-GROUP A PLAYOFFS-

The audience cheered as the camera panned over them, and the announcer welcomed the television viewers. "It's Group A Playoff week! Will your favorite make it through to the Championships? Let's welcome back The Wolf! The Unicorn! The Gavel! The Cheetah! And The Tire!" The audience cheered for each of their favorites. "And now, here's your host. Hollywood's greatest, Nick Cannon!"

This week, Nick came strolling out in a bright red suit, complete with ruby slippers and a ruby studded mask. "Good evening!" he greeted the audience and the camera as everyone cheered. "Welcome to Hollywood's favorite guessing game, The Masked Singer!" the audience cheered again. "This week, the remaining contestants from Group A will be competing for a spot in the Group A championships. Last time, we said goodbye to a man no one but Will seemed to know. This week, another hopeful in Group A will join him. Before we get to that though, I want to welcome back our esteemed judges! With more awards than you can count, the very friendly and very dapper, Blaine Anderson!"

Blaine laughed and stood and waved to the fans.

"Your favorite choir teacher and mine, Will Schuester!"

Will stood blowing kisses and bowing.

"Some call her the queen of mean, but she just always knows exactly what she's talking about, Carmen Tibideaux!"

The woman stood and gave a regal head nod to the applause.

"And finally, he's more interested in the eraser on his pencil, Pierce Pierce!"

"I have no idea what you are talking about," Pierce said, remaining in his seat, but waving both hands at the crowd.

Nick shook his head. "Alright, you guys all know the drill by now, but in case you don't, at the end of the night, one of our performers will be unmasked and have to leave the competition. But who will it be? Battling it out tonight are The Wolf, The Unicorn, The Gavel, The Cheetah, and The Tire. If last week's clues weren't enough, check out this whole new batch of info about The Wolf."

The film clip opened on what appeared to be a library, The Wolf sitting there with a book open at a back table. "Last time, I blew everyone away, and round one was enough to boost my confidence. This week, I'm tuning into a bit more me. I'm hoping to show all sides of who I am as an artist. Did I mention I like libraries? Sometimes, it's so easy to hide in the back and not get noticed. And these days, it's hard for me to remember I actually do want to be noticed. Hopefully this next song will be killer enough to be seen as a step up. Only one way to find out!"

The back wall showed an image of Big Ben at night, the hands pointing to Midnight. The wolf stood center stage as fog swirled around his feet. The crowd cheered as the music began, and the Wolf began to sing.

I'm gonna wait 'till the midnight hour

That's when my love come tumbling down

I'm gonna wait 'till the midnight hour

When there' no one else around

I'm gonna take you, girl, and hold you

And do all things I told you, in the midnight hour

Yes I am, oh yes I am

One thing I just wanna say, right here

I'm gonna wait till the stars come out

And see that twinkle in your eyes

I'm gonna wait 'till the midnight hour

That's when my love begins to shine

You're the only girl I know

Can really love me so, in the midnight hour

Oh yeah, in the midnight hour

Yeah, all right, play it for me one time, now

I'm gonna wait 'till the midnight hour

That's when my love come tumbling down

I'm gonna wait, way in the midnight hour

That's when my love begin to shine, just you and I

Oh, baby, just you and I

Nobody around, baby, just you and I

Oh, right, you know what?

I'm gonna hold you in my arms, just you and I

Oh yeah, in the midnight hour

Oh, baby, in the midnight hour

The standing ovation he received as the song came to a close lasted so long, Nick thought they'd have to take a commercial break before they could continue. "The Wolf, ladies and gentlemen! Most definitely one of the fan favorites. Let's see if our esteemed panel agrees. Carmen?"

"You know, sometimes there's that moment, you think you've already reached the top, and then you can turn around and pull something bigger out. Mark my words, you never want to peak too early because that's usually a sign you aren't going to last. But, I think you have miles more to give and that performance was absolutely fantastic."

"Any guess as to who it might be?"

"Given you said you're afraid to step forward, I'm guessing you're not yet a professional singer. So I'm not quite sure, but you have the potential to stand on your own."

"Blaine, what about you? Do you have a clue who this could be?"

