-GROUP C CHAMPIONSHIPS-
"Group C is waiting in the wings to wow us tonight as they battle it out for the final three spots in the final nine! We'll see The Tweedles go toe to toe with The Grapevine, while The Lioness goes face to face with The Sun. Who will win the first two spots, and who will have to duke it out in The Smackdown? We'll find out tonight on The Masked Singer! Now here's your host, Nick Cannon!"
Flanked by his usual men in black detail, Nick came strutting out in a shimmering white suit that appeared almost as though it were diamond encrusted. With a matching mask and diamond encrusted shoes, he took his place at center stage.
"Welcome one and all, things are coming down to the wire for our final group of Masked singers, and you can cut the tension backstage with a knife. We have two amazing face offs to look forward to, but first, let's meet our panelists. Just off the plane from Nowhere, Pierce Pierce!"
"Wait, I'm sorry, make that two hundred extra large pizzas," Pierce said into a phone as he gazed up at the audience. "And charge to the card ending in 7723."
Nick frowned. "Wait, how did you get my debit card?" He shook his head, hoping it was seriously just Pierce being Pierce, and he wasn't really ordering that many pizzas. "Okay, but you owe me, son. Next up, to know him is to love him, Mr. Blaine Anderson!"
Blaine was looking down the judges' table at Pierce with a slightly confused expression. "Why is he always thinking about food?" he asked, shaking his head before standing and waving to the audience, blowing kisses to Kurt, who was back again to show his support.
"Kurt, you're looking well," Nick said.
The pale man nodded. "Oh I'm extremely well. This will be my last week to join you. I'm off to New York in a couple days to start rehearsals!"
"You got the part! That's great to hear!" Everyone cheered and applauded. "Blaine, you must be so proud."
"Oh I am. I'm going to miss him like crazy, but I'm so proud. And the moment I can, I'm going to fly out there to be with him."
"True love right there, folks," Nick said. "That's a hard act to follow, but I'm certain Madame Tibedeux can manage!"
"Good evening Nick, good evening everybody. I think what we can expect from tonight is to see the best of the best come out of the woodwork. So good luck to group C."
"I couldn't have said it better! And finally, last but definitely not least, Will Schuester!"
Will waved to the crowd and tapped his pen on his notebook. "Let's go Nick. I'm ready for some tell-tale clues."
Nick laughed. "Someone is eager to jump into it, so let's jump into this clue package from The Tweedles!"
This clue package opened in a circus tent with The Tweedles standing in the center ring, attempting, and failing, to juggle. "You know, our friends always thought we belonged in the circus," Tweedle Dee said.
"Because we're such clowns!" Tweedle Dum continued. Tweedle Dee glanced in his direction.
"We can't help it if we know how to put on a show and be the life of the party. Of course, that's only when a certain other beacon isn't around. You know who you are, friend," Tweedle Dee went on. "And that is usually a photo finish. Take it to the dark room, Tweedle Dum."
"Oh this is juicy!" Tweedle Dum said. "This one is certain to get us an exposé!"
"There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, Let's hear it for The Tweedles!"
This time, instead of splitting the lyrics, the two sang in unison.
Where's all my soul sistas?
Lemme hear ya'll flow, sistas
Hey sista, go sista, soul sista, flow sista
Hey sista, go sista, soul sista, go sista
He met Marmalade down in old Moulin Rouge
Struttin' her stuff on the street
She said, "Hello, hey Joe, you wanna give it a go?"
Oh, uh-huh
Gitchie, gitchie, ya-ya, da-da (hey, hey, hey)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya-ya, here (here)
Mocha Chocolata, ya-ya (ooh, yeah)
Creole Lady Marmalade
(What-what? What-what?)
Ooh, oh
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
He sat in her boudoir while she freshened up
Boy drank all that Magnolia wine
On her black satin sheets' where he started to freak, yeah
Gitchie, gitchie, ya-ya, da-da (da-da-da)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya-ya, here (ooh, yeah, yeah)
Mocha Chocolata, ya-ya (yeah, yeah)
Creole Lady Marmalade
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?
