-GROUP C INTRO WEEK-
"It's week three, and time to meet our Group C celebrities! This week you'll get to know The Lioness!"
"I am as fierce as any competition out there, maybe more so. I haven't always been accepted in the spotlight, but I'm here to prove that talent should be judged by ability, not by what someone sees on the outside."
"The Tweedles!"
"It's my turn! I am here...oops, we are here to show you the power of two! We have like the Twitches magic and stuff. But we work better as a pair. Wherever one is, the other is also there!"
"The Grape Vine!"
"I am here for some good clean fun. How often do they clean the stage? Well, hopefully, my voice will be pure. I love music, but that's not really my specialty. Yay glee!"
"The Cherub!"
"They call me The Cherub, because I'm the loveable, bubbly, teddy bear one. And my heart of gold will shine when I sing. Though this is the first time I've ever had centerstage all to myself..."
"The Sun!"
"They say that big things come in small packages. And sometimes it's the smaller stars that shine the brightest. But I'm The Sun to show that I'm a big star!"
"And, The Football!"
"No one better make fun of me for this! If you push me, you'll meet the fury! And I don't think that's something you want. I'm the one who holds the role of top dog, now and forever!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your host, Nick Cannon!"
The audience applauded as Nick came strutting out. Tonight he was in a dazzling sapphire suit with crystal shoes on his feet and a sapphire studded mask. "Good evening and welcome to Hollywood's biggest guessing game, The Masked Singer! Tonight our last batch of performers are waiting to wow you and the judges. But before we get to it, say hello to our distinguished panel. She's one tough cookie to crack and isn't afraid to tell it to you straight, it's Carmen Tibideaux!"
Carmen stood gracefully and gave a regal bow to the fans.
"Some people would like to lock him in a box, just to see what would happen. Say hello to Pierce Pierce!"
Pierce seemed engrossed in trying to balance his pencil on its eraser, and didn't react to the introduction.
"He's been a leader in the show choir world for many years, now serving as the chair of the National Show Choir Committee, Will Schuester!"
Will stood, and clasping his hands, bowed as well.
"And last, but not least, he's always got a smile on his face and a song in his heart. Give it up for Blaine Anderson!"
Blaine stood and waved, blowing kisses, and pointed to Kurt in his usual seat.
Nick grinned. "I see Kurt is back with us this week! Great to see you feeling better Kurt!" he called up to the man.
Kurt waved and smiled. "I'm feeling so much better now, thank you. But I'm going to be watching Blaine like a hawk," he said with a smirk.
"Uh oh," Nick said. "Blaine, what's that about?"
Blaine looked sheepish. "Let's just say that a certain individual was mentioned by me last week that is still a touchy subject, even though it's been almost ten years since the last time I spoke to them."
Nick just shook his head. "Carmen, what do you hope our last group of six will bring tonight?"
The woman steepled her fingers in front of her before she spoke. "Tonight I am hoping to see confident singers who aren't afraid to put it all on the line. I want them to go for those hard to hit notes with gusto, to push their boundaries, and just let it all go."
"Well, I am sure we have some outstanding performances for you guys tonight. Remember, at the end of the night, the singer with the least amount of votes, will be unmasked. It's time to meet our final group of competitors. Say hello to Group C! The Lioness, The Tweedles, The Grape Vine, The Cherub, The Sun, and The Football!" Nick said, looking to the audience and the camera. "So now, put your heads together and see if you can solve some clues about The Lioness!"
A vast grassland dotted sparsely with trees and rock formations appeared on the screen, and The Lioness sprawled out on one of the outcroppings of rock. She wore an elegant black dress with silver accents, and each finger was adorned with a ring. "For as long as I can remember, I always had people telling me I was the Queen of the jungle. But it took a long time for me to actually believe that. I was constantly bested by those who maybe weren't as powerful, but knew how to claim their prize. And it's harder to get noticed when you're someone like me. Unfortunately, the world is quick to care more about what you look like, than what you sound like. So, I had to make my own start before I found a home at a place that cared about putting me, and not just my sound, on top."
