I Went to a Masked Singer Taping, and One of These Two Is Going to Win

The Masked Singer returns soon, and when it comes back, it's coming back roaring. Fox's shamelessly silly slam dunk of a singing competition returns for Season 2 in late September with four more whatchamacallits than in Season 1, and a third season starts right after the Super Bowl. Fox is going to make you love this show whether you like it or not, a phenomenon with which I am acutely familiar since The Masked Singer gradually thawed my old, cranky heart over time in Season 1.

To get an early sneak peek at what's to come, I ventured to Masked Singer-ville one afternoon to catch these monsters at work. While many details are still being kept under wraps, here are some early thoughts about the performances, some ideas about who might be under those costumes, and who could take this all the way.

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First, T-Pain, who beat Gladys friggin' Knight in Season 1 of The Masked Singer with a gorgeous rendition of "This Is How We Do It," was on hand to judge the competition at the taping I attended. He kept the 150 or so spectators in the chilly studio laughing and upbeat during a five-hour stretch. Host Nick Cannon, meanwhile, almost shattered everyone's retinas with one of his signature explosively shiny outfits: a silver and black brocade smoking jacket and a pair of Louboutins you can see from space. Robin Thicke said he looked like a Versace ninja, and I laughed.

I can't discuss everything that happened, but I saw six performances: Fox, Leopard, Flamingo, Rottweiler, Tree, and Thingamajig. One of them was unmasked. I wouldn't dare spoil which one it was or the secret identity of who was behind the mask, but I will say that I, along with everyone else in the audience, was stunned when the mask came off, and the person under the mask looked genuinely elated, if maybe a little tired. (The process of being on the show sounds equal parts rewarding and grueling; T-Pain mentioned many times how hot it is under those things.) One of the judges guessed who it was accurately, but I'm wagering that most of us won't see the answer coming at all.

A few of the performances were outstanding. The Fox performed "Blame It [On the Alcohol]," which of course is the song that won Jamie Foxx and T-Pain a Best R&B Performance Grammy in 2oo9. Whoever was under the costume didn't even actually sing most of the song -- he improvised with out-of-this world vocal runs and jazzy scats that blew everyone away. He also danced his tail off with footwork on par with an R&B star. He's definitely a professional performer.

I did not count the Leopard among said outstanding performances. The Leopard sounded to me like they'd just swallowed a bird. The performer had a raspy, deep, somewhat husky voice and I'm surprised they had lasted this long in the competition. Based on height, body type, and that voice, I feel confident saying Leopard is an athlete, probably someone with extravagant taste in fashion.

Flamingo, however, tore the roof off the place. Her costume is a standout among the exceptional costumes on the show: a tabernacle of feathers and fringe held in place by angel prayers. As much as Flamingo jumped, twisted, twirled, and slid, the feathers held on and the fringe followed. These costumes are feats of engineering and design, and Flamingo gives a masterclass on how to make the costume a part of the show, working the fringe on the Latin dance-style pants like a don of the dance floor. She belted out Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" with the force of an airplane engine and ended with a dramatic flourish that made it clear she wasn't messing around.

But Thingamajig just might own The Masked Singer Season 2. He sang a contemporary R&B song unbelievably well and had an electrifying stage presence too, ripping across the stage and engaging with fans like a certified music pro. No doubt he is a frontrunner this season, but he'll have to contend with Flamingo. Whoever she is, she's bubbly and fun -- she danced and hopped in excitement while talking with Nick Cannon. This is someone with an energetic personality, like a talk show host or an actress known for musical performances. Heck, the way major talents were said to be begging to be on The Masked Singer, it could very well be a bona fide pop star.

From what I saw, the two of them will be the contestants to beat in The Masked Singer Season 2. If I'm wrong, I'll eat crow... unless that's a costume they're using in Season 3.

The Masked Singer Season 2 premieres Wednesday Sept. 25 at 8/7c.