Breaking down all of “The Masked Singer” season 12 clues

From the packages to onstage hints to Masked Ambassadors and more.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Masked Singer season 12.

Ready those magnifying glasses, search engines, and Ken Jeong "I know EXACTLY who this is" impressions — it's time to guess the identities of more celebrity contestants on The Masked Singer.

The show is back for its 12th season, and, as always, that means more clue packages, onstage hints, songs performed, and judges' guesses to sift through to help figure out who each disguised celebrity singer really is. New this season, though, are the Masked Ambassadors — alums of the show who are returning to lend their support and serve as massive clues for each contestant.

And, once again, Entertainment Weekly is rounding up all of that for viewers to reference throughout the season. Can you solve the mystery of who is under the mask before they get revealed?

Related: The Masked Singer season 12 reveals: See every unmasked celebrity contestant

Who is Wasp?

Clues for Wasp:

• Masked Ambassador: Ne-Yo (a.k.a. Season 10 winner, Cow)

• He says of Wasp: “I think it’s about time for my boy the Wasp to enter this game. I’ve known him since he was fresh on the scene and he gained huge success by taking my words of wisdom. I think he’s got what it takes to snag the Golden Mask trophy just like I did in season 10… That’s right, you had that charisma and that swag and the ladies swarmed and now I think it’s time for you to go out and do what you do best. I think you can be the buzzer to beat.”

• Wasp says in his first clue package: “I mean, I grew up in a tough neighborhood. There was no reason I should have made it out but I learned to dig deep and fight. My career turned into a hive of activity — we’re talking the biggest screens and stages in the world”

• His clue package is set up like a comic book

• A “Back in Action” comic book, a lightbulb, Mars, boxing gloves, heart balloons, and the word “pop” all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “Rock Your Body” by Justin Timberlake

• Sports Night Clue: Wasp-like sneakers. Of it, he says, “Well, Nick [Cannon], fresh kicks help me stay on my game.”

Judges' guesses for Wasp: Taye Diggs, Bruno Mars, Jason Derulo

Who is Goo?

Clues for Goo:

• Masked Ambassador: Keenan Allen (a.k.a. Season 9’s Gargoyle)

• He says of Goo: “Excited to be a Masked Ambassador with some classified information. On season 9 as the Gargoyle, everyone got to see my softer, sensitive side, even though they know me as tough. Knowing Goo, I can say he’s the same… You know, everyone needs a little emotional outlet and just like I do on the field, can't wait to see you let it out on stage.”

• Goo says in his first clue package: “Growing up I wanted to tackle everything in my way. But inside, I was really sensitive, oozing with emotions. Once my older brother started playing guitar I found my escape. After tough days at school, I’d sit in my room, crying, singing through the pains of high school trauma. I became a total music nerd, starting a cappella groups, music lab, and even winning awards.”

• A tackle box, a secret science lab, a toy train carrying disco balls, a French horn, and rocks falling from the ceiling all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims

• Sports Night Clue: Golden cleats with music notes on them. Of it, he says, “Well, for me, you may want to focus on the soul… of the shoes.”

Judges' guesses for Goo: Jon Batiste, Shaboozey, Khalid

Who is Buffalo?

Clues for Buffalo:

• Masked Ambassador: Nick Lachey (a.k.a. Season 5 winner, Piglet)

• He says of Buffalo: “I am pumped to be part of an exclusive group of Masked Singer ambassadors, here to endorse our friends. My vote goes to the Buffalo. Raised in the poorest grasslands, the Buffalo had it tough. Sleeping in roach-filled beds at night, and practicing at bus stops by day… Buffalo, you really are a national treasure and always the center of attention at my epic Super Bowl parties. I just have no doubt you’re going to stand out from the herd this season.”

• Buffalo says in his first clue package: “That’s right, Piglet. But thanks to a big breakout cattle call, it was game over. From there, I was traveling the world, the Walk of Fame, and starring in two of the biggest sitcoms of all time. Hit the jackpot and couldn’t have done it alone.”

• Buffalo is shown stomping (maybe tapping) on bugs, and standing near a bus stop with a poster of a football player on it

• A slot machine with Betty White, Buffalo, and Vanna White; and a reel of film all appear in the first clue package

• “You know how when someone tells you you can’t do something and you just want to do it more, well, just like those kids in Footloose longing to dance, we’re each rebels in our own way,” they say to start the second clue package

• They didn’t listen when people said they should do their own thing, and they succeeded by “not giving a darn what people think”

• “Think we’re corny? Who cares! We’re rich!”