(Ce soir, what, what, what?)
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi? Ooh
Yeah, yeah, uh
We come through with the money and the garter belts
Let him know we 'bout that cake straight out the gate (uh)
We independent women, some mistake us for whores
I'm sayin', "Why spend mine when I can spend yours?"
Disagree? Well, that's you, and I'm sorry
I'ma keep playing these cats out like Atari
Wear high heel shoes, get love from the dudes
Four badass chicks from the Moulin Rouge
Hey sistas, soul sistas, betta get that dough, sistas
We drink wine with diamonds in the glass
By the case, the meaning of expensive taste
If you wanna gitchie, gitchie, ya-ya (c'mon)
Mocha Chocolata (what?)
Creole Lady Marmalade
One more time, c'mon now
Marmalade (ooh)
Lady Marmalade (ooh, yeah, yeah)
Marmalade (no, yeah)
Hey, hey, hey
Touch of her skin, feeling silky smooth, hey
Color of café au lait, alright
Made the savage beast inside roar until he cried
More (more), more (more), more
Now he's back home doin' 9 to 5 (9 to 5)
He's livin' the grey flannel life
But when he turns off to sleep, memories creep
More (more), more (more), more
Gitchie, gitchie, ya-ya, da-da (da-da, yeah)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya-ya, here (ooh)
Mocha Chocolata (ohh), ya-ya (oh)
Creole Lady Marmalade
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir? (Ce soir)
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi? (All my sistas, yeah)
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir? (Ce soir)
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ohh (c'mon, uh)
The Tweedles came over to join Nick as he came back onto the stage. "Okay, give it up for The Tweedles everybody!" The audience roared their approval. "Let's see what the judges thought of you tonight. Carmen, what wise words do you have for The Tweedles?"
Carmen was just shaking her head. "To do that song? Cheeky, fellows. The audience loved it, and you made us smile."
"Pierce, do you have any idea as to who The Tweedles might be?"
"I'm hoping they aren't the pizza delivery guy. Fifteen more minutes and my order is free!"
Nick shook his head. "If you really ordered two hundred pizzas, the standard timing definitely wouldn't apply, Pierce. Moving on, Will, what did you think of the performance?"
"I agree, it was a cheeky song choice, but you made it work and you made us laugh, and I'm more convinced now that this is indeed Nick and Jeff of Double Exposure!"
"Okay, that's still a great guess. Maybe this next clue will help our panel out. Tweedles, who do you credit with having the biggest influence on you to follow your dreams?"
The two masked singers looked at each other, before each pointed at the other one. "We've always been each other's biggest cheerleaders, which is why we've been best friends and more from the moment we met."
"Okay, okay. Blaine, does that give you any insight as to who these two are?"
Blaine smiled. "It does. I think the only couple I know who are as close as Kurt and I are Nick and Jeff."
"Well, we'll find out if they are indeed Nick and Jeff if they are the ones unmasked at the end of the show. But for now, it's time to meet their competitor. Let's pick off these clues from The Grape Vine."
When the video opened, The Grape Vine sat primly on a couch in the center of a living room with a roaring fire. "Some people say that I stand out in a crowd. I thought I blended in rather well. I mean how much do purple grapes stand out? But I've been told I smell like copper and that I have no soul. I don't really agree with either of these things. I mean, a person who cares so much about kids and other people in general must have a soul, right? At least people aren't afraid to approach me. They can always be reassured that I'm clean and sanitized. And anything you have to say to me will stay between us, unless I feel it might be dangerous to you."
A chord on a violin played as The Grape Vine took the stage and began to sing. Once again, her voice was different from her first two performances, sounding higher and more innocent.
