SPOILER ALERT: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 3 of “The Masked Singer,” “Billy Joel Night,” which aired March 20 on Fox.
In a Fox reality crossover, “MasterChef” judge Joe Bastianich was revealed to be the singer under the Spaghetti & Meatballs costume on this week’s episode of “The Masked Singer.” And in a coincidence, the restauranteur appeared on “Billy Joel Night” — and the Piano Man happens to be a buddy.
“I grew up on Long Island in the 70s and 80s,” Bastianich told Variety. “That was the soundtrack of that era. Some of the greatest songs ever written. I know Billy Joel, personally, from growing up and as a customer in all the restaurants. I hope he gets to see it!”
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For Bastianich, none of the panelists got it right. Robin Thicke guessed Stanley Tucci. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg said Guy Fieri. Ken Jeong picked Bobby Flay. New panelist Rita Ora was close, naming Bastianich’s “MasterChef” co-star Gordon Ramsay.
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“It had a little bit of a wide spaghetti al dente head, so a little bit tough on my dance moves,” Bastianich said of his experience. “But aside from that a pretty mobile costume. I was very comfortable… I am a singer songwriter. You can check me out on Spotify, and I do play a lot of music. So being within the Fox family, when they asked me to come over and show my talent, I was excited to do it. This was a little bit intimidating, but an amazing experience.”
Spaghetti & Meatballs and Lizard were the two lowest vote-getters of the night, and they faced off in the smackdown — both performing Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song).” Spaghetti & Meatballs was voted out, leaving Lizard, Poodle Moth and Clock to return for the next round.
Joe Bastianich as Spaghetti & Meatballs joins Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound) and Kevin Hart (Book) as the celebrities unmasked on “The Masked Singer” this season.
Because it was “Billy Joel Night,” Thicke opened the show with his rendition of the Piano Man’s hit “My Life.”
Back for Season 11 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke, while Rita Ora has joined the desk to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger, who was in London to star on the West End’s “Sunset Boulevard.”
“The Masked Singer” Season 11 will feature themed episodes including “The Wizard of Oz,” in celebration of the 85th anniversary of the classic film; “Transformers” (marking the brand’s 40th anniversary) and music tributes including “Billy Joel Night” and “Queen Night.” Additional themes include “Girl Groups,” “Soundtrack of My Life,” “TV Theme Night” and “Shower Anthems.”
With sixteen total celebrity singers, including three “wildcards,” Season 11 features new costumes including “Gumball,” “Lizard,” “Ugly Sweater,” “Goldfish,” “Starfish,” “Book,” “Gumball,” “Miss Cleocatra,” “Afghan Hound,” “Beets,” “Poodle Moth,” “Clock,” “Spaghetti & Meatballs” and “Lizard.” According to the show, the Season 11 contestants boast a combined 22 Grammy nominations, 11 platinum albums, 33 Teen Choice nominations, 108 million records sold, 326 film appearances and 1.7 billion Spotify streams.
Here were the other Group C performances on Wednesday’s Episode 3, “Billy Joel Night”:
Poodle Moth
Song: “Just the Way You Are,” by Billy Joel
Panel guesses: Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Rita Wilson
Clue: Baseball that says “Opry.” “I felt like a big shot when I performed at the Grand Ol Opry.”
Package voiceover: “If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what a Poodle Moth is. Would you believe, only one has ever been found in the world. Luckily, getting discovered once is all you need. For my entire life, I was drawn to the flame. But I always felt like the bright lights were never meant for me. I told myself I was never going to be pretty enough or funny enough or talented enough to actually make it. So, I took a step back and helped others achieve their dreams. And while I love that, I desperately wanted to spread my own wings. But if I could just get that first step, the light I thought was so impossible to find would be one step closer. So, I took the leap. And I was discovered. It showed me that I am one of a kind. And like Billy says, you’re perfect, just the way you are.”
Clock
Song: “Piano Man,” by Billy Joel
Panel guesses: Anita Baker, Evelyn Champagne King, Diana Ross
Clue: Song clue: “Vienna.” “Vienna is all about seizing the day. And I actually have a date in my name.”
Package voiceover: “I’m delighted being here on Billy Joel night. Because let’s face it, we’re both timeless. Once upon a time, I was the belle of the ball. I had the whole world dancing from dusk till dawn. Everyone knew my name. But, as the years passed, trends started to change, and I suddenly felt like I was becoming frozen in time. So, this queen reinvented herself. And I achieved massive success again, on my own terms. With the crowning achievement of performing for a president. Now, like the Piano Man says, I’m going to sing you a song tonight. So, all of you other singers better watch out. Because your time’s about to be up.”
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Song: “Only the Good Die Young,” by Billy Joel
Panel guesses: Gordon Ramsay, Guy Fieri, Stanley Tucci
Clue: Giant pizza box that says, “Show Time.” “I spend a good portion of my time on a hit show.”
Package voiceover: “Throughout my career, I’ve worn many different hats. Searching for a life that’s full of flavor. I started out on Wall Street chasing the almighty dollar. But when it started to feel a little bit stale, I raced for the dough instead in a whole new industry. And eventually, I mastered the secret recipe to success. The biggest lesson I learned? You don’t want to die young in a path you don’t love. So, spice things up, the pastabilities are endless. Now I’m here at The Masked Singer with a Billy Joel special. Mangia!”
Lizard
Song: “Uptown Girl,” by Billy Joel
Panel guesses: Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, Ray J
Clue: Taxi that says “Billboards.” “I’ve had a No. 1 billboard, and I’m not talking about Times Square.”
Package voiceover: “Some people might label me a ladies’ man. The bad boy type in Billy Joel songs. But that’s not the real me. And despite some of my better known hits, I tend to see people for who they are on the inside. Like when I met the love of my life, she was the definition of an Uptown Girl. And this downtown daredevil was smitten. Years later though, she was fed up with my superstar shenanigans. She threatened to walk out that door. That’s when I had a premonition. I told her, I thought she was pregnant. And it turns out, she was. I promised right then to change my ways. Now, my whole world is all about being a good husband and a cool dad. And what’s cooler than showing up on my family’s favorite show? This downtown boy is about to turn things up.”
Last season’s performers included Ne-Yo as Cow, John Schneider as Donut, Macy Gray as Sea Queen and Janel Parrish as Gazelle join John Oates as Anteater, Keyshia Cole as Candelabra, Sebastian Bach as Tiki, Ginuwine as Husky, Ashley Parker Angel as S’more, Metta World Peace as Cuddle Monster, Luann de Lesseps as Hibiscus, Tyler Posey as Hawk, Billie Jean King as Royal Hen, Michael Rapaport as Pickle, Tom Sandoval as Diver, Anthony Anderson as Rubber Ducky and one-time special guest Demi Lovato as Anonymouse.
Fox Alternative Entertainment is behind “The Masked Singer,” which is exec produced by showrunner James Breen, Craig Plestis, and Nick Cannon. The series is based on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.