• They say: “And if you think we take ourselves too seriously, we’re out here dressed like some Wrestlemania Buffalo about to sing a track from Footloose — we funny as hell”

• They advise people to “do you, and don’t let anybody tell you who or what to be”

• A cactus and tumbleweed, a game of poker, a black bottle of poison, a rock ‘n roll neon sign, and mugs of beer all appear in the second clue package

• For Soundtrack of My Life Night, they’re singing “Bitter Sweet Symphony”: “We’re digging deep. That’s right, we chose ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ because we’ve learned that sometimes the hardest parts of life are when we’re forced to be the most harmonious. As we made it big, we had one cowboy who helped guide us and inspired us the most. Yeah, he was everything to us. He was a real MacGyver, too, always fixing stuff. But we lost him, suddenly. We felt heartbroken. How could God do this to us? We didn’t feel like we could go on. We sang as we put him to rest thinking it could be our last time, but we knew he would have wanted us to keep the herd together. So that’s what we did. And while there is a MacGyver-shaped hole in our hearts, everything we do is for him, including this performance.”

• A bell, a caution sign for a dead end, two Buffalo swaying together, and a cow-patterned umbrella all appear in the third clue package
  

On stage:

• First performance: “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” by Cutting Crew

• Masked Ambassador Gift: A crown

• Second performance: “Waiting for a Girl Like You” by Foreigner

• Footloose Clue: A tractor with “Mo-town” on it. Of it, they say, “We’re a little tired right now because we are busy using this tractor to mow lawns all around town.”

• Third performance: “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve

• Soundtrack of My Life Night Clue: A shirt that says “halftime show” on it. Of it, they say, “This halftime show T-shirt has aged over time like us, but we can tell you this performance was in front of one of the biggest audiences in the world.”
  

Judges' guesses for Buffalo: Earth, Wind & Fire, 98 Degrees, B2K, Bell Biv DeVoe, 112, Boyz II Men, Big Time Rush, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Black Eyed Peas (minus Fergie)

Who is Royal Knight?

Clues for Royal Knight:

• Masked Ambassador: Savannah Chrisley (a.k.a. Season 11’s Afghan Hound)

• She says of Royal Knight: “It’s no secret that my life has been pretty rough lately, but I am here to introduce to you the toughest woman I know, Royal Knight… Oh wow, you are one of the fiercest friends that I have and I think that tonight for your performance you’re gonna slay. ”

• Royal Knight says in her first clue package: “Thanks, sis, I’ll take it from here. Chapter 1: As a young girl I thought I’d have that fairytale life. So I went on a quest for it, but it turns out, mine was no fantasy. There was heartbreak and terror behind every corner, and I quickly had to learn to protect myself with layers of armor, until I became the warrior I am today. I had to break free of the idea of a "you and I" and learn how to be, well, me. Now, I don’t care about castles or kings, as long as I’m giving main-character energy.”

• Her first clue package is set up like a fairytale pop-up book

• A silver crown, a glass slipper on a pedestal, a paper castle and red dragon, a TV remote, a forest with colorful butterflies, and a horn that says “The T” on it all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “Yoü and I” by Lady Gaga

• Who Are You Fest Night Clue: A hoodie that says “ready to sleigh” on it. Of it, she says, “No matter the season, I’m always ready to sleigh the competition.”

Judges' guesses for Royal Knight: Ashley Tisdale, Lily James, Hayden Panettiere

Who is Sherlock Hound?

Clues for Sherlock Hound:

• Masked Ambassador: Barry Zito (a.k.a. Season 3’s Rhino)

• He says of Sherlock Hound: “You know what they say, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks — but I can tell you firsthand my friend, Sherlock Hound, begs to differ… [He was onto] something huge, and we’ve even had some of the best jam sessions ever. Now you’re assigned to the biggest case ever here on The Masked Singer. America, are you gonna figure out his identity or is the case gonna go cold?”

• Sherlock Hound says in his first clue package: “My whole family was into music. My grandma taught it and my old man played the keys. I wanted to be outside, running wild, not cooped up playing a cello. When I heard rock ‘n’ roll, it unleashed a passion inside, some might say a mystery I had to solve. From there I was tracking that scent to campfires, dive bars, and tour buses. I was onto something — something big.”

• A record with a diamond on it, hypnosis swirls, a red acoustic guitar, and an eyepatch all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

• Who Are You Fest Night Clue: A t-shirt that says “#1 Hit”. Of it, he says, “I know what it’s like to be No. 1 in the world.”

