Latest news with #Housewives'
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
MaBlerh spills the tea: Nonku's no-show and the Londie-Minnie beef in 'Real Housewives of Durban' season 5 reunion
MaBlerh hosts the season five reunion of "The Real Housewives of Durban", marking his third time in this role. Image: Supplied The most fulfilling interviews begin with an initial unfamiliarity, evolving into a connection akin to being besties for years by the end of the chat. Such was my interaction with a true Jack of all trades, MaBlerh (real name Mthokozisi Cele), when I called him to chat about the two-part reunion special of 'The Real Housewives of Durban' season five, the day before it dropped on Showmax. Part two will air on Friday, July 11. This is the third year in a row that he's been hosting the special, and he doesn't disappoint. He also hosted 'The Real Housewives of Gqeberha' and season three of 'The Real Housewives of Johannesburg'. Having been a die-hard fan of 'The Real Housewives' franchise, it was indeed a full-circle moment for him to become the go-to choice to host several reunion episodes. Of course, we kicked off with the elephant in the room - Nonku Williams being a no-show. With her holier-than-thou attitude, the entire season, where she picked fights with newcomers Kwanele Kubheka (aka Fafa) and Lo Sithole, viewers and co-stars alike were left gaping in shock by her tardiness and diva-like behaviour. The other cast members added to the dynamics include Ayanda Mthembu as well as Minenhle "Minnie" Ntuli and Precious Udoye, who are brought in as friends of friends but end up taking up a chunk of the screen time. MaBlerh shared: 'You know, like any other viewer, I love Nonku. I love the fact that Nonku asks the kind of questions that people are scared to ask. And, yes, it lands her in hot water, but we need that. She is the firestarter. 'For me, it was weird being at the reunion without Nonku. It was just that something was missing. It would have felt the same way if Sorisha (Naidoo) weren't there. Like, they are the OGs.' As someone who fearlessly asks the burning fan questions, I inquired if it threw a spanner in the works of him leaving no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of the drama. After a quick chuckle, he noted: 'Not really. For the first time, I feel like Nonku had wrapped up any of the drama that she had with the 'Housewives' within the season. 'The only thing I would have wanted to ask Nonku was what was in that letter that sent her over the rails like that.' When I mentioned that I was not sad to see the back of Nonku, MaBlerh quickly pointed out, 'You're going to miss her'. He qualified his statement by adding, 'She's the character that a lot of people love to hate. And she's a polarising figure.' But I held firm in my viewpoint even though he made a valid statement. After all, every reality show needs a villain to stir the pot. Nonku Williams, an OG in 'The Real Housewives of Durban', decided against attending the season five reunion and has bowed out of the franchise, too. Image: Supplied MaBlerh added: 'Let me tell you what the problem is with new villains, they don't know where the line is. Unfortunately, when you don't know where the line is, it's easy to actually piss off viewers rather than make them love you as a villain." And while Sorisha does orchestrate chaos on the show, she somehow comes out smelling like roses. Cough: Mabusi Seme in season four and Londie London this season. Moving swiftly along, I asked MaBlerh to weigh in on the additions to the cast. 'I really enjoyed Fafa this season, and let me tell you why. I feel that there is potential for her to grow, to be something we don't expect because there is a lot of personality there. But I think that she was still trying to establish herself. She's a dark horse. That's what I love.' He also sang the praises of Angel Ndela. 'With the Angel that we had last season and the Angel that we had this season, I'm seeing growth, and I love it. It's the same thing that I'm enjoying with Jojo (Robinson), every season we see Jojo evolving.' Hosting the reunion episodes of shows of this nature is not easy, as personalities clash and the atmosphere has a tendency to get quite tense. But MaBlerh is the epitome of calm, confident and supportive. He offers a balanced perspective when irrationality runs riot, making him akin to a reality show whisperer. On how he manages to stay so zen, he said: 'Get your pen and paper out and note this. I believe that God prepares you for certain things without you actually knowing what you are being prepared for. And that is how I was prepared for this. 'I grew up with my mom, and I've only got two siblings. Unfortunately, one passed away, the girl. She was in high school. And my brother, who is much older than me, moved out of the nest very quickly, leaving me in a house with all my female cousins, aunts, and all of these people. 'Even my helper had her granddaughter living with her as well. So in total, I was living with about five women at times. And I became the sounding board for them. That is how I learned how to navigate female drama.' MaBlerh pointed out that while many view the catfights as 'trivial, overdramatised and women overreacting', he learned 'that these are actual feelings and that they are valid because women tend to be more in tune with their emotional side'. He continued: 'I understood the thought process, and so I was able to understand, listen, ask the right questions and direct someone to their blind spot. I applied that to my female friends, and I found that it worked, and then I found myself on 'The Real Housewives of Durban'.' In case you are wondering, London is at the reunion. MaBlerh added: 'I still want to get to the bottom of how that Londie and Minnie thing escalated to what it is. I'm sure you can attest to this; it just went from zero to 100.' Another massive talking point this season was Nonku's close-knit friendship with Jojo hitting a few rocky patches, culminating in the BFFs unfollowing each other on social media shortly after the season aired. He joked: 'A friendship dies every season and a new one comes along.' That said, he did reveal that the Minnie and London saga, as well as the demise of 'Joku', will be unpacked in the second part of the reunion.
