Montell Jordan Unmasked as The Masked Singer’s Panther: Inside His Journey and Future Endeavors

The latest episode of FOX’s sensation, The Masked Singer, delivered another thrilling unmasking that left fans both surprised and delighted. During the highly anticipated “Vegas Night” installment on September 28, the enigmatic Panther was finally revealed to be none other than celebrated R&B icon, Montell Jordan. Known globally for his iconic hit “This Is How We Do It,” Jordan joined fellow unmasked celebrities Chris Kirkpatrickas the Hummingbird and Jeff Dunham as Py-rat in a memorable night. In an exclusive interview, Montell Jordan shared profound insights into his motivations for joining the show, his song choices, the challenges of performing in costume, and what the future holds for this versatile artist.

For years, Montell Jordan has been a dedicated fan of The Masked Singer, drawn to its unique format that allows artists to shed their public personas and explore different facets of their talent. His primary goal in participating as the Panther was to transcend the pigeonhole created by his most famous song and present a more complete picture of himself as an artist and individual. “I thought this was an opportunity for me to allow people to see and hear different sides of me, and not through the lens of who they think I’m supposed to be as an artist,” Montell revealed in an EXCLUSIVE chat with HollywoodLife.

This desire stemmed from a genuine aspiration to challenge audience perceptions and showcase his broader musical range and depth. He wanted viewers and listeners to experience his artistry without the preconceived notions often attached to a performer associated with a specific, massive hit. “I wanted people to be able to hear and feel something different and be like oh, that came out of that guy, and be pleasantly surprised that they can now take me out of the box that I’ve been put in,” he elaborated, highlighting the personal liberation and artistic freedom the show offered him. His performances as the Panther were indeed a testament to this aim, allowing him to experiment with genres and vocal styles audiences might not typically expect from him. His journey on the show was a deliberate step to redefine his artistic narrative and connect with a new generation of fans.

One of the most memorable moments from Montell’s journey as the Panther was his captivating rendition of “Feeling Good” during the September 28 episode. His choice of this particular classic was deliberate and deeply personal. He explained the nuanced thought process behind it, acknowledging both contemporary and foundational interpretations of the song. “It’s interesting because it was Michael Buble who remade the song and when they presented it to me, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s Michael Buble. That’s great, but this is a Nina Simone song,’” Montell recounted, emphasizing the song’s rich history and its profound origins.

His performance aimed to merge these two powerful artistic expressions. He sought to blend the polished showmanship and contemporary appeal popularized by Michael Bublé with the raw, heartfelt passion and profound original sentiment embodied by Nina Simone’s iconic delivery. “So just the idea of bringing the showmanship of a Buble but to bring the passion and the original feeling of the darkness but the hope behind the song in the way that Nina presented it, I was trying to kind of merge those two things together to bring the pain and the showmanship through Panther’s performance,” he elaborated. This approach allowed him to inject his unique interpretation, adding layers of emotion and theatricality to the performance, making it a standout moment for the Panther.

The connection to “Feeling Good” for Montell was immediate and profound. It wasn’t just a song; it resonated deeply with his artistic soul. “I knew it right when I heard it. That was a song that I would want to sing. It’s a song I would want to record someday in my life on a jazz project, so it just all came together,” he shared. This glimpse into his future musical aspirations underscores his versatility and his longing to explore genres beyond R&B, perhaps even venturing into jazz. His performance as the Panther allowed him a public platform to demonstrate this potential, further dismantling the “box” he felt confined to and showcasing the breadth of his musical capabilities.

 

Donning the elaborate and “very royal” Panther costume presented its own unique set of challenges, particularly the physical demands of performing under bright stage lights. Montell recounted the intense heat and perspiration he experienced. “Under the lights with the energy, I was literally sweating profusely,” Montell admitted. “I think even after I’m unmasked I’m like, I cannot stop sweating because of the heat. I felt like combustion was taking place underneath that.” This candid revelation sheds light on the often-underestimated physical ordeal that contestants on The Masked Singer endure, transforming their performance from a mere vocal showcase into an athletic feat. The weight and limited visibility of the Panther head, combined with the thick fabric, created a sauna-like environment, pushing his stamina to its limits.

The added layer of a bulky, hot mask significantly amplifies the difficulty of delivering a stellar vocal performance. Montell expressed immense respect for all participants on the show, recognizing the skill and endurance required. “So it’s difficult enough to sing a great song just outwardly without a mask on, so hats off to all the performers and the artists that are singing with the masks on,” he stated. His comments highlight the remarkable dedication of The Masked Singer cast, who manage to captivate audiences despite these extreme conditions, further emphasizing the passion and commitment they bring to their craft, even when their identities are hidden. It’s a testament to their professionalism and desire to entertain, regardless of the personal discomfort involved.

Among the intriguing clues provided during Montell Jordan’s journey as the Panther was a reference to a chilling 2012 death hoax. This deeply personal clue, rather than being a superficial detail, served as a profound turning point in his life and career, as he explained. “I only talked about it because that was an eye-opening moment for me,” Montell shared. This experience forced him to confront his mortality and reflect on the legacy he wished to leave behind. It wasn’t just about his existence, but about the meaning and impact of his life, prompting a period of intense introspection.

