The Masked Glee Singer

by grlnxtdr29

Blaine Anderson is America's Sweetheart, and the favorite judge of Hollywood's biggest hit, The Masked Singer. His husband, the equally adored Kurt Hummel, has always been there in the audience to support him, but when Kurt has to go out of town for an audition, one of the Masked Contestants gets a little flirty with Blaine. Who is that Masked Man?

7. Group A Championships

-GROUP A CHAMPIONSHIPS-

"Welcome to Group A Championship week!" the announcer said as the audience cheered, and the camera looped around. "Tonight two Masked Singers will go head to head in two rounds, and the performances with the least amount of votes will face-off in our Smackdown round! Only three can advance to the Final Nine! Up first, The Cheetah will Duel it out with The Unicorn! And later we'll see who reigns triumphant between The Wolf and The Tire!"

The crowd cheered again as each of their favorite masked performers were announced.

"Now let's get this party started!"

Nick strolled out on stage in a sapphire blue pinstripe suit, complete with sapphire encrusted shoes and jester's mask.

"Welcome to Group A Championship week! Tonight, four contestants will battle it out for only three positions in the Final Nine! But before we get to our gladiators, let's introduce our panel of judges! First up is the lovely Madame Tibideaux!"

Carmen stood and waved gracefully to the cheering crowd. Kurt let out a wolf whistle for good measure and she laughed.

"Up next is our resident Broadway expert on shining from the background, Will Schuester!"

Will waved to the crowd, clapping his own hands for the adventure that lay ahead of them that night.

"He's everyone's favorite fool, Pierce Pierce!"

"Hey Nick, your mask matches my hat!" He pointed to the jester's hat he wore on his head.

"And finally, the super talented, Blaine Anderson. Blaine, I hear you have some news for us? Or shall we let Kurt share the news?"

Blaine grinned up at his husband and Kurt stood to everyone's anxious gaze on him. "Ladies and gentlemen and masked friends and fans, I landed a callback!"

The crowd roared with excitement. "So, does this mean you won't be gracing us with your presence next week?"

"Unfortunately yes, I'll be missing out. But I trust Blaine to handle himself properly." He winked at his husband. "And if I get the part, I'll likely miss most of the season at the least. But I'll get to watch it back later!"

"Well, you know you will be missed. But fortunately for you, you're here tonight, and you'll get to witness the ultimate battle between The Cheetah and The Unicorn, and the clash of The Wolf versus The Tire! Up first, let's check out another clue package about our powerhouse performer, The Cheetah!"

This clue package opened with The Cheetah standing in a barn. "Round one and two were both knockouts and I intend to bring it home again! This cheetah likes to stand out. Even if that means doing things in a very unconventional way." She gestured to the barn. "This particular location holds a very special place in my heart and there are people out there who I'm sure will know why. I was taken aback by something that happened only a few weeks ago, but at the same time, not all that surprised really. Though it has made everyday life a bit more challenging right now. But what's life if not challenging?"

The crowd cheered as The Cheetah took the stage and began to sing.

Late at night when all the world is sleeping

I stay up and think of you

And I wish on a star

That somewhere you are thinking of me too

'Cause I'm dreaming of you tonight

'Til tomorrow, I'll be holding you tight

And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be

Than here in my room dreaming about you and me

Wonder if you ever see me, and I

Wonder if you know I'm there

If you looked in my eyes

Would you see what's inside?

Would you even care?

Corazón, I can't stop dreaming of you

No puedo dejar de pensar en ti

I can't stop dreaming

Cómo te necesito

I can't stop dreaming of you

Mi amor cómo te extraño

Dreaming with you tonight

'Til tomorrow, I'll be holding you tight ('Til tomorrow)

And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be

Than here in my room dreaming with you endlessly (I'll be dreaming)

Dreaming of you tonight

Endlessly

And I'll be holding you tight ('Til tomorrow)

Dreaming with you tonight (Endlessly)

Endlessly

Endlessly

Dreaming

It was nice to see The Cheetah did have a softer side and there were a lot of teary eyes in the audience as the applause rang out loud and clear and people were chanting for her.

"Another amazing performance from The Cheetah! Carmen, what did you think?"

"Honey, I think that somewhere, Selena is smiling down on you for that performance," Carmen said. "Well done!"

"High praise from the Dean herself. Will? What did you think?"

"You know, it's always nice to see that you all have different sides and I think this one was a really beautiful side of you, Cheetah," Will said.