I was feeling done in, couldn't win
I'd only ever kissed before (you mean she?) (uh-huh)
I thought there's no use getting into heavy petting
It only leads to trouble and seat-wetting
Now all I want to know is how to go
I've tasted blood and I want more (more, more, more)
I'll put up no resistance, I want to stay the distance
I've got an itch to scratch, I need assistance
Touch-a touch-a touch-a touch me, I wanna be dirty
Thrill me, chill me, fulfil me
Creature of the night
Then if anything grows while you pose
I'll oil you up and rub you down (down, down, down)
And that's just one small fraction of the main attraction
You need a friendly hand and I need action
Touch-a touch-a touch-a touch me, I wanna be dirty
Thrill me, chill me, fulfil me
Creature of the night
Oh, touch-a touch-a touch-a touch me, I wanna be dirty
Thrill me, chill me, fulfil me
Creature of the night
The audience applauded as she finished, but some of them seemed a little confused by her performance as Nick joined her on stage.
"Well, that was certainly a different side to you, Grape Vine. Let's see what the judges think. Madame Tibideaux, wise words for The Grape Vine?"
The ebony skinned matriarch looked over at the Grape Vine. "I'm very confused by you. Each week it's been like someone completely different inside the costume. I'm beginning to think the Masked Singer Gods are playing a trick on us, and it has been three different people on the stage."
"Will, any ideas who might be behind the mask?"
"No idea, but she can Touch a Touch a Touch me anytime, whoever she is."
"That was an overshare!" Kurt yelled from his seat. Nick just chuckled and tried to hurry things along past the awkward moment.
"Pierce, what about you? What nonsensical words do you have for The Grape Vine tonight?"
Pierce wasn't paying attention, he was too busy passing a debit card to a delivery guy, as five others stood behind the Judges table, laden down with pizza boxes.
"Seriously, how does he still have this job?" Nick questioned, shaking his head. "Alright, Grape Vine, we want to know, what is one thing you are extremely proud of?"
The masked woman thought it over for a moment. "Conquering my fear of intimacy."
"Okay," Nick said, turning to Blaine. "Blaine, does that ring any bells on who this might be?"
"Oddly enough, it does, in a strange and complicated way," he said. "I've never actually met the woman, but I do know a few people who have talked with her. She was a counselor who had sort of a reputation as being a walking, talking, before picture of pretty much every anxiety diagnosis ever. I can't think of her name, though."
Nick nodded his head and turned back to the audience. "Okay, it's that time. Time for our panel of judges and our studio audience to vote for their favorite performance. Of The Tweedles and The Grape Vine, one will go straight through to the top nine and the other will be singing for their life in tonight's smackdown. Audience, judges, cast your votes now."
Moments later, all the votes had been cast. "The votes are in," Nick continued. The performer who will be staying in the competition and will be back next week is…
"...The Tweedles! Congratulations, we will see you in our top nine! That means The Grape Vine will be in the smackdown tonight. Who will be her opponent? We'll find out soon! But right now, feast your eyes on this roaring clue package from The Lioness."
The video opened to The Lioness standing on a stage. "You know what I learned? Finding just the right person to help you get to where you wanted to be is not as easy as it looks. Every time someone told me they'd work with me if I would just change this about myself, I just kept shaking my head. It's almost like they were color blind. They couldn't see the real me even though I was standing right in front of them. It's tough making these choices and sometimes, you really do have to go it alone, but I'm a prime example of what it means to finally accomplish your goals even when at times it felt so hopeless, you wanted to throw in the towel."
As techno-hip-hop music began, The Lioness strutted out on stage, and the audience began to clap along as she sang.