Blaine looked up from his notes. "Last time, you said one of our spouses helped you. I've been thinking a bit about that and the clues from your package. You do fit a lot with a young man I know Kurt helped guide for a year. And after a very tragic event, I helped out too. However, I'm not going to put my money on it just yet. I want to find out more about you."

"Okay, I see, playing your cards close to your vest. How about you, Will?"

"I can't really say I see where Blaine is coming from because at the time I believe he's referring to, I wasn't working at that school. But, I am familiar with those kids. I can't put my name on which it is, but I think it's one of them."

"Fair enough. Now, usually at this point I ask the contestant to give us a clue about their identity, but this week, we've decided to shake things up a little. We've asked each of the contestants to bring in an item. It's time for The Masked Singer Show and Tell! Men in Black, bring in the item!"

Two men in black suits and shades rolled in a cloth covered stand. Once the two men had placed the item on it's mark and walked away, Nick turned back to the judges. "Shall we see what's under here?" He pulled the cloth off, revealing a guitar pick. "Okay. Wow. Wolf, what can you tell us about this item?"

"Well, this is my most prized possession."

Nick looked both impressed and doubtful. "Okay. Pierce, does this help you at all?"

"You know what Nick, I think so. He's an animal that my daughter gets mad at. And he apparently likes to pluck things. So I think this is Lenny Pierce."

Nick was frowning now. "Lenny who?"

"Lenny Pierce. He's my daughter's invisible brother who has fur like a wolf."

"Okay...moving on. Will The Wolf keep his head this week? We'll find out at the end of the show. Up next, let's see what we can deduce from this package from The Unicorn!"

The clip opened with The Unicorn sitting on the edge of a stage, the curtains drawn open behind her. "This is my home, but it was actually nice not to have to go back to it already after round one. The Masked Singer may be a different stage, but it's the one I want to be on right now. It takes effort to be as flawless as this unicorn. Years of training have landed me in the right spot and there's always room for more. Someone taught me a very valuable lesson. Never try to get ahead of yourself. Because I didn't listen at the time, I almost came crashing down through the floor. But luckily, I was able to fix the cracked pieces and gallop on."

The audience clapped and cheered as The Unicorn took the stage.

I know I can't take one more step towards you

'Cause all that's waiting is regret

Don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore

You lost the love I loved the most

I learned to live, half alive

And now you want me one more time

And who do you think you are?

Runnin' 'round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

Don't come back for me

Who do you think you are?

I hear you're asking all around

If I am anywhere to be found

But I have grown too strong

To ever fall back in your arms

I've learned to live, half alive

And now you want me one more time

And who do you think you are?

Runnin' 'round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

Don't come back for me

Who do you think you are?

And who do you think you are?

Runnin' 'round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

Tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

Don't come back for me

Don't come back at all

And who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are?

Once more the crowd cheered, as Nick joined her on the stage.

"Well, that was a different side of you than we saw last time," Nick said with a grin. "Blaine, last time you thought this might be Rachel Berry, do you still feel that way or has your thought process changed?"

"Well," Blaine began, smiling. "You do still give off Rachel Berry vibes, but now I'm not as certain. Now I'm picking up a couple of other possibilities. Kirsten Dunst comes to mind."

Kurt waved his hand for a moment. "Blaine! Don't forget, Rachel sang that same exact song at prom! The one I was crowned queen for."

Blaine nodded. "That's true, but the voice isn't quite the same."

Nick shook his head. "Remind me to have production just add Kurt as a judge. He speaks out enough for it. Pierce, what did you think of The Unicorn tonight?"

Pierce was scratching his head. "Wasn't Rachel Berry at my daughter's wedding?"

"Uh, she was a bridesmaid," Blaine said, shaking his head.

"I find it funny that everything keeps coming back to that wedding," Nick said. "Will, what say you oh wise choir man?"

"That was a beautiful wedding. And yes, I think this could be Rachel Berry, but I agree with Blaine, I can think of a couple others this could be. Zoey Deschanel is one of them."

"Okay, well let's see if we can help you out a bit more. It's time for The Masked Singer Show and Tell! Men in black, let's see what item The Unicorn brought with her tonight."

The item was rolled in and set in place. "I wonder what's under here!" The cloth was removed, a hair brush was revealed. "Hmmm, what an interesting choice."

