The Masked Singer: Hunter Hayes Unmasked in Thrilling Battle of the Sixes Episode
The stage of The Masked Singer ignited with fierce competition during the highly anticipated “Battle of the Sixes” episode. Viewers tuned in on April 29th for a night of dazzling performances, perplexing clues, and an ultimately shocking celebrity unmasking. Six fan-favorite masked celebrities – the Night Angel, Kitty, Frog, Turtle, Rhino, and Astronaut – returned to showcase their vocal prowess and keep the audience guessing their true identities. Adding an extra layer of culinary-themed fun and sharp-witted commentary to the panel was celebrity chef and television personality, Gordon Ramsay, who joined regular judges Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robin Thicke for this pivotal round. The intensity of the competition was palpable, with each performer striving to secure their spot in the coveted quarterfinals. As the dust settled and the final votes were cast, it was the Astronaut who found himself soaring to the end of his journey, revealing a Grammy-nominated country music star beneath the helmet. This special episode marked a significant turning point in the competition, narrowing down the field of incredibly talented performers and setting the stage for even more thrilling showdowns.
Kicking off the “Battle of the Sixes” with a touch of classic glamour was the enigmatic Kitty. Her clue package, always a highlight, hinted at a performer with extensive experience, revealing she has graced “many stages” and embodied “many roles” throughout her career, suggesting a versatile background in entertainment, potentially spanning acting, singing, or even modeling. For her show-stopping performance, the Kitty delivered an absolutely incredible rendition of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Her vocal delivery was both playful and powerful, breathing new life into the timeless classic and demonstrating her impressive range and confident stage presence. She commanded the stage with an undeniable allure, leaving the judges and audience captivated by her ability to blend classic elegance with modern flair. This week introduced a delightful new clue segment called “Masked Munchies,” where contestants presented the panelists with a signature dish that offered another hint to their identity. The Kitty offered a beautifully decorated piece of cake, humorously describing herself as “super sweet and full of layers,” a clue that further emphasized her multifaceted career and personality, suggesting a complex individual with many facets. The panelists were thoroughly intrigued. Gordon Ramsay, known for his discerning palate and keen observations, ventured a guess that it might be classical crossover star Charlotte Church, perhaps recognizing a powerful vocal talent that could handle such a demanding song. Meanwhile, Ken Jeong and Jenny McCarthy debated between actress and singer Lea Michele, known for her Broadway and television roles like Glee, or the acclaimed actress Eva Longoria, both of whom fit the “many stages” and “many roles” description, especially with Longoria’s producing and directing work adding more “layers.”
Next up to charm the audience with his gentle giant persona was the benevolent Rhino, whose clue package consistently emphasized his love for nature, family, and personal growth. He made sure to highlight his affection for his wife and “baby rhinos,” unequivocally suggesting he’s a devoted family man whose life revolves around his loved ones. A poignant message embedded in his clues was the idea that it’s “never too late to rewrite your story,” hinting at a significant career or life transformation he might have undergone, perhaps moving from one profession to another or making a major comeback. His vocal performance was a heartfelt and solid rendition of Thomas Rhett’s country hit, “Die A Happy Man.” The song choice perfectly complemented his image as a loving and grounded individual, and his smooth baritone voice resonated with sincerity and warmth, making it clear he was sharing a piece of his soul. For his “Masked Munchies,” the Rhino presented a simple yet comforting plate of spaghetti and meatballs, a down-to-earth choice that further reinforced his relatable and unpretentious persona, suggesting he values simple pleasures and family meals. The panelists weighed in with their theories, trying to connect the dots between his clues and his voice. Gordon Ramsay, perhaps drawing on his knowledge of music or celebrity associations within the entertainment world, proposed Charles Kelley from the Grammy-winning country trio Lady A, a prominent figure in the genre whose voice could match. Jenny McCarthy, connecting the “rewrite your story” clue, considered former MLB pitcher Barry Zito, known for his successful post-baseball career in music, which would align perfectly with the theme of transformation. In a typically outlandish guess that brought laughter from everyone, Ken Jeong boldly suggested legendary actor and musician Jeff Bridges, known for his gravelly voice, sparking amusement from the panel and audience alike with his unexpected celebrity theory.
