‘The Masked Singer’ Reveals the Identities of Handyman and Scarab: Here Are the Celebrities Under the Costumes

SPOILER ALERT: The following details the dramatic revelations from Season 14, Episode 3 of “The Masked Singer,” titled “Clueless Night,” which captivated audiences on January 21 on Fox.

As if! In an episode brimming with 90s nostalgia and unexpected twists, “The Masked Singer” bid farewell to not one, but two beloved celebrities during its much-anticipated “Clueless Night.” The stage shimmered under the glow of neon lights and plaid patterns, setting the scene for a double elimination that left both the panel and viewers guessing. Ultimately, the evening culminated in the unmasking of two iconic figures: “Wild Thing” rapper Tone Loc, who had been performing as the jovial Handyman, and the incomparable, Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson, who brought a vibrant energy to the Scarab costume.

The first contestant to be sent home was the diligent Handyman. With his distinctive vocal cadence and charismatic stage presence, Handyman had intrigued the judges throughout his performances. When the moment of truth arrived, it was veteran panelist Robin Thicke who confidently nailed the identity, correctly guessing Tone Loc. His fellow judges, however, found themselves navigating a maze of hip-hop legends and tough-guy actors. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg leaned towards Public Enemy’s Chuck D, a formidable guess given the Handyman’s powerful voice. Comedian Ken Jeong, known for his wildcard predictions, ventured a guess of Mr. T, while British pop star Rita Ora considered the possibility of Ice-T. Despite the varied guesses, it was clear that Handyman’s unique vocal qualities, while entertaining, ultimately proved to be his giveaway.

Following the initial shock, the competition continued, but the night held another surprise in store. The vibrant Scarab, a creature of mystery and grace, was the second contestant to be eliminated. Her performances had been a blend of emotional depth and playful energy, making her a challenging enigma for the panel. This time, it was Rita Ora who demonstrated her keen detective skills, correctly identifying the Scarab as the multi-talented Taraji P. Henson. The other panelists, though close in their estimations of Hollywood royalty, missed the mark. Robin Thicke envisioned fellow Oscar winner Regina King behind the mask, while Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg speculated it could be the formidable Angela Bassett. Ken Jeong, always reaching for the stars, offered Cynthia Erivo as his final guess. The reveal of Taraji P. Henson was a moment of pure exhilaration, affirming her status as an entertainer who can truly do it all.

The decision for Tone Loc, the gravelly-voiced hitmaker behind classics like “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina,” to join “The Masked Singer” stage was sparked by a challenge from his friends. “They didn’t think that I would,” Tone Loc shared with *Variety* in an exclusive post-unmasking interview. He elaborated on their skepticism, attributing it to his established persona: “Probably because I have this macho type of image or something like that. Like, ‘you would not get up on here, put a costume on and go dance and do whatever at this age.'” Yet, defying expectations and embracing the spirit of fun, he did. And he has no regrets. “It was fun,” the rap icon affirmed, clearly relishing the experience. He also provided a peek behind the curtain into the show’s renowned secrecy, describing it as “real secretive, like some FBI-type stuff. They cover you up from head to toe and put you in your dressing room immediately…” Tone Loc humorously acknowledged the inherent challenge of maintaining anonymity with such a recognizable voice, noting, “of course, part of my voice is a dead giveaway.” His participation underscored the show’s ability to pull celebrities from all walks of fame, challenging their public images and allowing them to explore a different side of their artistry.

For Taraji P. Henson, the journey as Scarab was not just about entertainment, but a deeply personal experience, as revealed through her clue packages. Her Oscar nomination, a pinnacle in any actor’s career, became a poignant focal point. Scarab’s voiceover recounted the unwavering belief of her father, who foresaw her rise to stardom and even predicted her Oscar nod. Her mother, a single parent, harbored initial reservations, wishing to spare her daughter the struggles she endured. However, witnessing Taraji on stage transformed her perspective. Tragically, Scarab’s father passed away just a week before Hollywood’s biggest night, making the Oscar nomination a bittersweet moment. “It was hard to smile in those photos that night,” she admitted through her clues, “But mom and I made the most of it. He would have loved it.” This profound personal detail resonated deeply, showcasing the emotional depth behind the dazzling costumes. Henson described herself as “equal parts my mom and dad. Smart like my mom, strong like my dad. And one hell of a dreamer.” Her performance of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was a testament to her vibrant spirit, while her earlier rendition of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” displayed her powerful vocal range. Taraji P. Henson’s illustrious career, spanning acclaimed roles in films like *Hidden Figures*, *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button* (for which she received her Oscar nomination), and *Empire*, showcases her immense versatility and dramatic prowess. Her appearance on “The Masked Singer” further solidified her status as a multifaceted entertainer, unafraid to embrace new challenges and share a piece of her heart with the audience.

“Clueless Night” itself was a masterclass in themed television, paying homage to the iconic 1995 film that defined a generation. The episode kicked off with a vibrant group performance featuring Snow Cone, Scarab, Handyman, and Pugcasso, all joining forces for a rendition of “Kids In America” – a song instantly recognizable as the opening anthem from the “Clueless” movie. The film, starring Alicia Silverstone as the fashion-forward Cher Horowitz, became a cultural touchstone, influencing fashion, slang, and a particular brand of empowered femininity that continues to resonate today. “The Masked Singer” expertly tapped into this nostalgia, inviting viewers to revisit a beloved era while enjoying the show’s signature blend of mystery and musical spectacle.