"Pierce, any idea who this could be?"

"The court musician?" Pierce said.

Nick looked confused. "What are you talking about?"

"You and I are the jesters, Blaine's the king, Kurt is the other king, so she must be the court musician."

The audience laughed at that. "I walked right into that one," Nick said. "Well, it's time for one more clue from The Cheetah. This time I will ask a specific question of each of our four competitors. It will be a different question each time. So listen up. Cheetah, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment to date?"

"Well Nick," she started. "That could be a number of things, but hands down, it's gotta be choosing to spend the rest of my life with the most amazing person I've ever met."

"Aww," The audience cooed.

"That's beautiful," Nick said, wiping a tear from his eye. "Blaine, did that help you figure out who this could be?"

Blaine had a soft smile on his face. "There's only one ruthless powerhouse woman I know who would proudly announce something like that without the mask. I definitely think the Cheetah is Santana Lopez."

Nick nodded. "Good guess. Is it correct? We might find out at the end of the show if she receives the least votes in this face off. Can The Unicorn knock The Cheetah out and send her to the Smackdown? Let's check out this clue package from the Unicorn and see what she thinks of her chances."

The Unicorn could be seen sitting on a chair in a classroom this time. "Things have only gone as well as I expect them to and I plan to make sure they get better. There are a few things about me that some people might have to dig to know, but the reason for being in this room today, is not one of them. It's no secret where I got my biggest start, but did you know I also came back after that unexpectedly? There's a guy out there who knows exactly what I'm referring to. Let's just say I don't think I'm as bad a person as my rep may have once painted me to be. But I still can be pretty competitive, and I have my eye on that Masked trophy."

Another round of applause filled the studio, and The Unicorn began to sing.

There were nights when the wind was so cold

That my body froze in bed if I just listened to it

Right outside the window

There were days when the sun was so cruel

That all the tears turned to dust

And I just knew my eyes were drying up forever (forever)

I finished crying in the instant that you left

And I can't remember where or when or how

And I banished every memory you and I had ever made

But when you touch me like this

And you hold me like that

I just have to admit

That it's all coming back to me

When I touch you like this

And I hold you like that

It's so hard to believe but it's all coming back to me

(It's all coming back, it's all coming back to me now)

There were moments of gold and there were flashes of light

There were things I'd never do again

But then they'd always seemed right

There were nights of endless pleasure

It was more than any laws allow

Baby, baby

If you forgive me all this

If I forgive you all that

We forgive and forget and it's all coming back to me

Now (it's all coming back to me now)

And when I touch you like that

(It's all coming back to me now)

If you do it like this

(It's all coming back to me now)

And if we

The audience was completely stunned. It was quiet in the studio and there wasn't really a way to tell whether it was good or bad. Then suddenly, applause broke out.

"Wow. Okay. Blaine, any thoughts for The Unicorn?"

"I remember the last time I heard this particular person sing this song. I maybe have been shaken a bit last time, but I know this song and I know the voice and I remember the last time she sang it. Unfortunately, I do feel it wasn't quite as on par as it was the last time, but it was still amazing."

"Okay. Pierce, I won't ask you for a guess as to who this could be, but I will ask you your thoughts on the performance."

"Aren't the nights always cold? Or rather the wind? I'm trying to decipher the meaning of the song, but it was construed well."

"Sometimes I wonder why you're still a judge on this show. You rarely ever make any sense!" Nick sighed and moved on. "Will, thoughts?"

"I remember this too, like Blaine. We were both there if it's the moment I'm thinking of. And you were brilliant then. I do agree that it wasn't quite as good this time, but still you."

"Okay. Time for another clue. Unicorn, what is the thing you regret the most in your life?"

"I'm ashamed to admit that is a tough question, but to be completely honest, it's probably collectively all the times I hurt my best friend."

"Carmen, does that answer help you at all?"

Carmen looked up into the audience for a moment before she folded her hands in front of her. "I've been having a bit of a time hitting the nail on the head with this one. But that song and that performance reminds me of the moment I changed my mind about this young lady, because that was the song she was singing. So I'm going to go with one of the earliest guesses and say this is Rachel Berry."

"Okay. It's time to find out who won this face off. Cheetah, come on out here. Audience, judges. Vote for your favorite performance."

There were a few moments of tension filled silence as votes were cast, and then Nick made the pronouncement. "The votes are in, and the singer with the least amount of votes, and who will be heading to the Smackdown is…"

The tension was thick enough you could cut it with a knife.

