The Masked Singer Turns Up the Volume with Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg’s Giant Strawberry Ride and Ice King’s Revealing Unmasking
Miley Cyrus Night definitely stormed in like a wrecking ball on this week’s episode of The Masked Singer.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Masked Singer season 12, episode 8, “Miley Cyrus Night.”
This week’s episode of The Masked Singer was a vibrant tribute to Miley Cyrus, fittingly evoking the energy of a wrecking ball. While the Grammy-winning artist herself didn’t appear, her spirit permeated the entire production. Contestants eagerly embraced the challenge, performing her iconic tracks and leaving a trail of clues cleverly connected to the beloved Hannah Montana star.
Group C—composed of Strawberry Shortcake, Royal Knight, Sherlock Hound, and Ice King—kicked off the night’s festivities with a spirited rendition of Cyrus’ 2009 hit “Party in the U.S.A.,” setting the bar high for the rest of the evening.

The stage then welcomed Sherlock Hound, who charmed the audience with “Used to Be Young,” demonstrating vocal prowess that aligned well with the song’s theme. Ken Jeong provided comic relief with his self-deprecating humor, earning laughs with his quip, “Don’t let [my] look fool you — I look fun, wild, and young, though I’m boring, mild, and old.” In an unexpected twist, it was Rita Ora, and not Jeong or Robin Thicke, who first dropped a wrecking ball joke.
As the panel celebrated Cyrus’s industry influence, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg addressed an unforgettable topic, leading to a memorable exchange. Referencing the notorious 2013 VMAs performance, she quipped to Thicke, “Robin, you know Miley very well.” To which Thicke humorously replied, “No, Miley and I have never met,” prompting Jeong to laugh energetically around the set.
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Following the panel’s banter, Ice King filled the arena with “Midnight Sky,” Strawberry Shortcake brought down the house with “Wrecking Ball” (someone had to, right?), and Royal Knight concluded with the heartfelt “When I Look at You.”
True to the Miley Cyrus theme, an unforgettable moment unfolded before the elimination: McCarthy-Wahlberg electrified the audience by swinging from a giant strawberry, providing a whimsical spectacle.
The time for elimination arrived, and the spotlight fell on Ice King. The final panel guesses revolved around the child star hints. Rita Ora guessed Shia LaBeouf, Ken Jeong speculated Joe Jonas, and Robin Thicke suggested Cole Sprouse. Ultimately, Ice King unmasked to reveal none other than former Nickelodeon child star Drake Bell. Bell recently opened up about his childhood abuse in the stirring docuseries Quiet on Set. As luck would have it, Bell’s Drake & Josh co-star, Yvette Nicole Brown, also joined The Masked Singer roster this season, appearing as Showbird last month.

McCarthy-Wahlberg might have felt a twinge of regret, as she initially named Bell as Ice King but switched her final guess to James Franco at the last moment—hoping her instincts serve her better next time!
Looking ahead, The Masked Singer is poised for a Thanksgiving-themed extravaganza in the upcoming episode airing on Thursday instead of Wednesday. The Thanksgiving special promises the iconic Peanuts gang as special guests, disharmony alongside the pies, and double eliminations. With the quarterfinals on the horizon, only one contestant from Group C will advance. Be sure to catch it next Thursday from 8-9 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.
Former Nickelodeon Star Drake Bell Unmasked on The Masked Singer, Sparking a Fun Exchange with Jenny McCarthy Drake Bell
In a surprising twist on the The Masked Singer during the November 20 episode, the Ice King was unmasked to reveal none other than Drake Bell, a beloved former Nickelodeon star known for his role in Drake & Josh. His exit from the competition was notable not only for his performances but also for the poignant reflections he shared regarding his recent experiences and the connection he felt to the theme of Miley Cyrus Night.
Before taking the stage, Ice King opened up in a poignant video package, expressing why the musical choices struck a chord with him. “Miley and I actually have a lot in common,” he shared. “We both know the media can be totally uncool. And this year, I’ve been part of a firestorm of press. I finally felt ready to tell my truth to the world, and so I did. And then instantly regretted it.”
Drake, while not delving into the specifics of his recent controversies, discussed the anxiety that followed, acknowledging the immense pressure of having his story broadcasted for the world to see. “I begged them to pull my story. I didn’t want it to run, but that power was out of my reach.” However, he clarified that coming forward with his truth, despite initial regrets, turned into a source of strength as he saw the wide array of support from fans who resonated with his experience.
Reflecting on his unmasking moment, he stated, “The night it was released, I was a total disaster. Frozen. But once I saw how many people could relate, I felt the weight lift off my shoulders. My story is out there.” As he looked toward the future, Drake emphasized, “I’ve worked hard to put that chapter behind me, which is what I wanted most. For those of you who do stand with me, thank you. Because your support makes me feel like the sky’s the limit.”
Despite delivering a heartfelt performance of “Midnight Sky,” unfortunately, Ice King was eliminated from the competition. The judges made their final guesses, with Ken Jeong sticking to his choice of Joe Jonas, Rita Ora opting for fellow Disney star Shia LaBeouf, and Robin Thicke guessing Cole Sprouse; notably, only Jenny McCarthy successfully guessed it was Drake Bell beneath the mask.
In an entertaining exchange just before his exit, Drake humorously brought up his brother’s claims about having gone on a date with Jenny during her time on Singled Out. “I don’t believe it,” he quipped, asking her to confirm that it never happened. Jenny responded with a chuckle, saying, “Well guess what? No, we didn’t. I’m sorry. I had a boyfriend the whole time.” But quickly added to Ken, “Although it could have been true, I don’t know,” leaving the audience in stitches.
As Drake reflected on his journey with gratitude, he underscored the joy of being back on stage and bringing smiles to viewers’ faces. “It’s just a pleasure to be able to be back on stage.”
Fans can continue to tune in for the thrilling developments of The Masked Singer, which airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox, as the competition heats up and more celebrity reveals take center stage. As the season progresses, viewers are sure to witness more heartfelt moments and entertaining surprises as the storylines intertwine, showcasing the resilience and artistry of the contestants.