One, don't mess with the radio
Two, don't tell me which way to go
Three, just leave it up to me cause
Four, you ridin' with a pro
Five, you gotta leave it all behind
Six, we bout to get up in the mix now
Seven, everyday is a blessing
Eight, don't make no mistake about one
I'm just riding out trying to figure out
What's up, this feeling can't be controlled
Trying not to look so fly and it's 3:25 but I'm ready to roll
Cause I've been waiting all week just to find
A party just to get out and jam
My destination's unclear
Cause I know the party's wherever I am
One, don't mess with the radio
Two, don't tell me which way to go
Three, just leave it up to me cause
Four, you ridin' with a pro
Five, you gotta leave it all behind
Six, we bout to get up in the mix now
Seven, everyday is a blessing
Eight, don't make no mistake about one
Now that the hour is nine, time to check for this dime
Breakin' hearts at the door
No time for standing in line
The beat is playin' in my spine and I can't take it no more
Throw your hands up, let's cut this rug up
And party like it ain't no thang
We can do it all night til the daylight
No, it ain't no shame in my game, yeah
One, don't mess with the radio
Two, don't tell me which way to go
Three, just leave it up to me cause
Four, you ridin' with a pro
Five, you gotta leave it all behind
Six, we bout to get up in the mix now
Seven, everyday is a blessing
Eight, don't make no mistake about one
Don't mess with the radio
(Two) Don't tell me which way to go
(Three) Just leave it up to me cause four
You ridin' with a pro
Five, you gotta leave it all behind
(Six) We bout to get up in the mix now, seven
Eight, we bout to get up in the mix now
One, don't mess with the radio
Two, don't tell me which way to go
Three, just leave it up to me cause
Four, you ridin' with a pro
Five, you gotta leave it all behind
Six, we bout to get up in the mix now
Seven, everyday is a blessing
Eight, don't make no mistake about one
The audience burst into cheers and standing ovations as The Lioness came to join Nick in front of the panel.
"Wow, that was really something to make you want to get up and dance!" Nick said. "Pierce, were you paying attention this time?"
"I just paid for two hundred pizzas, I'm too broke to pay for anything else," he replied, mouth full of pizza.
"You aren't broke. That was my debit card!" Nick replied, shaking his head. "Blaine, what did you think of The Lioness' performance?"
"Absolutely stunning, as usual! You have an incredible voice, and I think anyone who has tried to force you to change to fit a mold should be ashamed of themselves."
"Praising words from Mr. Anderson! Will, how about you? Any more ideas of who this could be?"
The older man looked a little embarrassed. "I do have an idea who this may be, and I am ashamed to say I may have been one of those people who tried to fit her into a mold. Mercedes Jones was a student of mine, and I think I kind of pushed her into the background a lot because she didn't fit into what I considered a show choir appearance. I should have let her shine more."
"Those are some big words. It takes a lot to admit when you're wrong," Nick said. "Lioness, who do you credit most with helping you get to where you are today?"
"I think there have been a few people who have helped me, including a few here tonight, but I would have to say my mom has been the one to help me the most. She always told me never to settle for good enough."
"Carmen, does her answer clue you in a little more to who may be behind the mask?"
She shook her head. "I can't say that it helped much, but I've been thinking about it, and Will's response made me think of a young woman I regret never getting the chance to meet. If they had applied to NYADA, I most likely would have given them a spot, but they took another path. Such a shame, because I would never have tried to put a voice like Mercedes Jones' in a mold."
"Alright, Lioness, we will find out shortly whether you are safe this week, or will have to sing for survival. For now, you can return to the lair and relax. Up next, let these clues from The Sun shine down on you."
The video opened to The Sun standing on a beach, looking at the water. "I continue to shine, just as my light should. No one wants to see what it's like when a ball of fire is extinguished. But I have to admit, I wasn't always such a confident package. There was a time I wanted to disappear and run away at a most crucial moment. I love singing and showing off my vocal rays, but sometimes, the spotlight was a little too hot for even this Sun to handle. A very unlikely ally talked me down from that dark pedestal and because of them, I was able to push through and break the clouds with my beam of light. Now, I take pride in being on that stage. So shine on, everyone, shine on."
As the music to a Whitney Houston classic began to play, The Sun was lowered from the rafters on an aerial hoop.
If I should stay,
I would only be in your way.
So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you ev'ry step of the way.
And I will always love you.
I will always love you.
You, my darling you. Hmm.
Bittersweet memories
that is all I'm taking with me.
So, goodbye. Please, don't cry.
We both know I'm not what you, you need.
Her voice wavered briefly as she moved into the next chorus.
And I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you've dreamed of.
And I wish to you, joy and happiness.
But above all this, I wish you love.
