A/N Recently there was some controversy about the upcoming season. We applaud Ken and Robyn for walking off in protest. We will continue to watch the show, although I will not watch the episode in question. The producers used poor judgement and poor taste in their definition of what a celebrity is.
-BATTLE FOR THE SUPER SIX ROUND 3-
"It's time for our last group of three to battle for the final two spots in the Super Six. Which of our masked contestants will be unmasked tonight? Will it be The Cheetah, The Black Swan, or The Tweedles? We'll find out at the end of the show. Now here's your host, Nick Cannon!"
Nick strode out in a flashy suit that reminded everyone of the gold or blue dress incident, except in this case, it was red or blue. He had velvet sapphire shoes and a mask that matched the suit. "Good evening, and welcome to the Masked Singer!" Nick said to cheers and applause from the audience. "Tonight is the last group to battle for a spot in the Super Six! Who will make the cut, and who will be sent home? We'll find out later, but before we get to that, let me introduce our panel of super sleuths. He's head of the show choir board, and has done a stint on the stage himself, Will Schuester!"
Will acknowledged the applause from the audience, and then looked down at Nick. "Nick, I have to ask, where do you get your suits? Not many people can pull off some of your outfits."
"I'm not sure many people would want to try," Blaine added.
"And that's why we have the best costume department on television," Nick said. "But please give it up for one of America's sweethearts, Blaine Anderson!"
Blaine smiled and blew kisses to the audience and camera.
"And how is that husband of yours doing this week, Blaine?"
"He's doing great. I talked to him just before the show. He's working hard, but says he misses being here every week."
"Well, we miss him too," Nick said, smiling at the man. "Also, we still really aren't sure what he's doing here, please welcome, Pierce Pierce!"
"Hang on a sec," Pierce said, phone once again to his ear. "Yeah, hello? I need a plumber. Someone flooded my dressing room…"
Nick looked at him, mouth slightly agape for a moment. "Flooded your dressing room?"
Pierce nodded his head. "It was taco Tuesday yesterday," he said, as if that explained everything. Several members of the audience groaned and cried out 'ewwww.'
"I don't need any more details," Nick said. "Finally, she may be strict, but she certainly knows her stuff, ladies and gentlemen, the Dean of NYADA, Miss Carmen Tibideaux!".
Carmen had an unreadable expression on her face as she side eyed Pierce, but gave the audience a wave.
"Good to see you all tonight," Nick said. "While we wonder why Pierce was in his dressing room yesterday, take a look at this clue package for The Cheetah."
The video began with The Cheetah lounging on a New York rooftop, in a little garden area. "I never really expected to be here. This wasn't what I had planned for my life, but sometimes life takes us in unexpected directions. I mean, this was what many of my friends dreamed of, and they sort of just dragged me along, and I'm so thankful that they did. Truthfully, I never really knew what I wanted for my future, other than to spend it with the love of my life. It wasn't until I got here that I found my true calling."
The lights in the studio dimmed, and a single spotlight lit The Cheetah as she began to sing a Capella.
If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song
Oh-oh, oh-oh
A single guitar began to accompany her as she moved into the chorus.
Lord, make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors
Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby
The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time
If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song
The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time
And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger
I've never known the lovin' of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand
There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever
Who would have thought forever could be severed by
The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time
So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls
What I never did is done
A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
And maybe then you'll hear the words I've been singin'
Funny when you're dead, how people start listenin'
If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song
Oh-oh, (oh-oh)
The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Save 'em for a time when you're really gonna need 'em, oh
The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time
So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls
There wasn't a dry eye in the audience as they began to clap.
"Wow," Nick said, putting an arm around her shoulders. "That was absolutely beautiful. Will, how about some words for The Cheetah?"
"You already said it, Nick. Wow. Not much more I can add to that."
Nick nodded as the audience cheered their approval. "Carmen, what did you think of our friend The Cheetah?"
"Absolutely stunning. I think that performance is going to haunt me for the rest of my life."
"Wow, those are some powerful words from Madame Tibideaux," Nick said. "Blaine, what did you think? Any ideas who might be behind the mask?"
"I've been fairly certain for a while now, but that song just cemented my opinion that this is Santana Lopez."
The audience all seemed to agree with him as Nick nodded. "Okay, that's a good guess. These last few weeks we've been asking our Masked Singers to tell us about the special people in their lives through artistic expression. Well, this week, we wanted to see their best candid work. So men in black, please bring out The Cheetah's candid camera photograph."
Two Men in Black brought out an easel and set it up center stage, and placed a cloth covered picture on it. Nick lifted the cloth off to reveal a photograph of Finn Hudson.
"Okay, not what I was expecting, I don't think. Why Finn Hudson, Cheetah?"