"The Unicorn! This means, Cheetah, you are moving on to the final nine! Congratulations! Unicorn, we'll see you at the end of the hour in the Smackdown! Up next, The Wolf battles The Tire for a guaranteed spot in the Final Nine. Stay Tuned!"

The Unicorn stomped her foot before leaving the stage. "It's so unfair!" she said in the backstage interview. "Maybe I was a little off tonight, but I was still better than Cheetah! Why does everyone still hate me?"

"Welcome back!" Nick greeted the camera. "It's time to check out a howling new clue package from The Wolf!"

The clip opened to The Wolf sitting in a living room, holding his guitar. "I'm so grateful for how the first two rounds went. I never dreamed I could hit it off that well. Making music or being in the music zone is where I'm the most comfortable. Because of a few influences in my life during my last year of high school, I've decided to help others find that passion too. I spend time showing some special people how music can teach and heal and guide you through all life's hurdles. It's amazing how far some people can go when they just believe in themselves. I guess that's a practice I have to work on for myself just a little bit more. Tonight I hope to hit another one out of the park. Luckily, I've always been a better musician than a baseball player."

The crowd cheered and chanted, "Wolf, wolf, wolf!" as The Wolf took the stage, carrying a guitar. He began to play a stripped down version of a popular country song.

Crowded hallways are the loneliest places

For outcasts and rebels

Or anyone who just dares to be different

And you've been trying for so long

To find out where your place is

But in their narrow minds

There's no room for anyone who dares to do something different

Oh, but listen for a minute

Trust the one

Who's been where you are wishing all it was

Was sticks and stones

Those words cut deep but they don't mean you're all alone

And you're not invisible

Hear me out,

There's so much more to life than what you're feeling now

Someday you'll look back on all these days

And all this pain is gonna be invisible

Oh, invisible

These labels that they give you

just 'cause they don't understand

If you look past this moment

You'll see you've got a friend

Waving a flag for who you are

And all you're gonna do

Yeah, so here's to you

And here's to anyone who's ever felt invisible

Yeah, and you're not invisible

Hear me out,

There's so much more to life than what you're feeling now

And someday you'll look back on all these days

And all this pain is gonna be invisible

It'll be invisible

The crowd went apeshit and The Wolf stumbled backwards in surprise of all the love.

"Definitely not Invisible tonight, Wolf!" Nick said, putting a hand on the singer's shoulder to steady him. "Let's find out what the judges have to say. Pierce?"

The man was shaking his head. "Wow...I take my hat off to you sir." He pulled his jester's hat off and bowed his head.

"Dang, Wolf, you managed to make Pierce make sense! Will? Any idea who this could be?"

Will swiped a tear from his eye and looked at The Wolf. "You know, I'm sure you might be too young to have been in my group of misfits, but I know a few people who I think might have mentored you and they knew you better than I did. However, I think I might have an idea who you are. Even if I'm not principal there anymore, I do keep up with the staff changes at McKinley. So I think this could be the New Directions' current director, Roderick Meeks."

"That makes sense," Nick agreed. "What about you, Blaine? Do you agree?"

"My husband would know Roderick better than I do, but yes, I think I would have to agree."

"Well, maybe you'll change your mind after this clue. Wolf, what has been your biggest failure in life?"

"Some people might find this hard to believe, but I've always been just the best man, never the groom."

The audience let out a round of awes as they realized what he meant. Kurt wasn't satisfied with just feeling sorry, though. "I make a great matchmaker! Just ask my dad!"

Nick smiled. "Well, looks like you won't have to worry about that for much longer. Carmen, last thoughts?"

"I'm sorry that you are in that position. From what I gather, you would be a great catch for any young lady or gentleman. I bet there are a bunch in this studio right now who would love to go out with a crooner like you."

"Well there you have it, this has now turned into the Match Game!" The audience laughed. "Seriously, though, it's time to check out your competition. Here's some clues to decipher about The Tire!"

This clue opened in a kitchen. "I still can't believe I'm here. This is a feat for a guy who's not a singer, and I'm just glad that I am around to show my stuff still. I'm a real family man kind of guy and yeah, I was never the best cook. But my little tire showed me a thing or two in the kitchen. Souffle anyone? Anyway, cooking was always a way in our house to break tension for sensitive topics. My cooking particularly. It's what got us laughing again after tragedy hit our family. It was great when our family grew again and my little tire had someone who really appreciated cooking to share the time with again. But even if I'm not a whiz in the kitchen, it's still the place of some of our best family memories."