New York Post
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Phaedra Parks explains why she returned to ‘RHOA' after it ‘took a dip' — and teases an ‘explosive reunion'
She's got her peach back. Phaedra Parks spilled all the details about her upcoming return to 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta,' which debuts Sunday at 9 p.m. ET., in an exclusive interview with The Post. 'We've been talking about it for some time, but it needed to be the right moment for me and for my family,' the mom of two said of coming back to the Bravo show after a six-season hiatus. Advertisement 7 Cheez-It x Phaedra Parks. Jayden Mack 'Porsha [Williams] basically called me as well, like, 'Hey, would you consider it?' And I love Porsha. Frick and Frack is always fun, always about friendship,' Parks explained. 'That really made me really think about it seriously.' 7 Phaedra Parks has a new partnership with Cheez-It Snap'd. Jayden Mack Advertisement 'So it's been a wonderful return because it was like going home, like riding a bike,' she added, while promoting her collaboration with Cheez-It Snap'd to introduce the limited-edition Cheez-It Snap'd Back Bag. 'I just got back on and got right in the swing of things. And I just think it's gonna be a very amazing season.' Parks, who makes her official return to the show on Sunday's episode, told The Post she wasn't nervous about joining the rest of the ladies so late into the season. 7 Phaedra Parks at the 'RHOA' Season 16 premiere party in Atlanta on March 7. Getty Images 'You know what, I'm pretty courageous,' she said. 'Living people ain't gonna scare me if the dead didn't scare me.' Advertisement The mortician went on, 'It felt so good to be back where I started. It feels good to hopefully be a part of the resurgence of the 'Housewives' because, you know, they took a dip. So hopefully we can bring them back to stellar status. Obviously it's very nostalgic for people who have watched me have both of my sons on television to now see them as tweens.' 7 The 'RHOA' Season 16 cast: Brit Eady, Phaedra Parks, Angela Oakley, Porsha Williams, Shamea Morton Mwangi, Drew Sidora, Kelli Ferrell. Gizelle Hernandez/James Bianchi/Bravo 7 Phaedra Parks on Bravo. Bravo The reality star said that the mix of veteran Housewives and newbies in the Season 16 cast makes for 'the best formula' for the show. Advertisement 'I think you have to revamp it just to refresh the brand. But at the same time, 'Housewives' has always been about nostalgia,' Parks noted. 'People tuning in to see people they grew up with and the Housewives that they love.' 7 Phaedra Parks on 'The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip' Season 2. Zack DeZon/Peacock via Getty Images 'So yeah, I think when you are going to revamp it, you've got to mix the old with the new,' she added. 'You're coming back to see people that you are very familiar with, but you're getting a little splash of fresh people and ideas.' While the Season 16 reunion hasn't filmed yet, Parks predicts the get-together will be 'explosive.' 'I think a lot of people are gonna be in the hot seat — including myself,' she said. 7 Phaedra Parks arrives at 'Watch What Happens Live' in NYC. Christopher Peterson / 'People love to try to put my feet to the fire. So, you know I'm ready. I stay ready so I don't have to get ready,' Parks stated. 'So yeah, let's do it.' Now that she's back on 'RHOA,' Parks told The Post that she's 'definitely there for the long-haul.' Advertisement 'I am loyal to who's loyal to me. I love NBCUniversal, Peacock, and they've been great to me,' she said. 'And so I will definitely be great to them.' 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
‘Housewives' star Sonja Morgan breaks her silence after wild night out in Palm Beach
Is Sonja Morgan OK? TMZ posted alarming pictures of the 'Real Housewives of NYC' star being loaded onto an ambulance in Palm Beach, Thursday night. The reality vet, 61, had been dining at Echo restaurant on Sunrise Avenue when things apparently went south. In footage also sent to the gossip site, Morgan, who moved to the area last year, is seen talking to police officers who had responded to the scene. After the pics of her went viral, Morgan released a statement to People. 'An elderly patron at the restaurant I was dining at appeared to be in distress, and I called for medical assistance,' the TV personality told the mag. 