"This is the person who showed me it was okay to stop hiding who I am, and that love is love, no matter what."
Nick nodded. "Okay, that's a powerful message. Pierce, did that help you figure out who is behind The Cheetah mask?"
"Not really, but I swear I know that voice from somewhere."
"Well, we'll find out if it will all come into focus later. But for now, see if you can decipher these next clues about The Black Swan."
This video opened on what looked to be an empty dressing room, no sign of The Black Swan at first, but after a few moments, they rushed into frame. "Sorry about that. My life is just so hectic lately. You know, my last few performances really had the audience and the panel scratching their heads. One panelist in particular is completely oblivious, as usual. And I'm not talking about Pierce. I've shown them all I can be sexy, but this week I've decided to do something a little different, slow things down. This song I'm doing tonight is dedicated to someone special. I hope they are listening."
The Black Swan sat on a stool center stage as a slow guitar and piano intro began to play.
Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby, when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts, I can see your dreams
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you
The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Baby, you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Oh, it feels like the first time every time
I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you
Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Oh, every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you
The audience rose to their feet, cheering for yet another incredible performance by The Black Swan.
"I'm sure that special someone would be swooning if they heard you," Nick said. "Pierce, what do you have to say to The Black Swan?"
"Do you know anything about plumbing?" the short man asked.
Nick frowned. The Black Swan just raised his wings and shook his head between them.
"Will, perhaps you have something more insightful to say?" Nick said.
"Well, that song and that voice would make anyone take notice, no matter how oblivious. And for the life of me I can't place the voice. The only name that comes to mind is Darren Criss."
"Darren Criss?" Nick said. "I think that's the first time someone has thought of him this season."
"Well, we know it isn't Blaine," Carmen said.
Nick laughed. "Does that mean you might agree, Madame Tibideaux?"
"Perhaps, but another name also came to mind. Adam Lambert. There is just something about the depth and range of The Black Swan's voice that makes me think it could be Adam."
Nick nodded and looked at The Black Swan. "Okay, well, maybe this next clue will help them out more. Men in Black, bring out that candid camera photo."
Again the easel was placed center stage, and a photograph displayed. When Nick removed the cloth it revealed Carmen Tibideaux.
"Well, look at that, Madame Tibideaux. Seems The Black Swan might idolize you. Why Madame Tibideaux?" Nick said.
"Madame Tibideaux, you were the one who taught me that while rejection may hurt, it is no excuse to give up."
"Another powerful lesson. Blaine, does this clue help you at all?"
"Not in the slightest, other than to cross off a few other possible people I had thought this could be. Unfortunately it hasn't eliminated enough of them to tell me who this might be."
"Congratulations, Black Swan. I don't think anyone's ever gotten Blaine this stumped before. You can go chill backstage for now. Audience, feast your eyes on these clues about The Tweedles."
The Tweedles were bouncing all around in what appeared to be a bounce castle as this video began. "We just love having fun and making people laugh," Tweedle Dum said.
They stopped bouncing, and Tweedle Dee looked into the camera. "But we do have a serious side, too. We're incredibly loyal, and we won't hesitate to drop everything and rush to help our friends."
Tweedle Dum nodded. "And we know our friends would do the same for us, which is why it's been so hard keeping our big news a secret." At his words, the camera panned over what appeared to be an egg in a bird's nest.
"We just got the good news earlier this week," Tweedle Dee agreed. "Usually, we would have told our friends by now, but decided we'd wait and let everyone know at the same time, when it was time to take off the masks."
The audience applauded as the two masked singers took the stage, and the sound of someone picking guitar began.
(Dee)(Dum)(Both)
You don't know how you met me
You don't know why
You can't turn around
And say goodbye
All you know is when I'm with you
I make you free
And swim through your veins
Like a fish in the sea
I'm singin'
Follow me
Everything is all right
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night
And if you want to leave I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like me
I'm not worried
'Bout the ring you wear
'Cause as long as no one knows
Then nobody can care
You're feelin' guilty
And I'm well aware
But you don't look ashamed
And baby I'm not scared
I'm singin'
Follow me
Everything is all right
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night
And if you want to leave I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like me
Won't give you money
I can't give you the sky
You're better off if you don't ask why
I'm not the reason that you
Go astray
We'll be alright
If you don't ask me to stay
Follow me
Everything is all right
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night
And if you want to leave I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like me
You don't know how you met me
You don't know why
You can't turn around and
Say goodbye
All you know is when I'm with you
I make you free
And swim through your veins
Like a fish in the sea
I'm singin'
Follow me
Everything is all right
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night
And if you want to leave I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like me
The audience was on its feet once again as the performance came to an end.