And I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I, I will always love you.
You, darling, I love you.
Ooh, I'll always, I'll always love you.
The audience cheered and applauded, but it wasn't quite as strong as it had been in previous weeks.
"Come on over here, Sun. That's a really tough song to sing. Let's see what the panel thought about how you did. Will, words for The Sun?" Nick said.
"Even with that little loss of concentration, you still had the courage to continue on, and you finished strongly. It takes a lot of confidence to come back from something like that. I commend you for that. As for your identity, something in your clue package rang a bell. It reminded me of a time one of my students offered support to one of our competitors just before a major competition, when the young woman had begun to doubt herself. I'm wondering if this could possibly be Sunshine Corazon."
"Okay," Nick said. "That's a good guess. Pierce, what did you think of The Sun's performance?"
The man in question held one hand up in a hold on sign as he finished chewing the bite of pizza in his mouth. "It was a great performance, but could you back up a little bit? You're making my pizza too hot to eat."
Nick ignored the last part of the comment, thinking at least Pierce had said something about it this time. "Madame Tibideaux, your thoughts?"
The distinguished woman sat up straighter in her seat. "As Will said, it takes a lot of confidence to come back from that kind of mistake, and I applaud you for it. There is a reason most singing competitions have declared that song taboo, simply because of the degree of difficulty. Very few people can pull it off. To even attempt it is very brave."
"Okay Sun, let's see if you can give them any more help. What is one thing you wish you could change about your past?"
She considered for a long moment before answering. "I would change my mind about switching schools after being mistreated. I would have stood up for myself and proved I could shine bright under even the worst conditions."
"Okay, Blaine, does that give you food for thought?"
He shook his head. "I'm not sure, I don't think I was around when it happened, but I do recall hearing about an incident involving a young woman transferring schools due to a cruel trick, but I can't say for sure who it was."
"Well, Sun, it looks like the majority of the judges aren't quite sure who you are still. But judges, audience, it's that time again. Vote for your favorite, either The Lioness or The Sun. Which one will be safe, and which one will need to sing for their survival? Vote now."
A few moments later, Nick turned to face the camera. "The votes are in. The masked singer who will join The Grape Vine in the smackdown is…
"...The Sun." There were boos from the crowd. "That means, congratulations goes to The Lioness. You can head backstage and take a breather. You are safe. Sun, go backstage too and we'll see you again in a moment."
The mic was lowered from the ceiling and Nick took it in his hand. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for a smackdown! In this corner, her fruit is of the loom, The Grape Vine!" The Grape Vine came strolling out from the left mouth. "And in this corner, blinding us all with her light as well as her voice, The Sun!" The Sun came out from the right mouth. "You all know how this works. Both performers will get one more chance to sing and at the end, the judges will vote for their favorite. The masked singer with the least amount of votes, will leave the competition tonight. Sun, you're up first tonight! Show us what you got!"
The Sun strutted forward as a Lady Gaga song began to play.
We are the crowd
We're c-coming out
Got my flash on, it's true
Need that picture of you
It's so magical
We'd be so fantastical
Leather and jeans
Garage glamorous
Not sure what it means
But this photo of us
It don't have a price
Ready for those flashing lights
'Cause you know that baby I
I'm your biggest fan
I'll follow you until you love me
Papa-paparazzi
Baby, there's no other superstar
You know that I'll be
Your papa-paparazzi
Promise I'll be kind
But I won't stop until that boy is mine
Baby, you'll be famous
Chase you down until you love me
Papa-paparazzi
I'm your biggest fan
I'll follow you until you love me
Papa-paparazzi
Baby, there's no other superstar
You know that I'll be
Your papa-paparazzi
Promise I'll be kind
But I won't stop until that boy is mine
Baby, you'll be famous
Chase you down until you love me
Papa-paparazzi
The audience burst into deafening cheers as she finished and Nick clamped his hands down over his ears. "Wow, Will, a word for The Sun?"
"That's how you prove a point! Great job!"
"Alright Grape Vine, The Sun really brought, so now, you have to really bring it to lay down the smackdown. You're up!"