'While assisting [her] during the commotion, I sustained some minor injuries and, out of an abundance of caution, accompanied the EMTs to be checked out.' While the native New Yorker claims to be just a Good Samaritan, she also managed to get into a little trouble with the cops. Authorities told TMZ that Morgan was ordered to leave the premises and issued 'a written trespass warning.' Under Florida law, had the Bravolebrity reentered the establishment, she could have been arrested. The incident comes on the heels of an embarrassing encounter earlier this month at a different restaurant — NYC hotspot Tucci. Page Six reports that Morgan reportedly demanded to be comped for a $1,000 meal. 'She was absolutely hysterical and refused to pay,' a source claimed to the outlet. 'It was like she was filming a 'Housewives' episode, shouting, 'I'm a celebrity!'' Morgan owned up and eventually paid, telling Page Six 'there was a clear miscommunication,' adding, 'I believed I was dining in exchange for a promotional post. … I made that known to staff.' On Instagram, the fan favorite brushed up off the headlines and adjusted her crown. The latest post sees her looking fantastic and fresh from a beauty salon appointment. The caption: 'That feeling when your hair is done and you remember who you are.'
USA Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Reality stars' prison release dates, from Julie and Todd Chrisley to a 'Housewives' star
Reality stars' prison release dates, from Julie and Todd Chrisley to a 'Housewives' star Show Caption Hide Caption 911 call of Chase Chrisley at Twin Peaks in Buckhead The son of former reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley has found himself in some legal trouble. He's accused of assaulting a bar manager at the Twin Peaks restaurant in Buckhead. Fox - 5 Atlanta A reality television to prison pipeline? It's more common than you might think. From "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Jen Shah's involvement in a telemarketing scheme to the "Chrisley Knows Best" stars charges on tax evasion and bank fraud, plenty of personalities have gone from TV screens to behind bars. In at least one case, the plea for their release has reached the highest office in the land: Savannah Chrisley, daughter of disgraced reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, has appealed to President Donald Trump's administration for their pardon. Savannah, 27, spoke at the Republican National Convention in July 2025. As of May 12, 2025, the Chrisleys are still in their respective prisons. Who are the other reality stars who are serving time in prison? Here's a closer look. From Netflix to prison. 'Cheer' star Jerry Harris sentenced to 12 years for sex crimes Julie and Todd Chrisley from 'Chrisley Knows Best' It's been more than two years since Julie and Todd Chrisley began their prison sentences for bank fraud. But instead of the respective seven- and 12-year sentences, each has had their prison time slightly reduced. The Chrisleys gained fame on the USA Network reality show "Chrisley Knows Best," which followed their tight-knit, boisterous family and lavish lifestyle in Atlanta and Nashville. The show drew in more than 2 million viewers by its eighth season and inspired the spinoffs "Growing Up Chrisley" and "According to Chrisley." However, their image as savvy real estate tycoons was sullied in June 2022, when the pair was found guilty of tax evasion and defrauding community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. In January 2023, the Chrisleys traded their luxurious lifestyle for prison time. Prosecutors said the reality TV couple was driven by greed as they engaged in an extensive bank fraud scheme and then hid their wealth from tax authorities. Julie Chrisley, 52, is serving her prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, with an expected release date of Jan. 8, 2028. Todd Chrisley is serving time at FPC Pensacola and is expected to be released April 7, 2032, more than two years before his original 12-year sentence was supposed to be up. Brittish Williams of VH1's 'Basketball Wives' Former "Basketball Wives" star Brittish Cierrah Williams found herself in hot legal water last year when authorities apprehended her over a series of scams. On Oct. 24, 2023, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Williams, 35, to four years in prison for committing $564,000 worth of frauds, including tax frauds, bank fraud, insurance fraud and three separate pandemic fraud schemes, according to a release from the US Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri. Williams, then a radio personality in St. Louis, pleaded guilty to 15 felonies in May 2023. Williams will also be on supervised release for five years after serving time, and was ordered to pay $564,069 in restitution. She is now serving time at FCI