"Okay, well, it seems that tonight everyone is on their game," Nick said. "I think it's going to be a tough call. Blaine, what did you think of The Tweedles tonight?"
"Well, you just made our job that much harder," Blaine said with a smile. "But I really want to know about that little bit in the clue package, with the bird's nest. I've thought for the last couple of performances that this could be Nick and Jeff from Double Exposure, and I know they had been considering adoption recently. If that little tidbit is what I think it was, then I can't wait to tell Kurt!"
"Sounds about right," Nick said. "Will, what words do you have for our friends, The Tweedles?"
"That was your best performance so far, and Blaine is right, how are any of us supposed to decide who to put through to the Super Six?"
Nick nodded. "Truer words have yet to be spoken. Carmen, did they give you any more ideas on who might be behind the masks?"
"I think I agree with Blaine. I've never met the duo myself, but my niece loves their show, and I've watched it a few times, and the personalities and voices do bring Nick and Jeff to mind."
"Well, let's see if the next clue can help our panel out. Men in Black, bring out the candid camera photograph!"
When Nick removed the cloth from the photograph, the audience were scratching their heads in confusion, for instead of a picture of a person, it was a picture of a building.
"Okay, um, that's not what we were expecting. Tweedles, why a building?"
It was Tweedle Dum who answered. "There are so many people connected to this building who have influenced our lives, for better and worse, it would be impossible to fit all of them into one photograph."
Dee nodded. "This is where we met each other, and where some of the best friends were made. And it is where we learned to lean on others."
"Fair enough, good answer," Nick said. "Pierce, does this clue help you any?"
"What? Sorry, I am still on hold with maintenance. Whatever the others said, I guess."
Nick rolled his eyes. "Pierce, you are supposed to be working right now," he said. He turned back to the audience and the rest of the panel. "Alright, that means it's time to vote. One of tonight's three performers will go straight through to the Super Six, while the other two will have to battle it out for the final spot. So who's it going to be? Audience, judges, vote for your favorite performer, now."
It seemed to take longer than usual before Nick was notified of the results. "Well, this is a Masked Singer first. I've just been informed that the vote was so close, that only three votes separate the person moving on to the Super Six and the person who got the fewest votes. By the narrowest margin in Masked Singer history, the person moving on to the Super Six is…" The pause was drawn out even longer than usual, before Nick finally spoke again. "The Black Swan."
The audience erupted into cheers for the Masked Singer who swiped his wing across his forehead in a motion of relief.
"Congratulations to The Black Swan! He's made it through to the next round. Which means, Cheetah and Tweedles, you will be battling it out in tonight's Smackdown." The microphone was lowered from the ceiling. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for a Smackdown!" Nick continued into the mic a few moments later. "In this corner, her claws are as sharp as her wit, The Cheetah!" The Cheetah came strutting out from the left mouth. "And in this corner, they might be proving that maybe two heads aren't better than one, The Tweedles!" The Tweedles bounced out from the right mouth. "Which one of these Masked Singers will earn the final spot in the Super Six? We're about to find out. Cheetah, you're up first!"
The Cheetah moved to center stage as a classic rock song began to play.
Ohh, oh, oh, oh, ohh
Oh, ooh, oh, oh
You run, run, run away
It's your heart that you betray
Feeding on your hungry eyes
I bet you're not so civilized
Well, isn't love primitive
A wild gift that you wanna give
Break out of captivity
And follow me stereo jungle child
Love is the kill
You're heart's still wild
Shootin' at the walls of heartache
Bang, bang
I am the warrior
Well I am the warrior
And heart to heart you'll win
If you survive
The warrior
The warrior
You talk, talk, talk to me
You're eyes touch me physically
Stay with me, we'll take the night
As passion takes another bite, ohh-ohh
Who's the hunter, who's the game
I feel the beat call your name
I hold you close in victory
I don't want to tame your animal style
You won't be caged
When they call the wild
Shootin' at the walls of heartache
Bang, bang
I am the warrior
Well, I am the warrior
And heart to heart you'll win
If you survive
The warrior
The warrior
I am the warrior
Shootin' at the walls of heartache
(Shootin' at the walls of heartache)
The warrior
I am the warrior
And heart to heart you'll win
Heart to heart you'll win
If you survive
The warrior
The warrior
Shootin' at the walls of heartache
Bang, bang
I am the warrior
Yes, I am the warrior
And victory is mine
(Shootin' at the walls of heartache)
The warrior
I am the warrior
Shootin' at the walls of heartache
Bang, bang
I am the warrior
There were screams of approval from the audience when the song came to an end.
"Seems like her kitty claws are really out for a fight! Well done Cheetah!" Nick said. "Tweedles, it will be a tough challenge, but it's your turn to bring it!"