"This hair brush was one of my first practice tools."

"Really? Okay. Carmen? You look as confused as I feel. Any thoughts?"

"I'm trying to think of what you could use a hair brush to practice," Carmen said. "If not brushing your hair." She studied The Unicorn for a moment. "I'm still pretty sure I know you, but I've seen so many talented girls make headway in and out of NYADA. So I agree that it's still kind of up in the air."

"Well, Unicorn, if you receive the fewest votes at the end of the show, we'll find out if you are Rachel. For now head on backstage, while we check out this video from The Gavel."

The clip opened up in a hall filled with couches, elegant curtains, a few tables, and one long table up at the top. The birdcage was still there, sitting on the table and The Gavel was leaning against it. "Round one felt so good! Especially as I was a little rusty. The only things I've been banging out lately are sentences and verdicts. But some of my best days were in a room just like this one. The sound of my head hitting this table was always glorious. I love order, and some of my longtime friends say I take things too seriously. So maybe I was a little hesitant to let us have some fun once in a while. But, maybe I won't be agreeing to anymore impromptu appearances. I don't want another extinguishing the flames moment."

"Once again, The Gavel!"

Several dancers were on stage, all male, dressed in fighting garb, as The Gavel took the stage to a familiar piece of music.

Let's get down to business, to defeat the Huns

Did they send me daughters, when I asked for sons?

You're the saddest bunch I ever met

But you can bet before we're through

Mister, I'll make a man out of you

Tranquil as a forest but on fire within

Once you find your center, you are sure to win

You're a spineless, pale, pathetic lot

And you haven't got a clue

Somehow I'll make a man out of you

Be a man

We must be swift as the coursing river

Be a man

With all the force of a great typhoon

Be a man

With all the strength of a raging fire

Mysterious as the dark side of the moon

Be a man

We must be swift as the coursing river

Be a man

With all the force of a great typhoon

Be a man

With all the strength of a raging fire

Mysterious as the dark side of the moon

Be a man

We must be swift as the coursing river

Be a man

With all the force of a great typhoon

Be a man

With all the strength of a raging fire

Mysterious as the dark side of the moon

Though they couldn't see it on the person's face, inside The Gavel costume, someone was cringing because someone had caught on to the few notes that went haywire. And that someone knew someone else would be very disappointed in him. The applause was not so great as it had been the first time and The Gavel knew his head might be on the chopping block.

"It's okay, Gavel, come on over here and let's see what the judges have to say." Nick put an arm around The Gavel's shoulders as he faced the panel. "Pierce, anything you want to say to The Gavel?"

"You know, I never liked that song. It reminds me of my father. He used to always tell me to stop playing with my hot wheels and be a man. He still does."

Nick, always the calm one, dropped his mic and just glared at the weird judge for a moment. Shaking his head, he turned to Will. "William, what about you?"

"I'm going to be honest with you. I don't think this performance was quite as up to par as your last one was. You had some pitch problems. It wasn't terrible, but it was lacking just a bit."

The Gavel nodded, as if in agreement. He knew it wasn't what it should have been.

"I think The Gavel knows he maybe messed up a little. Any idea who it might be?"

"Well, I still think I'm going to stick with my last guess, only because I don't really know court judges and I'm still certain you probably are one. So I still say Wes Montgomery."

"It's always possible," Nick said. "Lady Carmen of the angelic voice, pray tell me who you think it may be?"

"It's always nice to see someone who owns up when they know they didn't have a good performance. You had some noticeable note issues. You said you were rusty. Last time we didn't hear it. This time, well, yes. Going on the judge clues though, I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of actor Sean Abrahany, who plays the title role in Judge At Thirty."

Nick nodded. "I could see that. But maybe this will help. It's time for the Masked Singer Show and Tell! Let's see what The Gavel brought in. Men in Black?"

The item that was revealed a moment later turned out to be a diploma from Harvard Law, although the name was hidden.

"This is a symbol of my second biggest accomplishment in life."

"That's impressive," Nick said. "Blaine, does this clue help you at all? Or are you sticking to what you thought last time?"

