SPOILER ALERT: This contains details from Season 14, Episode 5 of “The Masked Singer,” “Red, White and Clue,” which aired on February 4 on Fox.
For Teddi Mellencamp, her participation in “The Masked Singer” was a meaningful experience: “It pulled me out of a really tough time, and I can’t thank it enough.” Mellencamp concluded her journey as Calla Lily after delivering a rendition of “Jack and Diane,” the classic hit made famous by her father before he adopted the name John Cougar. Her earlier performance featured “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.
Among the show’s panelists, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg successfully identified Mellencamp, while Ken Jeong speculated it was Christina Applegate, Rita Ora guessed Selma Blair, and Robin Thicke suggested Danielle Fishel.
Discussing her experience, Mellencamp shared, “I’m not a professional singer, so that was tough for me. Plus, my memory has been off since my brain surgery. But I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and it felt revitalizing.” She had chosen to take part in the show because her kids were fans, and they recognized her immediately after her first performance. She also consulted her father for singing advice.
“He told me to sing boldly. If I hit a wrong note, it’s okay.” Mellencamp hoped to sing Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” if she had continued on the show. Recently, she has gained attention for her battle with Stage 4 cancer, notably when her father, John Mellencamp, revealed on a podcast that she is “really sick” and “suffering.”
On another podcast, Mellencamp mentioned undergoing immunotherapy while still facing Stage 4 cancer, but currently cancer-free. On Wednesday, she appeared in good spirits as she talked about being a prominent reveal on “The Masked Singer’s” “Red, White and Clue Night.” In a previous clue package, she reflected on her health journey: “I was reminded of its value. The doctors initially overlooked it, but I pushed for answers. Upon receiving my diagnosis, my world stopped. But thinking of my children kept me going. I chose to confront my fears and fight, and it seems to be working.”
This episode saw High Voltage, Owl, Pangolin, and Eggplant join Galaxy Girl, Stingray, Cat Witch, Pugcasso, Snow Cone, and Crane in progressing to the next round. In addition to Mellencamp, other unmasked celebrities in Season 14 include Claudia Oshry (Queen Corgi), Taraji P. Henson (Scarab), Tone Loc (Handyman), Tiffany Haddish (Le Who Who), Todd and Julie Chrisley (Croissants), and David “Big Papi” Ortiz (Googly Eyes). Returning for Season 14 are host Nick Cannon and panelists McCarthy-Wahlberg, Jeong, Ora, and Thicke.
Season 14 will introduce “America’s Insider,” featuring singer Kylie Cantrall providing behind-the-scenes clues while disguised as Cat Witch, revealing herself exclusively to the audience. Special themed episodes will pay tribute to iconic franchises like “Star Trek,” “Clueless,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and “Twilight Saga.” With 18 contestants this season, their collective achievements include 94 million record sales, 47 Teen Choice Award nominations, 12 Emmy nominations, two Hollywood Walk of Fame stars, one Tony Award, and an Academy Award nomination.