Another classic hit began to play, this time a Motown song.
(Dee)(Dum)(Both)
Sugarpie honeybunch
You know that I love you
I can't help myself
I love you and nobody else
In and out my life
You come and you go
Leaving just your picture behind
And I kissed it a thousand times
When you snap your fingers
Or wink your eye
I come a running to you
I'm tied to you, baby
And there's nothing I can do
Ooh, sugar
Sugarpie honeybunch
I'm weaker than a man should be
I can't help myself
I'm a fool in love you see
Wanna tell you I don't love you
Tell you that we're through
And I've tried
But everytime I see your face
I get up all choked up inside
When I call your name, girl
It starts the flame burning in my heart
Tearin' it all apart
No matter how I try
My love I cannot hide
Sugarpie honeybunch
You now that I'm weak for you
I can't help myself
I love you and nobody else
Sugarpie honeybunch
I'll do anything you ask me to
I can't help myself
I want you and nobody else
Sugarpie honeybunch
You know that I love you
I can't help myself
Once again the audience cheered as the performance ended.
"It seems that all our performers tonight are out for blood," Nick said, giving his head a short shake. "Our panel has their work cut out for them. Will, anything to say to these two Masked Singers before the final vote?"
Will shook his head. "They are all so talented, and no matter which one leaves us tonight, they should all be proud of their performances tonight."
"How about you Blaine, any last words?"
"Can't we send them both to the Super Six?"
"That would be nice, wouldn't it?" Nick said. "Unfortunately, someone has to go home, so judges, it's time to vote. Vote for your favorite performer of the night, now."
The audience murmured among themselves, wondering who the panel would put through.
"Okay, the votes are in," Nick said a few moments later. "And it seems to have been a tough choice but we have a decision. The Masked Singer who will be leaving us tonight is…" As usual, he paused for dramatic effect.
"...The Tweedles."
There were groans of disappointment from the audience, followed by applause.
"Tweedles, come over here. We're really sorry to see you go, but we can't wait to find out who you really are," Nick said. "Cheetah, congratulations, you are through to the Super Six and we will see you again." The host put an arm around one of The Tweedles and looked to the judging panel. "It was a tough choice tonight indeed. We want to find out who The Tweedles are, but first, we need your final guesses. Will, who do you think is under the masks?"
"I think Blaine is definitely correct, and these are Nick Duval and Jeff Sterling from Double Exposure."
"Okay, Pierce, who do you think The Tweedles are?"
Pierce glanced at them, phone still pressed to his ear. "If Blaine says it's Nick and Jeff, then it probably is. And if it is, I want to be on their show, just to prove I'm still funnier than they are."
Again, Nick rolled his eyes. "We'll just have to see what they say about that, if it is them. Carmen, who do you think is beneath these masks?"
"Again, going on the voices and the personalities, I have to agree, this is Nick and Jeff."
"Okay, so far we are on a three for three that it's Nick and Jeff. Can we make it a full four? Blaine, are you sticking with your initial thought and agreeing with the rest of the judges?"
"There is no doubt in my mind. Nick and Jeff, all the way."
"Well then, I guess it's time to find out if this has been a panel sweep. Audience, say it with me! Take it off!"
"Take it off! Take it off! Take it off!"
There was the usual struggling with the masks, double this time as Nick had to help two people take them off. But after what seemed like several minutes, but was really probably only no more than one at most, the masks finally came off to reveal…
"From Double Exposure, Nick Duval and Jeff Sterling!"
"I knew it!" Blaine said, standing. "So, the egg thing, does this mean the adoption application came through?"
"It more than came through," Nick said. "Jeff and I have been given the chance to take home twins. We actually didn't tell anyone we were open to multiples. But the idea of them is why we chose to be The Tweedles, kind of like an underdog clue, I guess."
"Well, congratulations, guys. I can't wait to tell Kurt, and to meet them. Boys or Girls, or one of each?"
The two of them exchanged a glance. "We're actually not sure yet. They haven't been born. But the mother is a teen parent so she's already decided to put them up," Jeff said.
"Well, let us know as soon as you find out, and we'll have a baby shower for you!"
"You'll be one of the first," Nick told him with a smile.
"Okay guys, just one last question," the host said. "Why the Masked Singer?"
"It sounded like so much fun," Nick, formerly Tweedle Dee, said.
"Yeah," Jeff, formerly Tweedle Dum, replied. "And we wanted to see if we could fool Blaine, but of course he saw right through us."
Nick laughed. "Well, you were certainly entertaining," he said. "But that's all for tonight, so here on our stage, one more time, the artists formerly known as The Tweedles, Nick Duval and Jeff Sterling!"
As the credits began to roll, Nick and Jeff burst into the Uncle Kracker song once again.