Blaine was smiling and he glanced at Kurt who gave him a thumbs up. "Well, one thing I noticed was that you had the birdcage in both clue packages. Also, as I was a former member of this particular school, I'd recognize those commons anywhere. But I have to say, I am very disappointed that you kind of butchered Disney. All that said, I'm certain this is Wes Montgomery."

The Gavel hung his head in shame, but Kurt called out, "We still love you, Gavel!"

"Well Gavel, we'll find out if Blaine is right if you have the fewest votes at the end of the night, but go ahead backstage for now. Next up, see if you can untangle the yarn of these brand new cat-scratch clues from The Cheetah."

This time, the clip opened in a very different setting. The Cheetah was seated at a desk in an office, assumingly typing away on a PDA. "Round one was all about where I came from. This time, it's more about who I am. Bet you didn't think I fit in this world at all. I have to admit, I searched around the field for something to do until I found my true calling in what I do these days. Who would have guessed that I would be so good at it? And if you want to go public, there's definitely a price. But you should always do it right. As a feline in a world that was probably once dominated by dogs, I am definitely one of the best at what I do, both behind, and sometimes still in front of a camera."

The Cheetah burst onto the stage with the music, and the audience was on its feet immediately.

Sure she got a body like an hourglass

But I can give it to you all the time

Sure she got a booty like a Cadillac

But I can send you into overdrive (oh)

You've been waiting for that

Step on up, swing your bat

You see anybody could be bad to you

You need a good girl to blow your mind, yeah

Bang bang into the room (I know you want it)

Bang bang all over you (I'll let you have it)

Wait a minute let me take you there (ah)

Wait a minute 'til you (ah, hey!)

Bang bang there goes your heart (I know you want it)

Back, back seat of my car (I'll let you have it)

Wait a minute let me take you there (ah)

Wait a minute 'til you (ah, hey!)

She might've let you hold her hand at school

But I'mma show you how to graduate

No, I don't need to hear you talk the talk

Just come and show me what your momma gave (oh yeah)

I heard you've gotta big baby, mouth but don't say a thing

See anybody could be good to you

You need a bad girl to blow your mind

It's Myx Moscato

It's frizz in a bottle

It's Nicki full throttle, it's oh, oh

Swimming in the grotto

We winning in the lotto

We dipping in the powder blue, four door

Kitten so good

It's dripping on wood

Get a ride in the engine that could

Go, Batman, robbin' it

Bang bang, cockin' it

Queen Nicki dominant, prominent

It's me, Jessie, and Ari

If they test me, they sorry

Ride his uh like a Harley

Then pull off in his Ferrari

If he hanging we banging

Phone ringing, he slanging

It ain't karaoke night but get the mic 'cause I'm singing

B to the A to the N to the G to the uh

B to the A to the N to the G to the hey

See anybody could be good to you

You need a bad girl to blow your mind (your mind) (okay)

Bang bang into the room (I know you want it)

Bang bang all over you (I'll let you have it)

Wait a minute let me take you there (ah)

Wait a minute 'til you (ah, hey!)

Bang bang there goes your heart (I know you want it)

Back, back seat of my car (I'll let you have it)

Wait a minute let me take you there (ah)

Wait a minute 'til you (ah, hey!)

The whole room was still singing the chorus when she came to a stop. But, that kind of was a given. You couldn't hear that song without singing along.

"Bang bang into the room for sure!" Nick said as The Cheetah joined him. "This feline is on fire again. Will, what did you think?"

"I think she was even better this week than the last time she was on. I can tell you've been practicing hard since our last show together."

"Any clues as to who she might be?"

"Well, I was initially thinking Arianna Grande, but then in her package tonight, she was talking about going public, and there was a reference to dogs, and I'm sure we all remember that incident with that publicity stunt Rachel Berry tried a few years back where she got dragged by dogs. Her publicist is Santana Lopez. I think this could be her."

Nick looked impressed. "Wow, that's not bad. Especially since didn't she used to be a cheerleader too?" He turned to smile at Blaine. "Mr. Anderson, how do you feel about The Cheetah?"

"Well, considering that Santana and I share a wedding day, I think Will could be right. Tonight's performance had Auntie Snixx written all over it. Great job. You blew us all away once more."

