Premiere of the 12th season of “The Masked Singer”: Who was unmasked?

Season 12 of “The Masked Singer” has officially started.

William Shatner, who starred as Knight in the eighth season, opened the September 25 premiere episode with a look back at the show’s entertaining 186 episodes over the course of 11 seasons.

“Now it’s time to start the show. The only show that keeps you guessing, wondering and wondering who it could be now?” Shatner said.

Panelist Rita Ora then took the stage to perform before joining Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg at the discussion table.

“This is our biggest season yet,” host Nick Cannon told the crowd, giving a taste of the 15 masked singers who will compete this season.

For the first time in the show’s history, celebrity masked ambassadors, all former “Masked Singer” contestants, will introduce the new contestants. The ambassadors also have a special connection to each person and will provide “the first and biggest clue of the season,” Cannon said.

In the Season 12 Group A premiere, Nick Lachey promoted Buffalo, Jenifer Lewis introduced Woodpecker, DeMarcus Ware promoted Leaf Sheep, Joel McHale served as Showbird ambassador, and Jewel introduced the ship.

What did each participant present?

Buffalo was the first artist of the evening and impressed the judges with “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” by Cutting Crew. To their surprise, two more Buffalos took the stage and showed that this performance was a herd.

Woodpecker belted out “Flowers” ​​by Miley Cyrus, stunning the judges, while Leaf Sheep sang “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw.

Showbird caused a stir with “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige and the Ship sang “Pompeii” by Bastille.

Who went home this week?

When it came to the first elimination, Cannon announced that Leaf Sheep was going home.

Before he was unmasked, panelists gave their best guesses.

Thicke guessed it was former quarterback Troy Aikman, Ora believed it was Billy Bob Thornton, while Jeong guessed former quarterback John Elway and McCarthy Wahlberg said it was Tom Brady.

Then it turned out: It was John Elway.

“Ken was right!” Cannon exclaimed before asking Elway why he decided to participate in “The Masked Singer.”

“I’m not sure, I was definitely not in my comfort zone,” said the former athlete. “But you know, I’m retired now. I had the opportunity and I took it.”

When the show was over, he said he had had a lot of fun. “I think all the grandchildren will be delighted to see Poppy jump out of the leaf sheep.”