"Ladies and gentlemen, The Lioness!"
Music began to play as fog crept across the stage, and The Lioness emerged from the darkness.
L.a. Proved too much for the man
(Too much for the man, he couldn't make it)
So he's leavin' the life he's come to know, ooh
(He said he's goin')
He said he's goin' back to find
(Goin' back to find)
Ooh ooh ooh, what's left of his world
The world he left behind
Not so long ago
He's leavin' (leavin')
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leavin' on the midnight train)
Yeah, said he's goin' back
(Goin' back to find)
To a simpler place in time
(Whenever he takes that ride) oh yes he is
(Guess who's gonna be right by his side)
And I'll be with him (I know you will)
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leavin' on the midnight train to Georgia)
I'd rather live in his world (live in his world)
Than live without him in mine
(Her world is his, his and hers alone)
My world (for love), his world (gonna board)
Our world (the midnight train to go) now I'm his alone
My world (for love), his world (gonna board)
Our world (the midnight train to go) now I'm his alone
I've got to go (for love), I've got to go (gonna board)
I've got to go (the midnight train to go) hey
I've got to go (for love), I've got to go (gonna board)
(The midnight train to go)
My world (for love), his world (gonna board)
My man (the midnight train to go) his girl
I've got to go (for love), I've got to go (gonna board)
(The midnight train to go) I've got to go
My world (for love), his world (gonna board)
Our world
The audience all leapt to their feet and cheered as the Lioness finished her song, hitting several magnificent notes and holding them impressively long.
"Bravo Miss Lioness, bravo," Nick said with a grin. "Carmen, were those the kind of notes you were hoping for?"
"Absolutely, Nick! And right out of the gate, too! The Lioness has set the bar high tonight."
"Will, what did you think of our lovely first performer tonight?"
"Wow! You came here to win! You blew us all away, am I right?" He glanced around at the audience, who screamed and cheered again.
Nick was grinning from ear to ear. "Blaine, any idea who this powerhouse might be?"
Blaine was ginning wider than ever. "I'm not sure, but I do know that we are in the presence of a Goddess!"
"Well, it seems the judges are really loving you, Lioness! Do you have anything you'd like to share with them?"
"Well, like so many people of my body type, I've been told I should change myself to please others."
"That doesn't sound very fair," Nick said with a slight frown. "Pierce, what say you oh wise comedian?"
"Two words. Legend. Dairy."
Nick gave him a confused look. "Are you sure you didn't know that legendary is one word, or are you just thirsty for milk?"
"Milk does a body good!"
"Right, well, Lioness, that was amazing! You can head backstage for now, and we'll find out if you're safe at the end of the show. Now, check out these bopping clues about The Tweedles."
The scene opened to what looked like a mystical forest and two heads popped out on either side of a tree, showing that this was a duo. "My name is Tweedle Dee!" one said, and he turned to look at the other. "This is Tweedle Dum."
"Hey!" the other proclaimed. "Why do I have to be Tweedle Dum?"
"Because I'm the smarter one!" He kept going before his partner could interrupt again. "Anyway, Tweedle Dum and I have been bound at the hip for as long as I can remember. Where he goes, I go. And the people we spent most of our time around loved us for who we were. They still do. Even if sometimes, we tend to drive them a little nuts. But hey, no one ever got rich and famous by being boring!"
"That's right, ladies and gents, double your pleasure with The Tweedles!"
Despite the clowning nature of the two masked performers, the song that began to play was actually pretty serious as the two took the stage.