"Auntie Snixx?" Nick questioned with slight confusion. He shook it off. "Pierce, some love for The Cheetah?"

"Oh, no. My wife would kill me. But I will say your performance was amazing!"

"Okay...well, it's time for another clue so it's time for The Masked Singer Show and Tell! Men in black, hit us with that item!"

A few moments later, the item was revealed to be a black and red pom pom. Nick gave it a curious look before looking to The Cheetah.

"This was a position I held for less than a year," she said.

Nick looked over at Carmen. "Madame Tibideaux, does this pom pom help you out in any way?"

Carmen shook her head no. "Not particularly, other than to think this person is connected to the University of Louisville in some way."

Blaine shared a look with Kurt, one that was their way of communicating without words as Nick turned back to The Cheetah.

"Well Miss Cheetah, that was a spectacular performance. You can go on ahead backstage and we'll find out later if you will have to bear it all tonight." The Cheetah walked off with a strut as she waved to the crowd. "Our final performer tonight was a surprise to hit the stage last time. Will he continue to amaze us? Check out these brand new clues about The Tire."

This time the clip began in a garage, but the red, white and blue theme from the previous video continued. "I'm as shocked as you all to be back this week. You see, I only entered this show on a dare. I lost the love of my life when my little Tire was young, and for the longest time it was just the two of us. I never expected to find another I could love. It was my little Tire who decided it was time for me to move on, and introduced me to my new love. She thought it would be fun for me to come on the show to tell the world just what an amazing person my little Tire is and how much they've taught me. When I said I felt silly doing a singing competition, she dared me, so here I am, and I am dedicating tonight's song to her."

The Tire stood center stage as two dancers twirled around him, doing some complex ballroom dance The Tire's wife had been trying to get him to learn. The audience sighed as he began singing. Once again, it wasn't the best singing they'd heard, but they loved the sentiment behind it.

When a man loves a woman

Can't keep his mind on nothin' else

He'd trade the world

For a good thing he's found

If she is bad, he can't see it

She can do no wrong

Turn his back on his best friend

If he puts her down

When a man loves a woman

Spend his very last dime

Trying to hold on to what he needs

He'd give up all his comforts

And sleep out in the rain

If she said that's the way

It ought to be

When a man loves a woman

I give you everything I've got (yeah)

Trying to hold on

To your precious love

Baby please don't treat me bad

When a man loves a woman

Deep down in his soul

She can bring him such misery

If she is playing him for a fool

He's the last one to know

Loving eyes can never see

Yes when a man loves a woman

I know exactly how he feels

'Cause baby, baby, baby

I am a man

When a man loves a woman

The audience cheered and gave The Tire a standing ovation.

"Wow," Nick said. "That was amazing! Let's see if our panel agrees! Will?"

"You know, you are a prime example of not needing a powerhouse vocal to bring the house down. So I really have to applaud you for that."

"That's true," Nick said. "Do you have any idea who is behind the mask?"

Will looked thoughtful for a moment. "Last time I thought it was Robert Addock. This time, I think it might be someone a bit more closer to home in regards to myself. I actually know someone who did that kind of thing for their dad. But there are plenty of kids who might do something like that so I'm not sure."

Kurt was grinning from ear to ear, proud of The Tire.

"Fair enough. Carmen?"

"You know, it takes a really powerful person to admit that this wasn't something you would have considered doing, but are doing it anyway. I don't really know who you are, but I respect you sir and I think everyone in America will be doing the same."

The Tire bowed in her direction. "Okay, Blaine? Tell us what you think? Last week you said you knew who this was, but weren't ready to reveal your suspicions. Have you changed your mind?"

Blaine was also grinning, like his husband. "No Nick. I haven't changed my mind. In fact, I'm more convinced I know exactly who this is. And I'm pretty sure both he and a certain other someone would hit me upside the head if I couldn't figure it out." He laughed. "But honestly, what man wouldn't be in trouble for not recognizing their own father-in-law?" he added with a wink.

"Ooh, so you think this is Congressman Burt Hummel?" Nick asked.

"Oh Nick, I know it is. I mean, he does still own a tire shop." He winked again.