Judges' guesses for Sherlock Hound: Eddie Vedder, Gavin Rossdale, Chad Kroeger, Brandon Boyd

Who is Ice King?

Clues for Ice King:

• Masked Ambassador: Hanson (a.k.a. Season 5’s Russian Dolls)

• They say of Ice King: “It’s Russian Dolls here, the biggest surprise of season 5. We were most surprised by how hard it was to keep it all a secret. And now we know another secret — the identity of our chill friend, Ice King. He topped the charts globally, he sold out the largest stadiums and was given the royal treatment like he was one of the Beatles… And we know firsthand just how good you are. After all, we did help you get your start. So tonight, we hope you break free and melt everyone’s hearts.”

• Ice King says in his first clue package: “Yeah, pretty cool, right? I ruled the school, but Hollywood can be a little cold, so I ran away and went into a deep freeze which lasted for years. But now, I’ve found the courage to come back and stand in the spotlight once again. I’m here as an icebreaker, to bring the focus back to what I love most: singing. And it’s nice to be able to ease my way back into music behind this mask.”

• He’s shown performing for a big, rowdy crowd

• A stage surrounded by palm trees, a tower of speakers, a chocolate cakepop, shattered glass/ice, and a passport with a globe on it all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “Tonight Tonight” by Hot Chelle Rae

• Who Are You Fest Night Clue: A hoodie that says “drop the fire beat.” Of it, he says “I’ve traveled the world dropping fire beats in front of massive crowds, but tonight has been the most lit.”

Judges' guesses for Ice King: Pete Wentz, Joe Jonas, MrBeast

Who is Strawberry Shortcake?

Clues for Strawberry Shortcake:

• Masked Ambassador: Hayley Orrantia (a.k.a. Season 7 runner-up, Ringmaster)

• She says of Strawberry Shortcake: “I’m so stoked to introduce my friend, and it’s perfect she’s making her debut tonight, because she’s truly a festival favorite… You’ve been by my side for some of my biggest milestones and now I’m so happy to be here for you. I truly believe you can take the cake… shortcake.”

• Strawberry Shortcake says in her first clue package: “Well, yeah, now I am [a festival favorite]. When I was young, I dreamed of going to a music festival, but one with me in the lineup. But even though I believed I was headline material, I sat on the sidelines watching everyone else have all the fun for years. Like how many posts can even exist? Until one day, I got the call to open one of the most iconic [festivals]. It was the sweetest day ever, a slow burn, but the best things in life are worth the wait.”

• A plush cat toy, Instagram photos, sunglasses, and lots of animated emojis like rainbows and hearts and stars all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves

• Who Are You Fest Night Clue: A t-shirt that says “break a leg.” Of it, she says, “My breakthrough role showed the world my potential.”

Judges' guesses for Strawberry Shortcake: Reneé Rapp, Lana Del Rey, Rachel Zegler

Who is Macaron?

Clues for Macaron:

• Masked Ambassador: Willie Robertson (a.k.a. Season 6’s Mallard)

• He says of Macaron: “My world was turned upside down when I became the Mallard on season 6. And if anyone knows how life can change in an instant, it’s my friend, Macaron. She’s one tough cookie… You’re a true inspiration, Macaron. So, trust this duck, and call me afterwards… maybe.”

• Macaron says in her first clue package: “Growing up, life was pretty sweet, until my life changed forever, in an event rarer than being struck by lightning. Instead of my spirit crumbling, I dug deep. I fought hard and started from scratch. Ever since, everything else seems, well, a little less serious. So why not act on any half-baked dream like singing my heart out on The Masked Singer.”

• A photo of AnnaSophia Robb, a clapboard that says “The Real Macaron” on it, and lots of animated nature scenes of dolphins, sun, water, and waves all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen

• Who Are You Fest Night Clue: A t-shirt that says “unstoppable blooming all year long.” Of it, she says, “I’ve overcome a lot in my life and no matter what comes my way I know I’m unstoppable.”

Judges' guesses for Macaron: Gypsy Rose Blanchard, Monica Lewinsky, Ariana Madix, Bethany Hamilton

Macaron Unmasked: Bethany Hamilton

Who is Chess Piece?

Clues for Chess Piece:

• Masked Ambassador: Nikki Glaser (a.k.a. Season 8’s Snowstorm)

• She says of Chess Piece: “I know when you think of Nikki Glaser you think of fashion icon, and that’s why I’m here — to introduce the most fashion-forward friend that I know. Please welcome, Chess Piece! Oh, we know you are a total game-changer and as much as I love to gossip, your secret is safe with me. So, it’s your move. Check and mate.”