The audience applauded as music began, and The Tire took his mark.

Hey, little girl, is your daddy home?

Did he go away and leave you all alone?

I got a bad desire

Oh, oh, oh, I'm on fire

Tell me now, baby, is he good to you?

And can he do to you the things that I do? Oh, no

I can take you higher

Oh-oh-oh, I'm on fire

Sometimes it's like someone took a knife, baby, edgy and dull

And cut a six-inch valley through the middle of my skull

At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet

And a freight train running through the middle of my head

Only you can cool my desire

Oh-oh-oh, I'm on fire

Oh-oh-oh, I'm on fire

Oh-oh-oh, I'm on fire

Once again, it was like The Tire was the underdog. He may not have been the best singer, but he was good at performing and he was endearing to the people.

"Let's hear it once more for The Tire! Carmen, what did you think?"

"I think that no matter what, the people here love you Tire, and you should be proud of that."

"Alright. Pierce?"

"My car has two flats. Can you fix it later?"

The audience laughed when The Tire nodded and gave him a thumbs up.

"Service with a smile!" Nick laughed. "Will, any thoughts about who The Tire could be?"

"I've just realized how little I know about this person's kitchen memories." The audience laughed. "That being said, this is someone that I considered a real friend, even though he was the father of one of my students at the time. And I'd like to take credit for him running for congress, but he'd decided that before I suggested it. So, I think this is Burt Hummel."

"Kurt's dad, okay! Well, let's see if this clue reveals any deep, dark secrets. Tire, if you could go back in time and give your sixteen year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?"

"I'd probably tell myself to start accepting everyone as they are then. My little tire and I might have been able to avoid some awkward years together if I'd been a more accepting person earlier on."

"That is great advice. Do you agree, Blaine?"

Blaine nodded his head. "I honestly don't think anyone would realize today that you ever weren't an all accepting person. But I definitely think without a doubt this is Burt Hummel."

"Well, we may find out in just a little while if you are correct. But now it's time to vote. Come join us, Wolf!" The other masked singer joined them on stage. "Okay, you all know how this works. Cast your vote for your favorite performance tonight! The singer with the fewest votes will go head to head against The Unicorn in The Smackdown!"

Everyone put in their votes, the camera showing a couple of votes, one for The Wolf and one for The Tire.

"And the results are in!" Nick said after a moment. "The singer joining The Unicorn in tonight's Smackdown is…"

The pause was dramatic as usual and this was one reason Nick was such a good host.

"...The Tire," he finished to a chorus of awes. "Wolf, congratulations, you have made the final nine. Tire, you will be going head to head with The Unicorn to sing for your survival."

The audience applauded, both for The Wolf and The Tire.

Down came a microphone like in wrestling and Nick grabbed it with one hand. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for a Smackdown! In this corner," and he pointed to the mouth on the right, "With a golden horn sharp as some wit, The Unicorn!" The Unicorn came strutting out to applause and cheers. "And in this corner," and this time he pointed to the left, "He can carry you all over the city once you get him rolling, The Tire!" There was more cheers and applause from the audience.

"You know the rules of the Smackdown. Each singer gets a chance to show their stuff in a head to head battle and at the end, our panel of judges will vote for the performer they liked the most. Up first is, The Tire!"

The crowd cheered as a familiar chord began to play.

Blame it all on my roots

I showed up in boots

And ruined your black tie affair

The last one to know

The last one to show

I was the last one you thought you'd see there

And I saw the surprise

And the fear in his eyes

When I took his glass of champagne

And I toasted you

Said "honey, we may be through"

But you'll never hear me complain

Well, I guess I was wrong

I just don't belong

But then, I've been there before

Everything's all right

I'll just say goodnight

And I'll show myself to the door

Hey, I didn't mean

To cause a big scene

Just give me an hour and then

Well, I'll be as high as that ivory tower

That you're livin' in

Well, I guess I was wrong

I just don't belong

But then, I've been there before

Everything's all right

I'll just say goodnight

And I'll show myself to the door

Hey, I didn't mean

To cause a big scene

Just give me an hour and then

Well, I'll be as high as that ivory tower

That you're livin' in

I've got friends in low places

Where the whiskey drowns

And the beer chases my blues away

And I'll be okay

I'm not big on social graces

Think I'll slip on down to the oasis

Oh, I've got friends in low places

"Okay!" Nick said as the audience cheered and applauded. "The Tire is really here to play! Blaine, a few words for our Tire before his competition takes the stage?"

