario’s “Let Me Love You.” He hasn’t had the opportunity to give an acceptance speech, the masked contestant said, making his Masked Singer win especially memorable. He earned a Grammy for his second studio album Because of You in 2007 and an Album of the Year nomination for his third album, Year of the Gentleman.
In a VladTV interview with Gloria Velez in August, Ne-Yo criticized parents for allowing their children to determine their own gender identity. After briefly apologizing, the artist revoked his apology, claiming on Instagram, “I will not be bullied into apologizing for having an opinion.” The artist said he planned to educate himself, but rebutted that he doesn’t believe a book or opinion will convince him to allow a child to decide on their gender.
“If I get canceled for this, then you know what? Maybe this is a world where they don’t need a Ne-Yo no more,” Ne-Yo shared on Instagram.
On The Masked Singer, ahead of his Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” performance, he admitted he chose the apron-wearing cow costume to bewilder his friends on the panel, having to learn new moves and mannerisms.
“I’ve always wanted to do this show, and so this is already a dream come true,” Ne-Yo shared as he hit host Nick Cannon playfully.
After complaining about her hot and heavy sea creature costume, Sea Queen was the first finalist to get the boot and was later revealed as actress and singer Macy Gray. Gazelle, who was courageously saved by Jeong, placed third and was revealed as Pretty Little Liars’ Janel Parrish.
Sea Queen fell to her knees after performing Fontella Bass’s “Rescue Me,” requiring some crew members to rush to her assistance. “She wanted us to rescue her,” Scherzinger jokes. Moments before her reveal, Gray flopped to the floor once more, resisting her final unmasking.
“You are obviously an example of what a legend, a queen looks like, sounds like,” McCarthy said, before the reveal. “We are definitely in the presence of greatness.”
Rose petals rained down as Gazelle sang Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars.” Although the panelists were unable to name the antlered contestant, Jeong believed Gazelle was his friend Constance Wu (Crazy Rich Asians).
“My favorite moment of the show I ever had was using the bell to save you because here we are with your best performance,” Jeong shared, ahead of the reveal. “You more than earned it and I just couldn’t be happier for you.”
Last week’s episode saw Hall & Oates’ John Oates unmasked, and in earlier weeks, R&B legend Ginuwine and rocker Sebastian Bach, controversial NBA champion Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly Ron Artest), Real Housewives of New York City star Luann de Lesseps, Teen Wolf’s Tyler Posey, and LGBTQ trailblazer and tennis icon Billie Jean King were all revealed.
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