• Chess Piece says in her first clue package: “Look, I love a fashion moment because I never thought I’d be here. There were times I felt like a pawn with no protection. People doubted me my whole life, but I had to believe in myself and make bold moves across the board to secure my crown, and that leading role that changed my game.”

• Red lips, a locked safe, paparazzi, and a costume exhibit with Masked Singer’s Sun, Goldfish, Night Angel, and Queen of Hearts all appear in the first clue package
  

On stage:

• First performance: “Believe” by Cher

• Sports Night Clue: Green tennis shoes. Of it, she says, “In the first round of the match it’s love serving love.”

Judges' guesses for Chess Piece: Serena Williams, Regina King, Ashley Graham

Chess Piece Unmasked: Laverne Cox

Who is Bluebell?

Clues for Bluebell:

• Masked Ambassador: Kelly Osbourne (a.k.a. Season 2’s Ladybug)

• She says of Bluebell: “I’m here to dish some top-secret info about my fabulous friend, Bluebell, who certainly knows a thing or two about tabloid fodder. I should know, we even made headlines together. She had worldwide overnight success, but with major fame comes major gossip… So true, along with cargo pants and crop tops. Good luck, Bluebell. Show your flower power.”

• Bluebell says in her first clue package: “As my career was blossoming, the rumor mill grew wild about my alleged relationships with rockstars, billionaires, and even royals. The truth is, my true love never bloomed until recently. Now that I’ve found it, I’ve never been happier. We belong together. And now I’m here because, well, I’m kind of having a moment.”

• Her first clue package is gossip show-themed

• A script page, flashing paparazzi lights, TMS-themed gossip magazines with Bluebell on the covers, a blue guitar with a phoenix on it, and ripped blue jeans all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “We Belong” by Pat Benatar

• Sports Night Clue: Silver rollerblades. Of it, she says, “I try to roll with the situation but I always rock it out.”

Judges' guesses for Bluebell: Taylor Momsen, Ellie Goulding, Leighton Meester

Bluebell Unmasked: Natalie Imbruglia

Who is Dust Bunny?

Clues for Dust Bunny:

• Masked Ambassador: Dick Van Dyke (a.k.a. Season 9’s Gnome)

• He says of Dust Bunny: “Hello there ladies and gentlemen, it's me, Dick Van Dyke. You may remember me as the Gnome from season 9. Now, I'm 98 years old so I know a little bit about collecting dust. So here’s my pal, the Dust Bunny… You forgot the most important [collaborator] — me! Good luck, Dust Bunny. I’m sure you’re gonna sweep the competition.”

• Dust Bunny says in his first clue package: “Thanks Dick! Hi, I’m Dust Bunny. I’m here to audition for The Masked Singer because singing’s always been a secret ambition of mine. When I was a rookie who first got into the biz, I had a super important job — making coffee — until I was asked to stand in for a rehearsal to test the lighting, and wouldn’t you know it, apparently I had a face for TV. Since then, I’ve collected quite a list of costars: Anne Hathaway, David Bowie, even Marlon Brando (though no one’s ever seen that footage)."

• An earthquake zone sign, coffee in an office, a racecar flag, a bloody white mask, and photos of Anne Hathaway, David Bowie, and Marlon Brando all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

• Sports Night Clue: Purple ice skates. Of it, he says, “Well, my attitude in this competition is to burn through it in a blaze of glory.”

Judges' guesses for Dust Bunny: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Jay Leno

Dust Bunny Unmasked: Andy Richter

Who is Woodpecker?

Clues for Woodpecker:

• Masked Ambassador: Jenifer Lewis (a.k.a. Season 11’s Miss Cleocatra)

• She says of Woodpecker: “Now, I have top secret information on someone I have known since her start, Woodpecker. She’s been called a mogul, a chic CEO, and she even became friends with Beyoncé. This bird is a baddie… I believe in you 100 percent. Make Auntie Jen proud.”

• Woodpecker says in her first clue package: “Ok, that’s a lot to live up to. I try not to think about all of that. I’ve just been taught that the only doors that open are the ones you knock on, so I knock on them all. And now, I’m trying to be the youngest billionaire. I want to prove that I can do anything, so I’m here. The singing, the dancing, bring it on!”