Blaine grinned. "Well, it was those friends in low places that got Burt elected to Congress, maybe they'll get The Tire enough votes to advance!"

Nick grinned. "Well that is some encouragement there. Unicorn, it's your turn. Lay down your smackdown!"

The crowd cheered as another familiar song began.

Shot through the heart

And you're to blame

Darlin', you give love a bad name

An angel's smile is what you sell

You promise me heaven, then put me through hell

Chains of love got a hold on me

When passion's a prison, you can't break free

Oh, you're a loaded gun, yeah

Oh, there's nowhere to run

No one can save me

The damage is done

Paint your smile on your lips

Blood red nails on your fingertips

A school boy's dream, you act so shy

Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye

Shot through the heart

And you're to blame

You give love a bad name (bad name)

I play my part and you play your game

You give love a bad name (bad name)

You give love

You give love (bad name)

You give love

You give love (bad name)

You give love

You give love (bad name)

You give love

You give love

The audience erupted again as Nick joined The Unicorn. "That was quite the smackdown Miss Unicorn! Carmen, what do you think, is it going to be a tough one to call?"

Carmen tilted her head as she studied both contestants. "I think it depends on if we go by talent or heart. No doubt The Unicorn was the more flawless talentwise, but The Tire entertained us with his heart."

Nick nodded his head. "I know this might be a hard call for a few of our panel, but it's time to take it to a vote. Judges, vote for your favorite smackdown."

There was a moment of stillness in the studio as the judges considered their votes. Well, three of them took time to consider. One of them had no doubts whatsoever, and cast their vote immediately.

"Okay, the votes are in. The winner of the Smackdown will move on to the final nine. The loser will have to remove their mask and head home," Nick said. "And the winner of the Smackdown is…"

And again, he paused for dramatic effect.

"...The Unicorn!" The audience cheered. "That means Tire, your journey on the Masked Singer ends tonight. We're sorry to see you go, but we can't wait to see who you really are. Unicorn, you can head backstage and you get to keep your mask on, congratulations."

The Unicorn pranced off the stage, tossing her mane, as The Tire and Nick moved a little closer to the panel. "Well, it's time to find out who The Tire really is, but first, judges, let's get your final guesses. Blaine, do you still think it's your father in law?"

Blaine smiled gently. "First of all, I'm sorry to see you go Tire. It was great to see you get into the spirit like never before. I know you've always been your son's biggest cheerleader and I'm still sorry for overstepping when we were teenagers, but you are the best father I've ever met. So yes, I still, one hundred and ten percent, say this is Burt Hummel."

"Okay. Will Schuester, what about you?"

"This man is a great man, and I've watched him do so much for people in general, not just his kid. And I just want to say thank you for that. I believe this is Burt Hummel."

"Two for oh so far. Carmen?"

"I don't know the man as well as these two, but I do know his son." She glanced up at Kurt. "And he has always spoken very highly of you. So I too think it's Ohio State Congressman, Burt Hummel."

"Pierce? Final guess?"

"I don't know his name. But that guy who married my daughter."

Blaine rolled his eyes. "That was Burt Hummel. He got ordained just so he could officiate our weddings!"

"Well, I don't really know," Pierce said, shrugging. "I was in the bathroom the whole ceremony."

Nick just shook his head. "So, all the judges agree. Are they correct? It's time to find out. Audience, say it with me! Take it off!"

The Tire began struggling with the heavy mask as the audience chanted, and Kurt shouted "Come out, dad! I did!"

After another moment, and a little help from Nick, the mask came off to reveal…

"Ohio State Congressman, Burt Hummel!"

The audience roared their approval, jumping to their feet, cheering and clapping as Kurt ran down to the stage to hug his dad. Blaine joined them a moment later.

"Now that's a family!" Nick said laughing as he watched Blaine and Kurt hug the man.

"I can't believe you actually did this dad!"

"Anything for you Kurt. And you too Blaine," Burt said.

"Well, if that doesn't show that family is everything, I don't know what will," Nick said. "Ladies and gentlemen, here to perform one last time, the singer formerly known as The Tire, Burt Hummel!"

Burt started singing again and Blaine and Kurt joined him, the three dancing together.

"Yay, fix my car!" Pierce shouted excitedly as the credits rolled.