The energetic Frog hopped onto the stage, delivering a clue package brimming with sports references and cryptic numbers that sent the panel into a frenzy of speculation. Visual cues included a basketball, immediately bringing to mind athletes, and a jersey emblazoned with the number 23, often famously associated with basketball legend Michael Jordan, suggesting a connection to greatness or championship. Further adding to the enigma were the number 13 on a piece of paper and a surprising twinkie, leaving the panelists to decipher the potential connections to his identity – perhaps referring to a birth year, jersey number, or a specific event. For his musical act, the Frog didn’t just sing; he completely transformed the Imagine Dragons anthem “Whatever It Takes” with an epic, high-energy twist. His performance was an explosion of creativity and stage presence, showcasing dynamic dance moves and a unique vocal interpretation that truly paid off, captivating everyone with his boundless energy and charisma. He brought the house down with his innovative approach to the song. His “Masked Munchies” clue brought a taste of his roots to the stage: fried catfish, which he proudly declared as his “favorite dish from the South.” This pointed strongly towards a Southern upbringing or a deep cultural connection to the region, narrowing down the potential pool of celebrities. The panel’s guesses were varied but consistently leaned towards artists known for their distinct vocal styles, energetic performances, and often, Southern roots. Gordon Ramsay, impressed by the Frog’s stage command and vocal delivery, thought it might be the distinctive, gravelly voice of rapper Lil Jon, known for his energetic anthems. Robin Thicke, considering the clues and dynamic performance style, leaned towards recording artist and actor Bow Wow, who also has a strong connection to Southern hip-hop culture. Nicole Scherzinger, sticking to her conviction from previous episodes, remained firm in her belief that the Frog was none other than acclaimed R&B singer and actor Omarion, known for his smooth vocals and impressive dance moves.
The glamorous Night Angel graced the stage, preceded by a clue package that cleverly played on the theme of a vintage telephone commercial, complete with nostalgic imagery, retro sound effects, and a sense of old-school charm, possibly hinting at a career spanning several decades or a connection to communication. Another intriguing visual hint in her video was the presence of fish hooks, a seemingly disparate clue that added to the mystery surrounding her identity – perhaps related to fishing, being “hooked” on something, or even a specific song title. When it came to her performance, the Night Angel absolutely slayed her rendition of Alannah Myles’ iconic rock ballad “Black Velvet.” Her powerful, soulful vocals, combined with an undeniable stage presence and a commanding delivery, effortlessly commanded the attention of everyone in the room. Her performance was so impactful and masterfully executed that Jenny McCarthy, visibly moved and impressed, declared it was unequivocally the “best performance in The Masked Singer history” – a high compliment given the show’s rich history of incredible talent. For her “Masked Munchies,” the Night Angel delivered a truly shocking and memorable clue that left the panel speechless: a plate of edible bugs! This daring and unexpected choice elicited gasps and nervous laughter from the panel, with host Nick Cannon even bravely sampling one, much to the audience’s delight and revulsion, solidifying it as one of the most talked-about clues. Picking up on this and past clues, Jenny McCarthy was more convinced than ever that the Night Angel was reality star, singer, and entrepreneur Kandi Burruss, noting how the various hints aligned with Burruss’s diverse career in music, television, and business. Nicole Scherzinger considered Grammy-nominated singer Dawn Robinson from the legendary R&B group En Vogue, looking for a powerful vocal talent with a storied career. Meanwhile, Ken Jeong, always ready with a curveball and a deep dive into pop culture, suggested Chilli from the legendary R&B group TLC, looking for someone with an equally powerful and recognizable voice and a strong stage presence.