(Dee) (Dum) (Both)
Live in my house, I'll be your shelter
Just pay me back
With 1, 000 kisses
Be my lover, and I'll cover you
Open your door, I'll be your tenant
Don't got much baggage to lay at your feet
But sweet kisses, I've got to spare
I'll be there, and I'll cover you
I think they meant it
When they said you can't buy love
Now I know you can rent it
A new lease, you are my love
On life, be my life
Just slip me on, I'll be your blanket
Wherever, whatever I'll be your coat
You'll be my king, and I'll be your castle
No, you be my queen, and I'll be your moat
I've longed to discover
Something as true as this is
So with a thousand sweet kisses
(If you're cold and you're lonely) I'll cover you
With a thousand sweet kisses
(You've got one nickel only) I'll cover you
With a thousand sweet kisses
(When you're worn out and tired) I'll cover you
With a thousand sweet kisses
(When your heart has expired) I'll cover you
Oh lover, I'll cover you, yeah
Oh lover, I'll cover you
Once again the crowd applauded wildly, loving the chemistry between the two performers.
"Wow, that was truly a new spin on the Masked Singer." Nick proclaimed as The Tweedles came bounding over. "Will, what did you think of our duo?"
"I'm thinking that all of our contestants are out to prove a point tonight, at least so far! Great job, perfect song selection, and amazing timing!"
Nick glanced at The Tweedles with a grin and then looked to Pierce. "Pierce, how about you?"
"I think they are trying to steal my job. I'm the funny one around here!"
"Whoa, okay, remind me not to get on your bad side Pierce. Blaine, any thoughts?"
"I feel like I should recognize your voices, and I feel bad that I can't quite grasp them. You guys were amazing, and I really want to hear more from you. Good job!"
"Tweedles, do you have a clue for our panel?"
The two performers glanced at each other, and then rather than speaking, they began whistling a familiar tune. Nick frowned for a moment. "Is that Hey, Soul Sister?"
The Tweedles just bounced together in response.
Nick shook his head, not sure what they meant by that. "Carmen, did their whistling mean anything to you?"
"Not especially, but it does give me food for thought. I'm going to have to think on this for a while."
"Okay, well, audience, one more hand for The Tweedles!" The audience applauded as they bounced offstage. "It's time to put your thinking caps back on. Say hello to some clues from The Grape Vine."
What looked like a counselor's office appeared on screen. In the background were displayed several pamphlets, but the focus was wrong to try and read more than a word here and there on any of them. The Grape Vine sat primly behind a desk, polishing a bowl of grapes. "Unwashed fruit isn't very healthy. That's why I take extra special care to make sure all my fruit is not only ripe, but clean. And I do my best to make sure the younger ones know how to stay healthy. It's a troubled environment for kids today. There is so much they can get their hands on that they really have no business being privy to. Neither do adults for that matter. But I'm here to just brighten everyone's day with a song, because it always brightens mine."
"Give a warm welcome to The Grape Vine."
The spotlight picked up The Grape Vine standing in what looked like a Vineyard on the stage as a familiar song began to play. When she began singing, her voice was soft and gentle, but the emotion behind it filled the audience.
When I was young
I never needed anyone
And making love was just for fun
Those days are gone
Livin' alone
I think of all the friends I've known
But when I dial the telephone
Nobody's home
All by myself
Don't wanna be
All by myself
Anymore
Hard to be sure
Sometimes I feel so insecure
And love so distant and obscure
Remains the cure
When I was young
I never needed anyone
And making love was just for fun
Those days are gone
All by myself
Don't wanna live
Oh
Don't wanna live
By myself, by myself
Anymore
By myself
Anymore
Oh
All by myself
Don't wanna live
I never, never, never
Needed anyone
The crowd applauded enthusiastically for The Grape Vine as she was joined by Nick.
"Okay, that was deep," Nick said. "Blaine, throw some feelings at The Grape Vine."
"That was beautiful! We could tell you were really feeling this song, and you put your whole heart into it. Great job! I have a feeling you won't be all by yourself after this!"
"Mr. Will Schuester?" Nick asked.
Will seemed thunderstruck, and almost incapable of speech as he wiped a tear from his eyes. "Beautiful," was all he could manage to say.
"Let's hear some words from Carmen Tibideaux."
"Once again, someone got the memo on what I was asking for tonight. Brava!"