Waseca, "a low security federal correctional institution" in Minnesota, with a release date of Dec. 24, 2025. Josh Duggar of TLC Network's '19 Kids and Counting' Josh Duggar, who rose to fame on TLC's hit show "19 Kids and Counting," was sentenced in May 2022 to 12 years in prison for downloading and possessing child pornography. The eldest child of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and a father of seven himself, Josh Duggar was found guilty in December 2021. Federal authorities said they began investigating the reality TV star after a Little Rock, Arkansas, police detective found child porn files were being shared by a computer traced to Duggar. A federal agent testified that images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including toddlers, were downloaded in 2019 onto a computer at a car dealership Duggar owned. This is not Josh Duggar's first fall from grace. "19 Kids and Counting," was canceled in 2015 following revelations that Josh Duggar had molested four of his sisters and a babysitter when he was a teen. At the time, he apologized, admitting to a porn addiction and infidelity. Duggar, 37, will be released Oct. 2, 2032. He is imprisoned at FCI Seagoville in Texas. Jerry Harris of Netflix show 'Cheer' In 2020, after gaining fame on the Netflix docuseries "Cheer," competitive cheerleading coach Jerry Harris was charged with producing child pornography. Federal court records show Harris admitted he solicited and received explicit messages on Snapchat from at least 10 to 15 individuals he knew were minors; had sex with a 15-year-old boy at a cheerleading competition in 2019 and paid a 17-year-old money in exchange for nude photos. Season 2 of the hit Netflix show addressed Harris' downfall. Harris pleaded guilty in February 2022 and in July of that same year was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. Harris, 25, is serving time at FMC Lexington in Lexington, Kentucky and has a projected release date of Jan. 18, 2031. Downfall of a Netflix star. How one season of 'Cheer' addressed child pornography charges against Jerry Harris Jen Shah of Bravo's 'Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' In January 2024, "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Jen Shah was sentenced to 6½ years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a national telemarketing scheme. Judge Sidney H. Stein ruled the Bravo celebrity would spend 78 months behind bars, despite prosecutors' suggested sentence of 120 months. That's in addition to five years of supervision after her release. Shah, 50, also agreed to forfeit $6.5 million and to pay $9.5 million in restitution as part of her plea agreement. Shah, whose arrest was partially captured by Bravo's cameras, was ordered to begin her sentence Feb. 17, 2024. She is currently serving time at FPC Bryan in Texas and is expected to be released Sept. 19, 2026. Charles 'Todd' Hill of HGTV's 'Flip It to Win It' Former HGTV star Charles "Todd" Hill turned from celebrity fixer-upper to disgraced real estate criminal, when authorities charged him with committing real estate and financial fraud. Hill, 59, was sentenced to four years in jail and ordered to pay back close to $10 million for committing fraud against 11 victims, according to a news release from the County of Santa Clara Office of the District Attorney in California. The "Flip It to Win It" star was convicted in 2023 of multiple fraud schemes. On the show Hill would buy dilapidated homes, fix them up and sell them for a profit. Instead, "Hill spent millions on overbudget remodels, laundered profits and pocketed millions in fraudulently obtained money," the news release stated. He was indicted in November 2019, then convicted by plea on Sept. 27, 2023, of grand theft against all victims. He was ordered to pay back $9,402,678 in restitution and serve 10 years on probation. Hill is currently serving time at FCI Oakdale and will be released March 22, 2037. Contributing: Amy Haneline, Maria Puente, Elise Brisco, Marisa Kwiatkowski and Tricia L. Nadolny, USA TODAY
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Masked Singer' Reveals Identity of Yorkie: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume
