IDK Who the Rhino Is on ‘The Masked Singer’ but I *Do* Know They Can Sing

From Cosmopolitan

We are gathered here today to discuss a sad reality: Season 3 of The Masked Singer is nearly over. We only have a few more unmaskings to go! Personally, I am still completely gripped by every aspect of this dang show—the costumes, the celebrities who willingly opt in, the judges, even the fans. If you have some free time (which, come on, I know you do), I highly recommend scrolling through #MaskedSingerFox on Twitter ’cause you’ll be amazed by how many people from all over the country participate in this guessing game.

Our man the Rhino is one of the few remaining mysteries. There are many theories as to who this, dare I say, ~sexy~ voice (so sorry) belongs to, but luckily, I’ve narrowed down the best guesses to make things a bit easier for you.

The Clues

For starters, the Rhino sports an old-school pilot outfit—and despite his “tough exterior,” he insists he’s “really just a gentle giant.” He was “center stage” when he was younger but “crashed and burned” when he suddenly wasn’t the best. The clue package features many items, including a red bicycle, a pitcher of what looks like red Kool-Aid, and a guitar with the Grand Ole Opry written on it (anyone else getting country-rock-star vibes?).

In the next clue package, the Rhino is “flying high” on the wings of a plane until he starts “free-falling through life” while holding a sign that says “South.” Huh...okay. The Rhino mentions his wife saving him from hitting rock bottom plus a huge diamond ring and a sandwich that is cut in half(?!). Warning: The bread will make ya hungry.

Then we have this video where the Rhino’s college buddy is interviewed dressed as...a beach ball. Basically, he reveals that the Rhino sucks at surfing (hardly helpful ’cause don’t we all), but we do see three quarters...so maybe he’s a quarterback? Also, we see a picture of Missouri on a map!

And, there’s this clue package, where the Rhino pretty much confirms he’s a professional musician:

In his most recent clue package, he reveals that he dealt with a lot of issues in both his professional and personal life—but his wife came along and made everything better. (AWWW). He mentions he never thought he'd have kids, which then shares a pic of three lil bb elephants. Oh, and there was a turkey and ballet reference??

The Performances

I firmly believe the Rhino’s voice is the best voice of the season. He sang in perfect pitch, you guys! Even his rendition of “Have a Little Faith in Me” by John Hiatt gives the original version a run for its money. (Please don’t tell John Hiatt that.) Listen and tell me I’m wrong, I dare you:

Once again, the Rhino’s vocals in their second performance of Niall Horan’s “Nice to Meet Ya” left me in awe. I have no words other than I’ve never heard a song from a former One Direction member sound so good. I know, it’s a bold claim, but see for yourself:

Meanwhile, here he is doing a solid rendition of “Tracks of My Tears”:

And my personal fave, “What a Man Gotta Do”:

But I gotta say, his version of "You've Lost That Love & Feeling" really got me:

The Theories

Trace Adkins

Now, why did guest judge Jeff Dye think that Trace Adkins could be The One™️ inside the absurd Rhino costume? For evidence, he points to the fact that the Rhino was tracing a hand turkey aka one of those silly yet super-fun-and-will-never-get-old kindergarten art projects in his latest clue video. The logic there is pretty clever, but maybe *too* clever for this show? Eh, beats me, but Twitter is poppin' off about this guess:

Jason Aldean

Judge Nicole Scherzinger pulled out this guess and it honestly *could* be accurate. She convinced me when she tied his bonus clue—those men-in-black dudes brought him a package containing a navy hat—to his daughter, Navy. He even said: "I have worn many different hats but this one holds very special meaning." Navy is his youngest child out of his four, and we could only imagine what being a father means to him!

A country singer seems to be a trending theme so she could be on point.

Adam Sandler

I honestly don't really understand how Adam could pass as the Rhino? It sounds nothing like him—to moi, at least. Gah, I hate these mind games. Who knows! Some of our friends on Twitter really believe it could be the famous actor. I mean, okay, he did say he didn't think he'd ever find a lifelong partner and Sandler didn't get married until he was pushing 40. Obviously, you find the right person at the right time...but that's all I got goin' for this theory. The internet could be right though, considering their credentials so far...

Sam Hunt

The country music star is a popular name circulating the Masked Singer Twitterverse. He fits a lot of the Rhino’s clues: Sam is 6'3" and played college football (the Rhino has the build of a football player), he’s from Georgia (remember that “South” sign clue?), he loves motorcycles (the Rhino rides a motorcycle), and he married his long-time girlfriend, who inspired many of his hit songs (the Rhino says his wife saved him from hitting rock bottom—cuuute). Sounds pretty perfect to me, and Bachelor star Becca Tilley agrees:

Tim Tebow

Fans think this former pro football player is a good match for the Rhino for a couple of reasons—Tim is from the South, he just got married, and he is very open about his faith (one of the Rhino’s clues is a “faith” sign).

Ryan Lochte

We have judge Nicole Scherzinger to thank for this theory. She connected the butterfly clue to the Olympic swimmer’s butterfly stroke. (Sure, okay!) And Ryan certainly went through a rough period (yeah...about that drama in Rio). Some fans agree:

Barry Zito

Some clues that’ll convince ya the Rhino is MLB player Barry Zito? Barry’s number is 75 (remember those three quarters?), his wife is a former Miss Missouri, he played for the Giants (the Rhino calls himself a gentle giant!), and he pivoted to music. I meaaan, it adds up.

That said, I’m gonna need another performance to make any final decisions. Also, I really want to hear the Rhino sing again (did you know it’s possible to be attracted to a voice???).

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