Nick chuckled and turned to The Grape Vine. "Lay down a clue for our panel Miss Grape Vine."
"I've crossed paths in the show choir community with more than one of you."
"Wow, that sounds intricate. Pierce, does this help you at all?"
"Not really. I wasn't paying attention. I was still thinking about the song I just heard."
"Well, congratulations to The Grape Vine for blowing us all away, like Theodosia should in Hamilton. Anyway, see if you can crack the case with these clues about The Cherub."
At first the screen seemed to be blank, but slowly a cloud drifted into view, upon which The Cherub rested, a harp in one hand, and a stuffed yellow bird in the other. "My friends have called me shy, and maybe I am, but not on a stage. I don't like confrontation. Love is where it's at, which is why I'm a cherub. I've been told I have cherubic laughter, and I'm normally a happy and bubbly person. But I have my reasons for why I'm not that confident in myself when I'm not on stage. And I've honestly never gone it alone before. I've always been in the thick of my friends. So taking my own spotlight is a new step for me."
A large, full moon was the backdrop of the stage as The Cherub began to sing. His smooth, charismatic voice filled the room, and took the audience on an adventure.
(In Napoli where love is king
When boy meets girl here's what they say)
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie
That's amore
When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine
That's amore
Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling, ting-a-ling-a-ling
And you'll sing "Vita bella"
Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay, tippy-tippy-tay
Like a gay tarantella
When the stars make you drool just like a pasta e fasul
That's amore
When you dance down the street with a cloud at your feet
You're in love
When you walk in a dream but you know you're not dreaming signore
Scusami, but you see, back in old Napoli
That's amore
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amore
That's amore,
When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine, that's amore
That's amore
Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling, ting-a-ling-a-ling
And you'll sing "Vita bella" (Vita bel-, vita bella)
Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay, tippy-tippy-tay
Like a gay tarantella
Lucky fella
When the stars make you drool just like a pasta e fasul, that's amore
That's amore
When you dance down the street with a cloud at your feet
You're in love
When you walk in a dream but you know you're not dreaming signore
Scusami, but you see, back in old Napoli
That's amore
Amore, that's amore
The crowd gave him a standing ovation as the song came to a close. Even the judges were on their feet, and Nick was clapping as he approached.
"Wow, you have a deep soul there Cherub! Pierce, what do you think of our winged friend here?"
Pierce let out a dreamy sigh. "I'm hungry. I really want pizza now."
"First milk, now pizza? Honestly Pierce, did you bother to eat before you came?"
"No Nick. The goats ate all our food. And then they ate all the hay and clothes too." He lifted his arm. "See? There's a bite in my jacket!"
Nick just shook his head and turned to Will. "What did you think, Will?"
"Not everyone can sing Dean Martin like that. It's actually a rather difficult song to sing, and yet you made it seem effortless. Amazing Job!"
Nick grinned at the man. "Carmen, what did you think of The Cherub?"
"I agree with Will, that is a hard song to perform, and you were perfect. It's interesting to me that you said the stage is the only place you don't feel shy. Usually it's the other way around. I for one am glad I had the opportunity to hear you perform, and can't wait for more."
"Okay, the judges have some kind words for you Cherub. Do you have a clue for them?"
"I've sung with one of you before. More than once."
"That's a dazzler," Nick said. "Blaine, does that ring any bells on who this might be?"
"It kind of does, actually. I think I have sung with this person as part of a group, but I'm not exactly sure which of them he is. I wish I had known what an amazing voice they had back then. Maybe they would have been given more opportunities to shine."
"Well, thank you very much Cherub for sharing with us your wonderful voice. Let's hear it for The Cherub!" The audience burst into applause and Kurt stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled. Nick shook his head and laughed. "Next mystery for you all to solve tonight, here are some clues about The Sun."