'The Masked Singer' is a very different kind of reality show from 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.' But for Erika Jayne — unmasked as Yorkie on Wednesday night's edition of Fox's reality singing competition — it took 'zero convincing' to join. More from Variety 'The Masked Singer' Reveals Identity of Stud Muffin: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume 'The Masked Singer' Reveals Identity of Cherry Blossom: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume Garcelle Beauvais Quits 'Real Housewives' After Five Seasons: 'I've Decided to Leave Beverly Hills' 'Why wouldn't I?' she told Variety. 'Did you see my costume? It was absolutely adorable. 'The Masked Singer' is a top-notch production. It was probably one of the best times I've ever had performing and doing a show like this. Why not take this great opportunity?' For Yorkie, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg got it right with Erika Jayne. Robin Thicke guessed Lori Loughlin. Rita Ora named Paris Hilton. Ken Jeong went with Kyle Richards. Jayne said performing in the costume was the most challenging part, as 'the mask was quite heavy, and the boots were big. The real challenge was singing in time, in tune, hitting the choreography without crashing or falling over.' As for the fact that McCarthy-Wahlberg — a 'Housewives' superfan — figured her out, 'I have a very distinct voice, and you can only hide it for so long.' Jayne's appearance on 'The Masked Singer' comes as she and fellow 'Housewives' star Bozoma Saint James created some controversy on 'Watch What Happens Live.' When host Andy Cohen asked the duo about the exit of castmate Garcelle Beauvais, their silence – and then catty answers – drew backlash from fans. 'Listen, I was responding to Garcelle's previous week, where she said, 'Fuck Erika,'' Jayne said. 'My response is my response.' Erika Jayne as Yorkie joins Method Man as Stud Muffin, Candace Cameron Bure as Cherry Blossom, James Van Der Beek as Griffin, Flavor Flav as Space Ranger, Sheana Shay as Bat, Aubrey O'Day as Ant, Oscar de la Hoya as Fuzzy Peas and Cedric the Entertainer as Honey Pot as the celebrities unmasked on 'The Masked Singer' Season 13. 'Decades Night' was also the Group C finale, which kicked off with the three remaining performers singing 'My Sharona,' by the Knack. Later, the first singer who moved on to the 'Lucky Six' was Mad Scientist Monster. That left Yorkie and Nessy to face off in the Battle Royale, as they too turns performing 'Hard to Handle,' by Otis Redding. Nessy won that round, sending Yorkie home. That means the 'Lucky Six' has now been chosen: Group A winners Coral and Paparazzo, Group B winners Pearl and Boogie Woogie, and Group C winners Mad Scientist Monster and Nessy. Back for Season 13 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, Rita Ora and Robin Thicke. Ora was at the desk for a third consecutive season to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger. New this season, a mysterious masked character dubbed 'Detective Lucky Duck' will appear throughout the season to give clues and help the panelists 'quack' the case of who's under the masks. This week, Season 3 contestant Bret Michaels appeared to give a clue for Nessy: 'I have rocked out with this person many times. If you don't get this one, I'll be shocked.' Later, Lucky Duck showed up with the Golden Ear trophy, noting that it will be back in play for the panelists (whomever has the most correct guesses this season will win). Also new: The 'Crack the Case' clue cases, in which more clues are shared about the eliminated contestant. For Yorkie, the clue was a pair of black knee-high boots. 'These lucky boots are custom made for me. My show boots, they're made for walking. They got me through a whole lot. Wherever I go, even the biggest Strip.' 'The Masked Singer' Season 13 themed episodes include a tribute to franchises 'Shrek' and 'Ghostbusters,' as well as the Grand Ole Opry as it hits its 100th anniversary. Also on tap are a tribute to the Rat Pack and themes such as 'Voices of Olympus: Unmasking of the Gods,' 'Carnival,' 'Boy Bands,' 'Decades,' 'Lucky 6 Speed Guessing,' a 'Clash of the Masks' and the return of 'Soundtrack of My Life.' Masked contestants in Season 13 include Honey Pot, Space Ranger, Cherry Blossom, Coral, Fuzzy Peas, Ant, Paparazzo, Griffin, Boogie Woogie, Pearl, Bat, Yorkie, Stud Muffin, Nessy and Mad Scientist Monster. Here were the performances on Wednesday's Episode 9, 'Decades Night': Song: 'Stop! In the Name of Love,' by the Supremes Panel guesses: Lori Loughlin, Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne Time machine clue: 'Show Dog.' 