A Taylor swift song began to play, and the audience cheered as The Grape Vine began to sing.
I stay out too late
Got nothing in my brain
That's what people say, mm, mm
That's what people say, mm, mm
I go on too many dates
But I can't make 'em stay
At least that's what people say, mm, mm
That's what people say, mm, mm
But I keep cruising
Can't stop, won't stop moving
It's like I got this music in my mind
Saying it's gonna be alright
'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off (Whoo-hoo-hoo)
'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off (Whoo-hoo-hoo)
Cheers rang up once again and it appeared there was some real fire in the competition. But it was up to the judging panel now.
"What a show!" Nick said, grinning. "Blaine, anything you want to say to The Grape Vine before voting?"
"I think you are fantastic, despite the fact that it's very obvious you aren't a professional singer. I love your enthusiasm, and no matter what happens, I think you are a wonderful person."
"Okay, panel, it's time to vote." There were a few moments before, Nick continued, a confused look on his face. "The votes are in, but Pierce, you didn't vote."
"Pizza wasn't an option," the man replied, picking up yet another slice.
"You're not voting for food, Pierce," Nick said.
Pierce stood up and slammed both hands on the table. "And what do you call that bunch of grapes!" he shouted, pointing at The Grape Vine.
Nick looked like he was about to either walk away, or strangle a certain judge. "Pierce, sit yo' butt down and get serious!" Nick said. "I'm about two seconds away from replacing you with Kurt!"
"If I wasn't about to be so busy, I'd gladly accept!" Kurt called out.
Nick shook his head and closed his eyes. "The votes are in. The singer who will be returning next week to keep on singing is…" As usual, there was a very dramatic pause as the camera panned from The Sun to The Grape Vine and back again. "The Sun!" Nick finished. "Which means, Grape Vine, I'm sorry, but you will be unmasked tonight. Before we find out who you are though, it's time for the panel's final guesses. Blaine, any ideas who this might be?"
Blaine glanced over his notes. "All I've been able to figure out is that she's some kind of counselor, and that she loves Glee. I can only think of one person who kind of fits that profile. She does that self help channel on YouTube, Emma's Advice. I think this might be Emma Pillsbury."
"Okay, Will, who do you think is under the mask?"
"My future wife, I hope?"
Nick tried not to roll his eyes. "I need an actual name, Will," he said.
"Well, in that case, I agree with Blaine. This is most likely Emma Pillsbury, who also just released her first book, Sanitize Your World."
"Carmen, what is your final guess?"
"I'm not as familiar with the psychiatric or psychological world as most, so I will go with Will and Blaine and say this is Emma Pillsbury."
"And finally, Pierce, I need a guess from you and no you can't say the pizza delivery guy."
"I wasn't going to say the Pizza Delivery Guy. It's quite obvious this isn't him. This is my daughter, Brittany!"
Nick just stared at him. "Pierce, your daughter was unmasked weeks ago."
"So? That doesn't mean this isn't her too!"
Nick stayed quiet. He had no words he could say to that, that wouldn't be inappropriate for television.
He finally shook himself off. "Okay, Grape Vine, it's time to find out who you are. Audience, say it with me! Take it off!"
The audience began the usual chant as The Grape Vine struggled to remove the mask. After a moment the mask came off, revealing…
"Author and YouTube star, Emma Pillsbury!" Nick said as the crowd cheered. "Emma, why did you come on The Masked Singer?"
"Well, I actually suffer from OCD, and part of combating that is learning to step out of my comfort zone. Do you know how many germs are inside that thing? Not to mention, you sweat practically the entire time. I guess I did this to prove to myself that I am strong enough to take back control of my own life."
"Well, I think you did a pretty good job of that. We're sad to see you go. Go ahead and sing us out," Nick said. "Ladies and gentlemen, one last time, the artist formerly known as the Grape Vine, Emma Pillsbury!"
The song started again and Emma sang them out, taking a chance to touch some of the hands in the audience. And just like the thunder, the credits rolled.