THE Masked Singer revealed Nick Cannon as The Bulldog after host Niecy Nash chose tonight’s elimination victim in the show’s “craziest twist ever.”
After he took a hiatus from his hosting duties during the first half of the season, Nick, 40, returned to the stage he has long called home to take back the mic from his temporary replacement.
Midway through tonight’s episode, the show introduced the Bulldog as the latest wildcard contestant but just minutes later, he was sent home.
The tall canin came out wearing a black and gold track suit, black feather boa, gold chains and a bedazzled gold helmet.
After teasing that he’s dedicating his performance to host Niecy, 51, the performer went on to do an energetic rendition of Candy Girl by New Edition.
He was joined by an array of backup dancers holding colorful lollipops.
After he performed against The Crab, The Black Swan, The Pig and The Chameleon in the group B finals, the show teased the “biggest twist ever” was happening.
“I’m about to change the game completely. The judges votes and audience votes will not count.
“Instead, I get to choose who goes home. That person is The Bulldog,” she said to the camera.
Judges Nicole Scherzinger, Robin Thicke, Ken Jeong and Jenny McCarthy were completely stunned by the first-ever changeup.
“You must unmask immediately,” she told the contestant while the other performers were still on stage.
A stunned Ken asked “What is going on here?!” As his fellow panelist’s jaws dropped to the floor.
Final guesses from The Masked Singer panel for the mystery newcomer included Chris Rock and Andy Samberg.
After he took his mask off, the judges were shocked by the unexpected reveal as their former host had “come back home.”
“I dedicated my whole performance to you and you kicked me off?!” Nick asked Niecy before saying “I love you.”
He continued: “I dedicated my performance because you truly are a queen.
“And you stepping in for me during my sickness and seeing you do your think and shine… I’m so proud of you friend. Thank you so much!”
The former Wild N Out host even dropped to one knee to express his gratitude for the actress.
Though Niecy did a great job filling in as host, fans were thrilled to see a familiar face back on The Masked Singer stage.
“We love you Nick!!! That was epic,” one person wrote while another added “Welcome home Nick.”
Another viewer tweeted: “Yay! Nick Cannon is back!! It wasn’t the same without you.”
While one more exclaimed: “I literally screamed im so happy Nick is back!!!!!!”
Many watchers praised his vocal talents – as it’s known the hip-hop artist could rap but some did not know he could belt out a tune.
“I know Nick can rap, but I never knew he could SING! Face screaming in fear you go dude,” someone gushed.
Judges Robin and Jenny also praised his singing ability as well as his dance moves.
In February, it was revealed that the TV personality tested positive for Covid and would not appear in the first several episodes of season five.
Reps for Nick at the time told Variety that he is “in quarantine and resting,” and Niecy will take over when production began just one day later.