Palm trees lined a beach with snow white sand. The Sun was stretched out on a lounge chair, a tall glass of lemonade held lazily in her hand. "People think I have it easy because I can be misleading. No one really expects to get what you get from me because I'm such a compact person. But singing in front of hundreds of people, that's when I get tongue tied. I don't mind so much when it's just a small group. It's easier. But when you're put on the spot and there's a prize at stake, well, I almost ran home to where I'm originally from. I felt it was the only way I could escape what I was supposed to do. Now though, I know I can do it, and have more confidence in myself and tonight, I'm going to shine like the sun."
"Make some noise for The Sun!"
The magic floor lit up with a sunny landscape, while the back screen showed bunches of colorful balloons. The Sun, who wasn't very tall at all, stood center stage as music filled the studio.
I'd like to build the world a home
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow white turtle doves
I'd like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I'd like to hold it in my arms
And keep it company
I'd like to see the world for once
All standing hand in hand
And hear them echo through the hills
For peace throughout the land
(That's the song I hear)
I'd like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I'd like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I'd like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I'd like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
Again the audience was cheering. This had been the best night so far, for performances, not counting The Black Swan's Sex Riot the previous week.
"This has really been one heck of a show! Sun, you definitely pack a big punch! Carmen, let's hear your thoughts!"
"Brava! You are the definition of the old saying, good things come in small packages! And your choice of song was spot on for these times, and every era."
Nick had his grin on his face as usual. "Blaine, any advice for this power punching star?"
"I don't know, maybe just don't hide your light under a bushel. Shine on, baby, shine on!"
"Pierce, how do you feel about The Sun?"
"I love the sun. It's very warm, but sometimes it gets too hot, and burns my skin. And then I have to lather on the cocoa butter, and I slide right off the couch..."
For a moment, the host was speechless. Then he shook his head off and turned to look at The Sun. "So Sun, any words that may help out our judges?"
"Once a rival was so afraid of my talent, she sent me to a crack house so I would miss an audition."
The audience all gasped, as did Nick. Kurt was muttering something under his breath and shaking his head.
"Will, does that clue change your mind about who you thought this might be?"
"Perhaps a little. I was originally thinking she's so tiny, maybe she's not a professional singer, but maybe a gymnast. But now I'm not sure."
"Okay, well, one more time for The Sun!" The audience cheered as she waved and headed backstage. "There is just one more brand new performer to be introduced for this season. So let's check out the clues for The Football."
With a name like The Football, it wasn't much of a surprise when the video began with the masked performer standing beneath a pair of goal posts. "I'm coming for you!" The Football started, slamming a fist into his open palm. "I feel like I've had to try harder than most to prove what a stud I actually am. I can pull just about anything off. Any play, any tackle, any dance move. One time, when I was in high school, my whole team had to do our own halftime show for a championship game because our cheerleaders bailed. And I definitely rocked that party! Just like I'm going to rock this one!"
Spotlights lit up the stage, and a classic rock song began to play. The Football was sitting on the edge of the stage as he began to sing.
Well no one told me about her, the way she lied
Well no one told me about her, how many people cried
But it's too late to say you're sorry
How would I know, why should I care
Please don't bother tryin' to find her
She's not there
He jumped up, and was joined on stage by a couple of dancers dressed in football jerseys, and the three of them burst into dance.
Well let me tell you 'bout the way she looked
The way she'd act and the color of her hair
Her voice was soft and cool
Her eyes were clear and bright
But she's not there
Well no one told me about her, what could I do
Well no one told me about her, though they all knew
But it's too late to say you're sorry
How would I know, why should I care
Please don't bother tryin' to find her
She's not there
Well let me tell you 'bout the way she looked
The way she'd act and the color of her hair
Her voice was soft and cool
Her eyes were clear and bright
But she's not there
But it's too late to say you're sorry
How would I know, why should I care
Please don't bother tryin' to find her
She's not there
Well let me tell you 'bout the way she looked
The way she'd act and the color of her hair
Her voice was soft and cool
Her eyes were clear and bright
But she's not there
As with all the other performers tonight, the audience was crazy with the applause and cheering.
