In this electrifying showdown, Buffalos, Wasp, and Strawberry Shortcake have proven their mettle by defeating the competition to become Group Champions. Meanwhile, Goo has emerged as the Wild Card, earning the coveted Ding-Dong-Keep-It-On Bell. As he enters this round as the underdog, the question remains: can he rise to the occasion and claim victory in this fierce contest? The drama and excitement are palpable as each performer aims to leave their mark.

However, before any of the quarter-finalists could celebrate, they faced a rigorous competition night that challenged their abilities against artists from various genres, including Alessia Cara, Sam & Dave, Shania Twain, Goo Goo Dolls, and Jungkook. This action-packed evening featured an array of musical styles, providing something for every taste, coupled with emotional moments as the singers shared heartwarming calls from their loved ones, amplifying the show’s emotional depth.

Ultimately, two masks triumphed and advanced directly into next week’s semi-finals, while the two with the lowest votes had to face off once more in a tense Smackdown! This twist adds an element of suspense and excitement, allowing us to hear them perform once more. The stakes are high, and it’s a do-or-die situation, creating a thrilling atmosphere for both competitors and viewers alike.

Tonight’s guessing game was fueled by names like Usher, Katy Perry, and John Cena, which kept the panel engaged and entertained! The guesses were surprisingly strong, with some panelists making astute observations. But did anyone anticipate tonight’s major revelation? The suspense was palpable as the unmasking loomed closer.

Let’s dive straight into this week’s masked performances. Before we unveil the shocking unmasking(s), prepare to be entertained by the wild (and sometimes accurate) guesses made by our esteemed panel of Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong and Rita Ora first. This is all part of the fun we love to share with you.

(“Standing Next to You,” Jungkook) The talented Wasp transported us to his high-energy headlining show with a dynamic performance that showcased not only his vocal skills but also his stage presence. He never lost his breath or faltered in his delivery, demonstrating the prowess of a seasoned performer. His energy brought a nostalgic ’90s R&B vibe, characterized by smooth falsetto and buttery, silky vocals that captivated the audience.

Clues & Guesses: After sharing personal struggles within his family, Wasp turned his attention to the themes of love and resilience in the quarter finals. Riding a blue motorcycle as part of his performance, he expressed that he had little experience with love from real-world examples, perhaps explaining his quest for that romantic magic often depicted in movies.

He candidly discussed his failures and detours, mentioning some U-turns he felt should have been illegal; yet, he remains optimistic about finding love, suggesting that he just might be on the right path now. Wasp’s on-stage clue included a heartfelt phone call from a loved one, specifically his cousin, which added an emotional layer to his performance.

During the call, his cousin emotionally expressed admiration for Wasp’s immense talents, stating, “Hey Wasp, it’s your best friend and cousin. You never cease to amaze me with your incredible abilities, from producing hits to performing live theater and starring in one of the biggest shows of the decade. You are truly a star, and I believe you have what it takes to win this competition.”

In a previous performance, Wasp paid tribute to his mother, who faced her “darkest battle.” He described her as his protector and hero, sharing that she loved Halloween and dressing up, humorously suggesting she would probably want to wear his wasp costume. This personal connection adds depth to his character and performance.

As Wasp continued, visual clues included an old-fashioned treasure map, a stethoscope, and a lava lamp next to a DNA strand in the background. He referenced a ’60s invention, the ATM, humorously stating that a $1,000,000 withdrawal would trigger payments to come flying in. “This is an interesting bill,” Wasp quipped, presenting a million-dollar bill featuring Robin’s face. “Just like this bill, I’ve also hit one million,” he added with a grin.

For his second performance, Wasp peeled back the layers of his crowded upbringing, sharing that he grew up among more than a dozen relatives under one roof, all of whom he described as “hustlers.” His story revealed the struggles and triumphs of navigating life in such an environment.

He recounted how, when he finally broke out and made it on his own, he returned home to a family that embraced him with love and support, including his father. The clues he shared included a folding ladder, a theater marquee with his name, and a pink crab, all symbolizing his journey and the people who have influenced him.

Wasp’s on-stage clue was a Barbie stage featuring two dolls, each with one arm raised, one placed on a pedestal. “Every minute I’m out there, I elevate my live performances to new heights,” Wasp explained, emphasizing his dedication to excellence and growth in his craft.

The Masked Ambassador for Wasp is none other than Ne-Yo (a.k.a. Season 10 winner Cow), who stated, “I think it’s time for my boy Wasp to enter this game. I’ve known him since he burst onto the scene, and he achieved tremendous success by following my words of wisdom. I believe he’s got what it takes to snag the Golden Masks trophy, just like I did in Season 10.”

Wasp then shared insights about growing up in a challenging neighborhood, expressing that he had no reason to believe he would ever escape. “But I learned to dig deep and fight,” he said, donning a pair of boxing gloves. He proudly stated that his career has exploded onto the “biggest screens and stages in the world,” with Ne-Yo praising his ability to draw in fans.

Other visual clues included an image of Mars and a lightbulb illuminating Ne-Yo’s head as he shared his words of wisdom. For Sports Night, the singers brought an athletic shoe from home to represent their lives. Wasp’s honeycomb-themed basketball shoes left him exclaiming, “Fresh kicks help me stay in my game.”

Rita connected Wasp’s live theater clue to Rent, landing on her Mario guess, a thought shared by many viewers. The clues continued to align, especially with Mario recently entering a new relationship with Kris Stephens after making their Instagram debut in January.

Ken, however, speculated that these moves pointed to Usher, which garnered some unexpected audience support. Even the panel and Nick had to admit it wasn’t a terrible guess. Jenny took the previous ladder and New Heights clue to uncover the song “Ascension” by Maxwell as her guess, showcasing the thought process behind their intuitive guesses.

(“Iris,” Goo Goo Dolls) Despite a rocky start, Goo quickly found his groove, allowing the sweet sincerity of his vocals to shine through. He even took a moment to showcase his impressive falsetto. While he may not perform like a seasoned professional (spoiler alert!), his emotionally raw voice resonates beautifully with the audience, creating a heartfelt experience that leaves everyone feeling deeply moved.

Clues & Guesses: The panel was shocked when Goo revealed in his quarter-finals clue package that he was not a professional singer. Instead, he shared that he has always pursued two dreams, with the other passion being the one he is most recognized for. It seems he is hopeful of perhaps changing that narrative through this journey, aiming to prove the naysayers wrong.

“Hello Goo, it’s your fiancée. I know you’re in there,” began his on-stage phone call. He expressed how much he cherished having her by his side throughout this journey. “You melt my heart, Goo, and from the sound of it, you’ve melted America’s hearts too. I haven’t been this proud of you since the day you received that call that changed your life forever. Good luck, I love you.”

Goo’s previous clue packages indicated that he set a one-year goal to fulfill his dreams, emphasizing his determination. He mentioned that he is only just starting to believe in himself. Throughout his journey, he held gold coins, a conductor’s baton, and moved a rook chess piece, all symbols of his aspirations and struggles.

We also observed sheet music on the music stand that held the baton,