• An SAT test answer sheet, a fancy gate sign that says “family” on it, red sports tape that says “next” on it, and a red carpet photo of Beyoncé all appear in the first clue package

• “Just like in Footloose, I know a thing or two about fighting for what you believe in. As a young chick, while most kids are playing in treehouses, I was planting roots in Hollywood,” she says to start the second clue package

• Growing up in front of the world was “awkward” she says

• “From learning to wear heels to flirting with boys and god forbid uttering a cuss word, everyone was all up in my business treating me like I was their child”

• But, she always stayed “headstrong,” and danced through the “growing pains at my own pace”

• And now she sees “young birdies” following in her footsteps that see her as their “hero”

• “My advice: You can be your own hero, too, and tonight I’m singing a song that’s always helped me celebrate, well, me, and I hope it will be a knockout,” she says

• A director’s chair with Woodpecker’s name on it, a rubber ducky, boxes of vegetables, and a little brown briefcase all appear in the second clue package

• For Soundtrack of My Life Night, she’s singing “Put Your Records On”: “I know my family is rooting for me in the wings. Tonight, I chose a song for them. See, I come from a long line of strong chicks in my family tree, and all of us live under one roof — talk about a lot of perfume, pantyhose and pink. My great-grandmother introduced me to jazz and Ray Charles and passed on her love of music – girl, did we put those records on! Team vinyl over here! My maternal grandmother gave me the courage to go after my dreams and I so wish she lived to see them realized. And my other grandmother instilled in me the greatest of them all, a love for The Masked Singer, which we always watch together — it’s one of the reasons I’m here. My performance tonight is a tribute to all of the women who gave parts of themselves to me so that I could fly.”

• A photo of three elderly Woodpeckers with glasses and different colored aprons on, a photo of Regina Hall, a burger on a blue plate, and a globe showing South America on it all appear in the third clue package
  

On stage:

• First performance: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

• Masked Ambassador Gift: A “World Record” plaque

• Second performance: “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler

• Footloose Clue: Kevin Bacon’s tennis shoes from Footloose. Of it, she says, “Another bird from the Masked Singer family, and also mine, shares this style-ish obsession of shoes with me.”

• Third performance: “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae

• Soundtrack of My Life Night Clue: A tree with a little door that opens to reveal a pair of clear framed glasses. Of it, she says, “These glasses remind me of how I got my start, because I can see clearly now that my career has taken off.”
  

Judges' guesses for Woodpecker: Willow Smith, Halle Bailey, Keke Palmer, Letitia Wright, Regina King, Liza Koshy, Quinta Brunson, Tatyana Ali

Woodpecker Unmasked: Marsai Martin

Who is Ship?

Clues for Ship:

• Masked Ambassador: Jewel (a.k.a. Season 6 winner, Queen of Hearts)

• She says of Ship: “I was surprised at how much depth there was to the competition beneath the surface, and that’s something that I think will serve someone that I’ve always had a great relationship with, the Ship… That’s exactly why I think you should do this, to steer towards your fears head on, just like we did all those years ago together. And if you do that, I know that you’ll be unsinkable.”

• Ship says in her first clue package: “I know how quickly the tides can change from angry to serene on a dime, and my life has been the same. My career set sail at a rapid clip. I had massive hits, made history, but I lost control. I became lost at sea, and at times felt totally forgotten. It’s taken me years to find my way back to shore but I finally got the career I’ve always wanted, and that’s why being here is so scary, because once again I’m in uncharted waters.”

• A small plane with a clock on it that is set to approximately 11:36, a wanted poster for $15,000, and a TV with crossed antennas in the shape of an "X" all appear in the first clue package

• “Like the lyrics of ‘Footloose’ sang, ‘Everybody kick off your Sunday shoes.’ Easy, right? Well, not when you’re a ship in a boot,” she says to start the second clue package

• In high school, she was a cheerleader, class president, and prom queen

• But when she injured her foot, and she had to sit on the sidelines for a whole year, her “heart sank”

• But her frustration led her to the piano, where she’d “sit and play for hours on end”

• “It was my therapy. I channeled my sorrow, my joy, my expression. Music became my paradise, and it’s been a healing source since,” she says

• Good news is the only boots she wears now “are leather and made for dancing”

• A medical boot, pom-poms, class president trophy, prom queen sash, white cowboy boots, a piano with a raven on it, and a glowing red heart all appear in the second clue package

• For Soundtrack of My Life Night, she’s singing “Because the Night”: “There was a time I found myself shipwrecked, broke, living off of a $2 burrito a day — half for lunch, half for dinner, you know? So naturally I jumped at the chance to sing backup on an international tour, but as thrilling as it was, I knew I had my own stories to tell. I realized I’d rather be driving myself around in a rental car singing my truth, and taking that chance started the tidal wave of my career. And, you know, I took a risk being here because this is so unlike me, but it’s already so rewarding.”