"Wow, this has been one hell of a night. Blaine, what do you have for The Football?"
"A lot of respect. His hasn't been the strongest performance of the night, maybe, but it is obvious he gave his all, and that is the best we can hope for."
"Sounds like you know where he fits in Blaine. Will, what do you think?"
Will was shaking his head. "It's remarkable that someone, and don't take this the wrong way, but someone who is obviously not a professional performer could come out here and give us such a wonderful show like that."
"Okay, Pierce, what do you think of The Football?"
"I didn't realize we aired after Monday night football."
"Pierce, it's Wednesday," Nick deadpanned, before he shook it off and looked at The Football. "Football my friend, do you have a clue for our judges?"
"One of you had words with me once that were a real eye opener, even though I didn't realize it at the time."
Nick found his clue curious. "Carmen, does that tell you anything?"
She shrugged. "I've had hundreds of those types of conversations over the years with my students. Every educator's goal in life is to have an impact on their students. It sounds like this person could be one of them."
"That is so true, Madame Tibideaux. Now it's time for the part we all hate, yet still love. It's time to find out who one of our masked singers are. Everyone, vote now for the performer you thought had the best performance tonight. I know it will be hard to choose with the greatness we've seen on the stage tonight."
The others joined them on stage as the votes were tallied. "I really don't want to see any of you go tonight, but unfortunately, one of you must remove your mask tonight. And that someone is…."
The audience all waited with baited breath for the announcement. "The Football!" There were numerous groans of disappointment, followed by applause as the others left the stage once more.
"I'm so sorry, Football, but that means you'll be leaving us tonight. But first, judges, it's time for your final guesses. Let's start with Pierce?"
"I'm still on the fact that we have football after Monday night," Pierce said. "But you know how many football players can sing and dance? I'm just going to say Jerry Rice."
Nick frowned. "He doesn't play anymore."
"So!"
Nick rolled his eyes. "My dear Carmen, what say you?"
"It's true that football players do tend to have that kind of background. Look how many have done well on Dancing With the Stars. That being said, I'm not too familiar with football, so I'm going to go with Peyton Manning."
Nick gave a thoughtful nod. "That makes some sense. Will?"
"I'm thinking about your clue package and something you said stood out to me. You talked about having to perform your own halftime show. The guy I'm thinking of was not very easy to get through too, but I've heard he's a better person now. So I'm going to go with someone who actually is a sports agent now, not a player. I'm going to say David Karofsky."
The audience oohed at that statement, and several nodded their heads. "Alright, that is a good guess. Blaine? What do you think?"
"This person fits almost to a tee to someone my husband and I had a bit of a difficult time with growing up. I wouldn't have met Kurt if not for this person, so I would like to thank them now. Both of us have seen first hand the strides they've made in improving who they are. And we couldn't be prouder of them for that. So, I have to agree with Will. I think it's David Karofsky."
"Okay, the judges have made their choices. It's time to find out if any of them got it right. Audience, say it with me. Take it off!"
The audience chanted, and after a few dramatic moments of struggling, the mask slid off to reveal…
...David Karofsky.
"Former NFL Halfback and Sports Agent extraordinaire, Dave Karofsky, folks! Dave, tell us why you decided to come on this show?"
Dave cleared his throat. "Well, my husband and I have been talking about adopting a child, and discussing what kind of dads we want to be to them, and when Tommy asked me if there was anything I regretted not doing yet, the only thing I could think of was not reaching for the spotlight when I had the chance."
A unanimous awe came from the audience, and Kurt let out another whistle as they began cheering once more.
"Well, there you have it. Now it's time for the now unmasked Football to sing us out. Remember, next week Group A will be back for the play-offs. Until then, I'm Nick Cannon, goodnight!"
She's Not There began playing again, and the audience began to dance along as Dave sang. Kurt smiled and shook his hand as the former bully danced up to sing near him. That was the last thing the screen showed before the barking dog logo popped up on the screen.