The hoax made him consider what would happen if the news had been true. “If that was it for me, if it were not hoax, what would happen in the world was there’d be a series of people posting saying, the guy that did ‘This Is How We Do It’ died,” he contemplated. This realization was a jarring wake-up call. For an artist known predominantly for a single, wildly successful track, being remembered solely for that song felt insufficient and limiting. “That, for me, was not enough to me. To me, that was not a life well lived for me being remembered in that way,” he affirmed. It became clear that his identity and contributions extended far beyond a musical hit; he was a person with a rich, multifaceted life that deserved to be recognized.

This moment of introspection propelled Montell to re-evaluate his priorities and actively shape a more diverse and impactful legacy. He articulated the multifaceted roles he embodies: “I’m a husband. I’m a father. I’m a grandfather or big papa. I’m a leader. I’m a speaker.” These profound personal titles underscore his commitment to family and community, revealing a man dedicated to more than just entertainment. He emphasized, “All of these things led me to do the things that I’m doing now. I did not want people to think he’s the guy that sings this song. I’m so much more than that.” This powerful statement summarizes his motivation for stepping out of the musical spotlight for a time and dedicating himself to spiritual and familial pursuits, a journey that ultimately brought him back to public platforms like The Masked Singer and his upcoming FOX series. His desire to live a purpose-driven life became his guiding principle.

Looking ahead, Montell Jordan is set to challenge himself even further by joining the cast of the new FOX series, Special Forces: The Ultimate Test, slated for early 2023. This reality show pushes celebrities to their physical, mental, and emotional limits, undertaking grueling challenges inspired by actual special forces training. Montell revealed his compelling reasons for embracing this intense experience, which align deeply with his personal philosophy of growth and overcoming fear.

“I think it was the most insane thing I’ve probably ever done in my life, and probably one of the most rewarding things as well,” he revealed, emphasizing the profound impact the experience had on him. Beyond personal challenge, his participation is deeply intertwined with his overarching mission alongside his wife: marriage ministry. “My wife and I are trying to help married couples. We do marriage ministry together. We’re trying to help save a million marriages. That’s something that’s important to us.” This altruistic goal highlights a significant shift in his life’s purpose, moving beyond individual career success to a broader humanitarian effort focused on strengthening relationships.

Furthermore, Montell and his wife recently launched a virtual church, a testament to their commitment to faith and community leadership. This new venture, initiated at the beginning of 2022, was founded on a core principle: fearlessness. “At the top of 2022, we felt like in our hearts, in our faith walk, that what God was saying to us was in order to launch a church, you can’t have fear. There’s no room for fear,” he explained. It was this spiritual directive that directly influenced his decision to join Special Forces, seeing it as a divine opportunity to practice what he preaches.

Recognizing the opportunity to apply this principle, Montell saw Special Forces as a literal testing ground for his resolve. “So when this opportunity to do Special Forces came up, it was like okay, well, these are the things I am most afraid of. I don’t swim. I don’t like heights. There are things that I’m terrified of,” he candidly admitted. His willingness to confront his deep-seated fears – a fear of water, heights, and other formidable challenges – directly aligned with his spiritual calling to lead others through their own struggles, demonstrating courage not just in words but in actions.

Montell eloquently articulated the link between his personal challenges and his role as a leader. “In order for me to lead people well through their greatest fears, I took on Special Forces to face my greatest fears, and they throw them at me on day one,” he said. He believes that by conquering his own anxieties, he can better guide and inspire those facing life’s most terrifying moments, whether it be cancer, divorce, sickness, or profound brokenness. His journey on Special Forces was not merely a celebrity stunt but a profound act of personal and spiritual development, designed to equip him for his broader ministry work.

The experience also yielded unexpected, yet invaluable, rewards. “What we experienced there with that team, I’ve got some lifelong friends now. We talk and we’re still connected to this day, so I got a new family by being in the desert under the most ridiculous circumstances,” Montell shared, highlighting the camaraderie forged in extreme conditions. This newfound community is a testament to the transformative power of shared hardship and mutual support. He also gained a deeper appreciation for military personnel, stating, “I have a new respect and appreciation for our armed forces as well.” His participation in The Masked Singerseason 8 and Special Forces: The Ultimate Test is clearly more than just a TV appearance; it’s a testament to his courage, his faith, and his commitment to impactful living. Fans can catch The Masked Singer season 8 airing Wednesdays on FOX to relive some of Montell Jordan’s memorable performances.

From the vibrant stage of The Masked Singer where he dazzled as the Panther, to the challenging terrains of Special Forces: The Ultimate Test, Montell Jordan is unmistakably on a journey of reinvention and deeper purpose. His time on these shows exemplifies his dedication to breaking free from past molds, embracing new challenges, and living a life rich in meaning, both for himself and for others. His unmasking was not just a reveal of an identity, but a glimpse into the evolving spirit of an artist who is continually striving to be “so much more.” His fans and new audiences alike eagerly await his next steps, whether in music, ministry, or daring reality television, knowing that Montell Jordan’s story is far from over.