Billie Jean King, a tennis legend whose team was the Philadelphia Freedoms, requested that Elton John and Bernie Taupin write the song “Philadelphia Freedom” in 1975. Therefore, it was just fitting that King sang the song on Wednesday as part of “A Celebration of Elton John” on Fox’s “The Masked Singer.”
King performed “Philadelphia Freedom” as the Royal Hen. Since they are aware that she appeared on the show, it follows that, sadly, she was the next famous person to be revealed on “Singer.”
“A true trail blazer, she is famous for championing equal opportunities for all, and has made it her royal mission to be a voice for the voiceless,” a “Masked Singer” voiceover said in revealing the possible identity of the Royal Hen. “Her road to stardom was wrought with prejudice. She knew sitting idly by was for the birds. She was no chicken. She entered the ring bravely and proved to her 90 million subjects that she was worthy of the crown. Here she is receiving the royal stadium hot dog. Now, having inspired a new flock of birds, her name is etched in history.”
And it really is. Ken Jeong is currently on a roll among the “Masked Singer” panellists after correctly identifying Billie Jean King for the third time this season. Rita Moreno was the guess of Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg. Gloria Steinem was cited by Robin Thicke. With Dr. Ruth, Nicole Scherzinger went.
Hawk and Royal Hen were the two singers that received the fewest votes and competed in a smackdown to see who would be revealed. On “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” a song by Elton John and Kiki Dee, the two contenders did their own rendition. While Royal Hen was revealed, Hawk went on to the following week.
King is famous for winning the tennis match in the “Battle of the Sexes” versus Bobby Riggs. That match, which continues to be the tennis world’s most popular event, celebrated its 50th anniversary last month. In addition, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the WTA Tour and the U.S. Open giving men’s and women’s champions equal prize money. The Billie Jean King Cup Finals, an important tennis event named in her honour, will take place from November 7 to November 12 in Seville, Spain.
In addition, King is the anchor of the brand-new PBS documentary “Groundbreakers,” which examines the effects of Title IX on female athletes. PBS will debut “Groundbreakers” on Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. ET.
The Season 10 unmasked celebrities so far include Billie Jean King as Royal Hen, Michael Rapaport as Pickle, Tom Sandoval as Diver, Anthony Anderson as Rubber Ducky, and former special guest Demi Lovato as Anonymouse.
With a brand-new cast of competitors, Group B officially began at this point. (S’more, Cow, and Gazelle will compete in the Group A Finals.) The panellist Robin Thicke opened the show by singing “Tiny Dancer” as part of the night’s tribute to Elton John.
This season of “The Masked Singer” has a new format that includes three groups, followed by episodes of the Battle Royale semifinals. Additionally, the “Ding Dong Keep It On Bell” is returned in the Battle Royale semi-final episodes of the season, where the judges can choose to spare one competitor from elimination and take them directly to the finale. One Wild Card contestant is introduced to each group.
Season 10’s new costumes include “Donut,” “Anteater,” “Hawk,” “Hibiscus,” “Diver,” “Gazelle,” “Royal Hen,” “Husky,” “Tiki,” “Pickle,” “Rubber Ducky” and a life-size “S’More.” There are sixteen celebrity vocalists in total. Celebrities who have previously been revealed since the start of the show are also coming back to celebrate its tenth anniversary. Season 10 finalists, according to the programme, “boast a combined 40 medals, 33 Grammy nominations, seven hall of fame awards, three lifetime achievement awards and over 50 tattoos.”
A tribute to Elton John, a “Trolls Night” in honour of the November release of DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls Band Together,” a “Harry Potter Night” airing the week of Halloween, “NFL Night,” “One Hit Wonders,” “Disco,” “2000s Night,” “I Wanna Rock,” and “Soundtrack of My Life” are a few of the season’s themed episodes. Together with panellists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Nicole Scherzinger, Ken Jeong, and Robin Thicke, host Nick Cannon is back for Season 10.
The other performances from this week’s programme are listed below:
HAWK
Song: “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting),” by Elton John
Panel guesses: Cole Sprouse, Pete Wentz, Corey Feldman, Austin Butler
Clue: Brought out by a tiny dancer: A photo of Miley Cyrus. “Just like the great Elton John, I too have collaborated with Miley Cyrus, and I loved every second of it.”
Package voiceover: “As a young bird, I was always hanging out with adults, and grew up pretty fast into the family business. But around other birds my age, I was super shy. Closed off. And I felt alone, like a total reject. Until one day I heard a sound that changed my life in a blink of an eye. Heavy guitar chords blaring from my speakers that got my teen heart beating. This fast, raw music blew up my world. And the fallout? Boards, brawn and bruises. I built my own voice in my own way. I had the time of my life touring; I found my power in grime and parking lots. I’ve never been happier among my clique. And I realized being a reject was totally fine by me.”
HUSKY
Song: “Benny and the Jets,” by Elton John
Panel guesses: Babyface, Terrence Howard, Morris Chestnut
Clue: Presented by a rocket man. “I skyrocketed up the charts and landed on this platinum album.”
Package voiceover: “The Husky is one of the world’s most majestic creatures. They’re known to inhabit all sorts of landscapes and elements. But they’re also extremely energetic, aware and loving. Just like me! When I first hit the scene, I had a strange effect on the female species. Every time I got on stage, they showered me with love. And sometimes, their underthings. Despite the positive attention, I was totally loyal. A family dog. More interested in my own brood than the trappings of fame. I’m ready to bring my boundless energy and talent and doggone dopeness to the ‘Masked Singer’ stage. I just ask that those in the audience, please keep your clothes on.”
ROYAL HEN
Song: “Philadelphia Freedom,” by Elton John
Panel guesses: Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno, Billie Jean King
Clue: A medal on a heart. “This is when I won the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama.”
Package voiceover: “We welcome viewers to the coronation of the Royal Hen. For the first time ever, the Royal Hen is set to hold court. A true trail blazer, she is famous for championing equal opportunities for all, and has made it her royal mission to be a voice for the voiceless. Her road to stardom was wrought with prejudice. She knew sitting idly by was for the birds. She was no chicken. She entered the ring bravely and proved to her 90 million subjects that she was worthy of the crown. Here she is receiving the royal stadium hot dog. Now, having inspired a new flock of birds, her name is etched in history. Congratulations, we are here to serve you. God save the Royal Hen.”
TIKI
Song: “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” by Elton John
Panel guesses: John Stamos, David Lee Roth, Robert Plant
Clue: “I guess that’s why they call it the blues.” “If you ever feeling bluesy, you can come to me for a good laugh!”
Package voiceover: “All right! From as far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a rock star. As a kid, I knew I had the pipes. So, when the dream came true, it made perfect sense. I got to sell millions of records, travel the world and party with some of music’s biggest names. But I was a stiff drink with a loose mouth. And I got myself into a lot of trouble. [Says Pineapple, ‘Tiki’s friend’: ‘Yeah he definitely rubbed some people the wrong way. It’s no surprise a few of them wanted to rum punch him in the face!’] After all the highs, I was left fearing that my career would be poured down the drain. Instead, I cleaned up my act, stepped out on my own and showed I’m still at the top of my game. As for these other singers? I’m here to tiki home that Golden Mask. And you’re all grasping at straws!”
“The Masked Singer” is produced by Fox Alternative Entertainment, with James Breen (who is also showrunner), Craig Plestis and Cannon as executive producers.