'I'm a show dog. I'm part of one of the biggest TV shows out there.' Yorkie voiceover: 'I chose the '60s because they remind me of my mom. I instantly picture her as a young woman, falling in love and getting married. That white picket fence dream of the decade. But just a few years later when I was born, it all fell apart when my dad walked out. Leaving my mom to raise a baby on her own. It was never the same. She used her pain as a cautionary tale. She taught me to be guarded with my heart and keep love on a short leash. To think things over. Because every chance at love was a bigger chance at heartbreak. So I grew up fast. Some would say I was cold. And I resented that part of myself for many years. I've had to learn how to let people in. And after my own mess with love, I can now appreciate where my mom was coming from. She was just trying to protect me. So this song's for her, my ultimate protector.' Previous voiceover: 'When this New Yorkie broke onto the scene, baby I was adored. Until I found myself wrapped up in a major scandal, paying for someone else's choices, someone I loved. My name was in the news, the gossip sites, even on the billboards around town. And let's be real, I was dragged through the dirt. But I stayed true to myself and did everything I could to keep my chin up. I'm most proud of that. And as it always does, the truth came out. Life can be messy. Love can be messier. But you can also survive. Once you have a strong foundation, you can rebuild step by step and come out stronger. And I'm proof of that.' Previous songs: 'Hot To Go!,' by Chappell Roan; 'Step By Step,' by New Kids on the Block Previous panel guesses: Chelsea Handler, Paris Hilton, Kyle Richards, Teresa Giudice, Paris Hilton, Erika Jayne Song: 'Love Yourself,' by Justin Bieber Panel guesses: Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Billy Ray Cyrus Time machine clue: 'Season 4.' 'I've performed with someone from Season 4.' Mad Scientist Monster voiceover: 'I chose the 2010s because they were lit. Electric cars hit the roads and smart phones hit the stores. It's one of the best decades of my career. It seemed like I could conquer the world. I won every award possible, except that Nobel prize. But I didn't do it alone. And while we had a good run together, it didn't last forever. We had very different theories on life. I wanted to explore new avenues, and keep our grand experiment going. But we never tested that hypothesis, so I ventured out on my own. At first I was mad. But life rolls on. And one I went out on my own, I found I quite liked I was in control of my results. Now, I realize I learned a major lesson. Sometimes chemistry changes and that's OK. And, not everybody's going to love you, and that's OK too. As long as you love yourself.' Previous songs: 'Unwell,' by Matchbox Twenty; 'I Swear,' by All-4-One Previous panel guesses: Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban Song: 'Can't Fight This Feeling,' by REO Speedwagon Panel guesses: Dave Matthews, Daryl Hall, Pat Monahan Time machine clue: 'Bieber & Puth.' 'They're just a couple of kids who famously covered my music. And I got to score some cool dad points.' Nessy voiceover: 'The 80s, a decade of mullets, MTV and camcorders. That's why I chose it. Back then you'd blast a love song from a boom box outside your crush's bedroom window just to let them know how you feel. And for me, growing up there was one band blasting from my boom box. The mighty REO Speedwagon. I even got to open for them. Their music taught me how to put lyrics to the feeling of love. Something I became known for in my career. Valentine's Day is practically my Super Bowl. God only knows how many couples have walked down the aisle to my song. When it came time for me to say my own I dos, you better believe there was one band that made the playlist: REO Speedwagon. So tonight I'm honoring them. And I can't fight the feeling anymore that I'd really like to go on in this competition.' Previous song: 'Roxanne,' by The Police; 'Tearin' Up My Heart,' by *NSYNC Previous panel guesses: Gene Simmons, Dan Reynolds, Daryl Hall, Dave Matthews, Darius Rucker, Pat Monahan In Season 12, Boyz II Men (as the Buffalo) won the Masked trophy, beating out Mario, as the Wasp, who was this season's runner-up. They joined AJ Michalka as Strawberry Shortcake; Kobie Turner as Goo, Jana Kramer as Royal Knight, Bronson Arroyo as Sherlock Hound, Drake Bell as Ice King, Bethany Hamilton as Macaron, Natalie Imbruglia as Bluebell, Laverne Cox as Chess Piece, Andy Richter as Dusty Bunny, Paula Cole as Ship, Marsai Martin as Woodpecker, Yvette Nicole Brown as Showbird and John Elway as Leaf Sheep as the celebrities unmasked on 'The Masked Singer' Season 12. 'The Masked Singer' comes from Fox Alternative Entertainment. Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis and Cannon are executive producers, while Seitchik serves as showrunner. The series is based on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
