Grammy-Award winning a cappella group Pentatonix was exposed as the California Roll on Wednesday’s semifinal episode of The Masked Singer on Fox.
The group from Arlington, Texas, consisting of Scott Hoying, 31, Mitch Grassi, 30, Kirstin Maldonado, 30, Kevin Olusola, 34, and Matt Sallee, 29, were unmasked after finishing last in an exciting battle royale sing -off against Ara and Medusa.
Before being exposed, the panelists made one last guess as to their identities.
Nicole Scherzinger, 44, was convinced they were the cast of Pitch Perfect. Ken Jeong, 53, insisted it was the cast of the movie In The Heights. Robin Thicke, 46, and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, 50, correctly guessed they were Pentatonix.
“If you know, you know,” Jenny said.
The Finalists: Medusa and Macaw advanced to the finals on Wednesday’s episode of The Masked Singer on Fox
After stripping off their sushi outfits, host Nick Cannon, 42, told them they were one of the best groups ever. He asked why they wanted to go on the show.
“People know us for our a cappella harmonicas, but to do it and rearrange things with instruments we thought this was a really fun opportunity to do something we’ve never done before and thank you all for having us on this show,” Kevin said.
Nick asked them what their strategy was on the show.
“I think our strategy was to be as creative as we could and take a song and flip it all over so you hear it in a way you’ve never heard before,” Scott said. “And then sing in perfect harmony.”
Jenny asked them what was the hardest part.
“I was trying to get so many arrangements that were so full, and learn all these harmonies in such a short time,” Scott said.
“And being sushi,” Robin said.
“You all defy what the human voice can do,” Nicole said. ‘It’s so innovative and next level.’
Five Pieces: California Roll opened the episode with the Kelly Clarkson song Breakaway
Texas group: The group from Arlington, Texas, consisting of Scott Hoying, 31, Mitch Grassi, 30, Kirstin Maldonado, 30, Kevin Olusola, 34, and Matt Sallee, 29, were exposed after finishing last in an exciting Sing Battle Royale
California Roll was one of three remaining celebrity contestants on the season nine show to compete for the coveted Golden Mask trophy.
The act, made up of five different singers in giant sushi outfits, were the first contestants to perform during the hour-long episode. They shared clues that they had been performing together for a long time, then played Kelly Clarkson’s hit Breakaway. They each took turns harmonizing and singing lead parts. The crowd cheered them on when they finished.
“Absolutely incredible,” Jenny said.
“The harmonies, the voices, you really made that song your own,” Nicole said.
Nick said they asked each of their participants to say which panelist they were connected to as a clue.
“I like sushi,” Robin joked.
California Roll revealed their connection was with Jenny.
“Dear Jenny, I know you enjoyed us on stage, but I think it’s our time on Broadway that you may remember,” said one member of the troupe.
Panel Connection: California Roll revealed their connection was with panelist Jenny McCarthy
“This could be a great Broadway cast, like a Dear Evan Hansen,” Jenny said. “I heard a little Ben Platt there.”
Nick, wearing a jacket with no shirt underneath, couldn’t understand how Jenny was connected to that play.
“She sees a lot of shows, Nick, wear a shirt!” Ken said.
“I just want to say you know it’s the semi-finals when Nick Cannon sticks his chest out and everyone is excited!” Nicole joked as Nick laughed.
“I don’t like it,” Ken said. “We have a budget. Use your shirt money budget.”
Nicole thought California Roll was the cast of Spring Awakening. Ken thought it was the cast of In The Heights.
Medusa, with a giant head of green snakes, went next. She shared additional clues, including that she lost her “biggest cheerleader” in 2020 and that later being pregnant with her son felt like a gift. Medusa also had a photo of singer Sarah McLachlan.
Medusa sang Take Me To Church by Hozier and ended the emotional performance on her knees. The panelists and audience cheered and chanted “Medusa, Medusa!”
No shirt: Nick Cannon hosted the semi-final episode without wearing a shirt
Emotional Performance: Medusa sang Hozier’s Take Me To Church and ended the emotional performance on her knees
“I said two words – Holy Moly!” said Jenny. “I must tell you that you not only brought us to church, you opened our hearts. Medusa, we love you madly.’
“I’ve got two words and it’s called leader, honey,” Nicole said. “You turned The Masked Singer into a den of lions last night. It was crazy!’
Medusa said she shared a connection with Robin.
“Robin, both of our voices have taken us on a journey, one that has put platinum on our walls,” said Medusa.
“She’s a platinum-selling artist,” said Robin.
Robin thought it could be Grimes because she had a son, while Ken insisted it was the singer Dido.
Macaw, a giant bird mask with feathers down his arms, shared additional clues to his identity about how being honest with himself helped transform his life.
Life Transformed: Macaw, a giant bird mask with feathers down his arms, shared additional clues about his identity about how being honest about himself helped transform his life
“It’s made me feel like I don’t have anything to hide anymore,” Macaw said.
He had another clue that contained the word “vote.”
Macaw performed What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction as masked dancers moved around him. Macaw jumped around and ran across the stage when he finished.
“I could see you were singing with all your heart and you should be, because you meant it, because you knew someone out there needed to hear that tonight,” Nicole said.
“That was definitely something from a macaw,” Robin said.
Macaw said he shared a connection with Nicole.
“Not only do we both love to travel, but we both have a special love for the Philippines,” Macaw said.
“I’m Filipino,” Nicole said.
Nicole said she thought it might be David Archuleta, who was also part Filipino. Robin thought it might be Daniel Bedingfield. Jenny wondered if it could be Daniel Radcliffe.
“The only thing we can agree on is that Nick should wear a shirt,” Ken said.
All agree: ‘The only thing we can agree on is that Nick should wear a shirt,’ said Ken
California Roll, Macaw, and Medusa all competed against each other in the Battle Royale. They each sang Bruno Mars’ hit Runaway Baby and added their own individual twist.
“That was the best battle royale ever,” Robin said. “It was excellent to do the same song and to do it so differently, every three styles of these three artists.”
“That Battle Royale was nasty,” Nicole said. “Annoyingly good.”
The Masked Singer returns on Fox next week for the season finale, with Macaw and Medusa competing for the Golden Mask trophy.
Olivia Culpo, 31, was eliminated from the quarterfinals last week after performing as a UFO.