The celestial Astronaut took center stage, his clue package opening with a telling image of a joker card, often associated with wildcards, unpredictability, or someone who doesn’t take things too seriously. Another perplexing visual showed him fishing for a lobster, a peculiar activity for an astronaut, perhaps signifying a “catch” in his career, an unexpected turn, or even a literal connection to seafood or a coastal region. The Astronaut’s narrative throughout his time on the show has consistently revolved around personal transformation, and in this episode, he reiterated his journey, stating he was “rewriting the story of my life on this stage.” His heartfelt performance of One Direction’s “Story of My Life” was incredibly sweet and imbued with genuine emotion, perfectly reflecting his personal journey described in the clues and resonating with anyone who has faced personal challenges. His smooth, earnest vocals deeply resonated with the audience and the judges, showcasing a talent that belied the elaborate costume. For his final clue, the Astronaut brought out a festive Mardi Gras king cake, explaining it was one of his “all-time favorite foods when celebrating.” This specific culinary clue offered a strong geographical hint, pointing towards New Orleans or a strong connection to Southern traditions and celebration, further refining the possibilities. The panelists offered their astute guesses, trying to synthesize all the visual, verbal, and musical clues. Ken Jeong, known for his surprising but sometimes accurate insights, theorized that it could be Broadway and television star Jonathan Groff, whose smooth voice and youthful energy matched. Nicole Scherzinger, focusing on vocal quality and youthful appeal, believed the Astronaut was actor and singer Skylar Astin, known for his roles in musical films and television. Gordon Ramsay, demonstrating a surprising depth of pop culture knowledge beyond the kitchen, threw out the name of former child star Jonathan Taylor Thomas, acknowledging it wasn’t a bad guess at all given the Astronaut’s smooth voice and demeanor, suggesting a nostalgic appeal.
Closing out the night with a poignant and powerful performance was the steadfast Turtle. His clue package provided a deep dive into his personal struggles, revealing he has been “riddled with insecurities about not being good enough” and has consistently placed himself in “last place” mentally. This vulnerable admission resonated deeply with the audience and panelists, suggesting a journey of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and finally stepping into his own light on this stage. His clues also included a distinct chess package, prominently highlighting a queen, which could symbolize a significant woman in his life, a strategic move in his career, or even a chess master’s mind at play. The Turtle’s performance was a solid and emotionally charged rendition of Alessia Cara’s “Stay.” His powerful and controlled vocals conveyed the song’s emotional depth with remarkable clarity and feeling, leaving a lasting impression and showcasing his serious musical talent. For his “Masked Munchies,” he presented a rather unique combination: chips and apple salsa, an unexpected pairing that sparked further speculation among the judges about its symbolic meaning or personal connection. The panel continued their diligent detective work, trying to decipher the final clues and match them with celebrity voices. Robin Thicke, impressed by the vocal talent and the song choice, guessed singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw, known for his heartfelt ballads. Gordon Ramsay, weighing the clues and vocal style, proposed pop and rock icon Adam Lambert, whose powerful voice and theatrical stage presence could fit the Turtle’s persona. In a move that truly lived up to his reputation for outlandish guesses, Ken Jeong outrageously chose former One Direction member Zayn Malik, eliciting chuckles and playful eye-rolls from his fellow panelists at the sheer unexpectedness of the guess. “Good one, Ken,” Robin quipped with a smile, acknowledging the bold, if improbable, theory.
As the thrilling “Battle of the Sixes” drew to a close, the tension in the arena was palpable. The moment arrived for host Nick Cannon to announce which masked celebrity would be unmasked and whose journey on The Masked Singer would come to an end. After intense deliberation and audience votes, it was revealed that the masked singer going home was, surprisingly, the Astronaut. This meant the remaining five extraordinary celebrities – the Night Angel, Kitty, Frog, Turtle, and Rhino – had successfully navigated this challenging round and earned their coveted spots in the quarterfinals, moving one step closer to the Golden Mask Trophy and solidifying their positions as top contenders. Before the Astronaut’s identity was finally revealed, the panelists made their final, earnest guesses based on all the clues and performances throughout his time on the show. The names put forward included talented actor and singer Ben Platt, former child star Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and the versatile actor Skylar Astin, all of whom had been popular guesses. However, just before the big reveal, Nicole Scherzinger, known for her sharp intuition, changed her initial guess, confidently declaring that the Astronaut was country music sensation Hunter Hayes, perhaps connecting the Mardi Gras king cake clue with his Southern roots. And she was right! With a dramatic flourish, the Astronaut’s helmet was removed, confirming Nicole’s astute deduction: it was indeed the multi-talented country singer Hunter Hayes, much to the delight and surprise of the audience and many of the panelists who had not landed on his name. Hayes’s unmasking provided a satisfying conclusion to an electrifying night of music, mystery, and memorable performances, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the quarterfinals.