With two stars unmasked, the competition tightened. Moving on to the next round from this “Clueless Night” cohort were the melodious Snow Cone, the artistic Pugcasso, and the soaring Wild Card, Crane. Their journeys continue, promising more captivating performances and challenging clues. Meanwhile, a fresh roster of masked celebrities awaits their turn to step into the spotlight later in the season, including High Voltage, Calla Lily, Owl, Eggplant, Galaxy Girl, Stingray, Cat Witch, and Queen Corgi, along with an additional wild card entrant, all vying for the coveted Golden Mask trophy.

The “Clueless Night” eliminations add Tone Loc (Handyman) and Taraji P. Henson (Scarab) to the growing list of revealed stars in Season 14. They join a diverse group of previously unmasked personalities, including actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish, who charmed as Le Who Who; reality TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley, revealed as the Croissants; and baseball legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz, who surprised everyone as Googly Eyes. Each week brings a new layer of excitement as the panel and home audience attempt to decipher the intricate clues.

Guiding viewers through this whimsical world of masked performers is the ever-energetic host Nick Cannon, whose rapport with the celebrity panelists is a highlight of the show. The seasoned panel, comprising the insightful Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, the humorously unpredictable Ken Jeong, the stylish Rita Ora, and the musically astute Robin Thicke, brings a unique blend of expertise and entertainment to the guessing game. Their banter, often as entertaining as the performances themselves, is a cornerstone of “The Masked Singer’s” enduring appeal.

Season 14 also introduced an intriguing new element: “America’s Insider.” This role is filled by singer, dancer, and social media sensation Kylie Cantrall, who, disguised as the Cat Witch, provides exclusive behind-the-scenes hints and clues directly to the viewers. The clever twist? While the audience is privy to Cat Witch’s true identity, the celebrity panelists remain completely in the dark, adding an extra layer of playful irony and insider knowledge for those watching at home. This innovative feature further deepens the interactive experience, making viewers feel more connected to the show’s central mystery.

The diversity of themed episodes planned for Season 14 is a testament to “The Masked Singer’s” commitment to broad appeal. Beyond “Clueless Night,” the season promised a spectacular lineup, including a tribute to the enduring sci-fi franchise “Star Trek,” another nod to the 90s with a “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” night, and a delve into the supernatural romance of “The Twilight Saga” films. Furthermore, Fox’s new “Fear Factor” reboot received a special “Fear Factor: House of Fear Night,” hosted by Johnny Knoxville, adding a thrilling dimension. A particularly heartfelt “Ozzfest Night” honored the late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, featuring a special tribute from “Masked Singer” alum Kelly Osbourne (who appeared as Ladybug in Season 2), celebrating her father’s monumental musical influence. These themed nights not only provide a vibrant backdrop for the performances but also allow the show to engage with a wide array of pop culture touchstones, ensuring there’s something for every viewer.

The full roster of 18 masked contestants for Season 14 is a veritable who’s who of hidden talent. Alongside those already mentioned, the season features Eggplant, Queen Corgi, 14 Karat Carrot, Pangolin, and Stingray. This impressive ensemble of stars collectively boasts an astounding array of achievements: a combined 94 million records sold, 47 Teen Choice Award nominations, 12 Emmy nominations, two stars on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, one Tony Award win, and one Academy Award nomination. These statistics underscore the caliber of celebrities willing to don elaborate costumes and challenge themselves in a unique musical arena, making each reveal a truly significant event.

Here’s a closer look at the memorable performances from “Clueless Night” and the clues that kept the guessing game alive:

Snow Cone

**Song:** “Stronger,” by Britney Spears. Snow Cone delivered a powerful rendition of the pop anthem, showcasing a resilient spirit.

**Previous song:** “When I Grow Up,” by the Pussycat Dolls. This earlier performance hinted at an artist with a history of ambition and growth.

**Clueless clue:** “Rebooting.” Snow Cone explained, “Life had taken everything away from me so many times. But I keep getting up for my family and my kids. Because Snow Cone is bright and beautiful on the outside and he gives me the confidence to feel that way on the inside.” This clue suggested a comeback story, an artist who has faced adversity but found renewed strength and purpose through their loved ones.

**Panel guesses:** The judges considered a range of pop princesses and style icons. Current guesses included Avril Lavigne, known for her punk-pop anthems and distinctive voice; socialite and entrepreneur Paris Hilton; and actress/singer Mandy Moore, who has successfully “rebooted” her career multiple times. Previous guesses for Snow Cone had included Mischa Barton, Nicole Richie, and Taylor Momsen, indicating the panel was exploring figures from fashion, music, and television who came to prominence in the early 2000s.

**Snow Cone voiceover:** The detailed clue package presented a mock CD advertisement for an album titled “Snow Real,” priced at “Only $19.84.” Snow Cone recounted, “If you’re a fan of the iconic ‘Clueless’ soundtrack, you’re guaranteed to love the hottest CD of the summer. Snow Cone. And let me tell you, there’s one album that everybody needs. Mine! I poured everything I had into it. Even turned down a record deal with David Foster. But when I released it, nobody bought it. For years, I was devastated. But when I was at my lowest point, everyone rallied behind me. Fans started buying my music again. And this once again album became No. 1. So, hurry up and get your copy. Operators are standing by.” This narrative painted a picture of an artist who experienced initial disappointment but ultimately found success and vindication, possibly through a grassroots resurgence or a later appreciation of their work.

Scarab (Unmasked: Taraji P. Henson)

**Song:** “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” by Cyndi Lauper. Scarab’s performance was a joyous and energetic take on this classic, perfectly embodying the spirit of celebration and independence.

**Previous song:**