"Well, if you're certain, maybe we don't have to bring out The Tire's Show and Tell item, but we'll do it anyway for the rest of the judges. Men in Black! It's time for The Masked Singer Show and Tell!"

When the item was revealed, it was almost too small to be seen, so Nick picked it up and held it out for the judges and audience to see a little better. "It's a Pride Flag Pin." The audience ahhed.

"I've always been an open person, but this here has made me more accepting than anything else."

"Pierce, does this help you at all?" the host inquired.

"Obviously, you have a lot of pride. But let's be real Nick…" he trailed off. "Never mind, I don't want to say that. But good for you sir, good for you."

"Well, we've reached that time of the night. The other Masked singers have joined us on the stage, and one of them will remove their mask and head home. It's up to you in the audience, and the panel, to decide which one that will be. Please vote now for your favorite performance of the evening."

The audience all hurried to vote for their favorite performance of the night and soon, the decision was locked.

"The votes are in," Nick said some moments later. He looked at each of the singers. "The singer with the fewest number of votes and leaving the competition tonight is…"

Everyone was on the edge of their seats. Even without all the performances knocking it out of the park, it was still going to be a close one.

"The Gavel," Nick finished. A collection of surprised gasps filled the audience. No one had expected him to go next. "Thanks to the other four, you are safe and survive to sing again. Gavel, come on over here." The gavel walked up and shook his head, like he was faulting himself. The crowd cooed. "Gavel, we're sorry to see you go but we can't wait to find out whose famous face is under the mask. Before we do, it's time for the panel to give their final guesses. Carmen, who do you think The Gavel is?"

"I'm going to have to go with Blaine on this. I haven't really kept up with politics since that fiasco in 2016, but I thought the name Wes Montgomery sounded familiar, so I googled it, and all the clues do seem to point in that direction."

"Okay, Pierce, who do you think it is?"

"I agree that it is a judge, but I think it is Judge Joseph A. Whopper."

"Uh, I think you mean Wapner, and he's dead," Will said.

"Hey, ghosts can manifest in a physical body! I should know. Billy the Kid lives in the scarecrow in my backyard!"

Nick looked like he wanted to interrogate why Pierce had a scarecrow in his backyard first of all, but that was a conversation for another time. "Will, do you have a living guess?"

"I trust Blaine on this one. Supreme Court Nominee Wes Montgomery."

The host nodded his head and turned to the final judge. "Well, Blaine, it seems that everyone trusts your judgment. So are you sticking with the guess, or did you have someone else in mind?"

"Actually, I've changed my mind," Blaine said with a straight face. "I'm going to go with Judge Wapner, too."

"Really?" Nick asked incredulously.

"Of course not!" Blaine said, laughing. "That was the most ridiculous thing I've heard all season!" The audience and Nick laughed at that. "Of course I recognize a fellow Warbler! It's absolutely Wes Montgomery."

"You had me going for a moment there Mr. Anderson," Nick said. "Okay, it's time to find out if any of you are right. Audience, say it with me, Gavel, take it off!"

The Gavel started to struggle with the mask as the audience chanted, clapping their hands along, and if anyone could hear Kurt, he had added one word to his chant, "Take it off, Wes!"

After several moments of struggling, the mask came off and…

"Ladies and gentlemen, Supreme Court Nominee Wes Montgomery!" The audience cheered while the judges stood and applauded, though Pierce looked slightly disappointed that it wasn't a ghost. "Wes, why did you decide to be on The Masked Singer?"

"Well, few people I see in my daily life know that I was in show choir when I was in high school. Singing was always a passion for me, even though law was what I really wanted to do. Unfortunately, I haven't had much opportunity to actually sing since my high school days. So this was a way I could go back to that."

Blaine was shaking his head. "You're right though. I am disappointed in you. Butchering Disney Wes? What were you thinking?!"

Wes laughed. "Okay, so maybe pulling from the Disney catalogue wasn't the smartest move when one of my Disney obsessed best friends is on the panel and I'm out of practice."

"Touche," Blaine replied.

Nick laughed. "Well, that's our show for tonight! Tune in next week for the Group B Play-offs. One more time, on the stage, the artist formerly known as The Gavel, Wes Montgomery!"

Wes launched into the song again as the credits started to roll for the viewers at home.