• A burrito, a wooden rowboat, a photo of John Wayne, and a red curtain all appear in the third clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “Pompeii” by Bastille

• Masked Ambassador Gift: A bedazzled cowboy hat

• Second performance: “Almost Paradise” by Mike Reno & Ann Wilson

• Footloose Clue: A Bomont High School locker with photos of Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Bacon, and Melissa Etheridge inside. Of it, she says, “I’m three degrees away from Kevin Bacon. I’m connected to Melissa Etheridge, who is connected to Whoopi Goldberg, who starred in Destination Anywhere with Kevin Bacon.”

• Third performance: “Because the Night” by Patti Smith Group

• Soundtrack of My Life Night Clue: A framed note that says, “Congrats on the Best New Artist win! You are a true leading lady. — LeAnn ‘98.” Of it, she says, “This note is from one of the most treasured moments of my career, and it meant the world to receive recognition from such a talented woman like LeAnn Rimes.”

Judges' guesses for Ship: Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne, Enya, Sara McLachlan, Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette, Norah Jones, Paula Cole

Ship Unmasked: Paula Cole

Who is Showbird?

Clues for Showbird:

• Masked Ambassador: Joel McHale (sort of sang one time; frequent guest panelist)

• He says of Showbird: “I want to introduce you to a good friend — it’s Showbird, everyone! … I laugh because that’s very true, I am jealous, and I know you’re a little bit out of your element, but don’t worry. You’re gonna be just fine.”

• Showbird says in her first clue package: “Thanks Joel. Honestly, I’m just as confused as you are. I mean, I never imagined all of this for myself. I was a total tomboy growing up and a total nerd — Lego, Comic Con, the works. I thought I’d keep things a little more humble, low-key, modest. Not baring my soul in some of the biggest blockbuster movies ever, unlike Joel here.”

• A golden gavel, a blue screen, a book for “Advanced Singing 401,” and glittery boots and costumes all appear in the first clue package

• “I always knew if I ever got a chance in front of the lights, I’d do something good with it. So when I got that chance, work became my entire life — I was married to it,” she says to start the second clue package

• But she felt like something was missing — real love

• She reconnected with “an old friend bird” that became her “lovebird” (but she’s quick to point out she doesn’t mean season 11’s Colton Underwood)

• He encouraged her to rekindle her “first flame” — singing — which she says she “gave up for two decades”

• “His love helped me find that carefree confidence again, which led me here”

• She’s shown plugging in lights backstage

• A plethora of colorful jeweled rings, a sightseeing telescope, and a purple cupcake in a pink box all appear in the second clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige

• Masked Ambassador Gift: Popcorn

• Second performance: “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Deniece Williams

• Footloose Clue: A music box that plays hip-hop beats. Of it, she says, “That’s more my vibe, because back in ‘94, I was part of a hip-hop empire.”

Judges' guesses for Showbird: Jennifer Hudson, Taraji P. Henson, Kerry Washington, Yvette Nicole Brown, Sheila E.

Showbird Unmasked: Yvette Nicole Brown

Who is Leaf Sheep?

Clues for Leaf Sheep:

• Masked Ambassador: DeMarcus Ware (a.k.a. Season 11’s Koala)

• He says of Leaf Sheep: “Keeping my identity a secret was pretty tough to handle, but I know someone who can manage it all — the GOAT!... Based off running in the same circles, I think your glory days are still ahead. Good luck out there, Leaf GOAT.”

• Leaf Sheep says in his first clue package: “That’s Leaf Sheep to be exact. I know, I know. You’re very confused right now, and so was I until about three days ago. But the Leaf Sheep is a real thing, look it up. These days, I’m a little sluggish, but you should have seen me in my prime. I made a total splash, scored headlines, topped the country's charts, even revived a franchise. Now I’m here to keep the good times rolling.”

• A quarter, a guitar pick with “#1” on it, and a seahorse with a cowboy hat all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw

• Masked Ambassador Gift: Hall of Fame trophy

Judges' guesses for Leaf Sheep: Tom Brady, John Elway, Troy Aikman

Leaf Sheep Unmasked: John Elway

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The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.