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‘The Masked Singer’ disclosed the identity of the Orca: Here’s the star behind the mask

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4 years ago

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Wherever Mark McGrath goes, individuals will stop and they’ll see… the Orca.

The Sugar Ray singer and former “Extra” have was the latest celebrity to be revealed on “The Masked Singer,” where he had proceeded as the Orca. McGrath sang “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” by Poison, for his second and last performance.

“I think it might be the only competitor in the history of ‘The Masked Singer’ whose costume is way cooler than they are in real life,” McGrath said of his costume. “When I saw the Orca I thought, oh my god, it’s perfect. I’ve got some head room. I thought energy was gonna be my go to. It was never going to be my five-octave vocal range that we know that doesn’t exist. I was gonna have to get by on a little chutzpa and rock and roll, and a whole lot of luck, and the Orca costume really lent that to me.”

None of the show’s panelists sorted out it was McGrath. Robin Thicke and Ken Jeong thought it was Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg guessed surfer Kelly Slater and Nicole Scherzinger thought it was Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl.

“My head was expanding inside that Orca costume,” he said. “All these guesses in real time, all those Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members. My performance was good but they’ve got a beautiful way at ‘The Masked Singer’ of really uplifting and celebrating everybody. Whether your Rob Gronkowski or LeAnn Rimes, they are going to make you feel so good about yourself. And that’s a beautiful part of the show. I was blown away to hear those guesses.”

McGrath was the show’s first “Wildcard,” acquired in mid-competition to perform. He said he didn’t realize that going into the show.

“’The Masked Singer’ is very good in the information is given on a need to know basis only,” he said. “I didn’t know I was coming out as a wildcard. In my mind, a wildcard means you had a bull’s eye on your back. I was kind of thrown by that, as I’m walking out to do my first rehearsal. But when I got out there and I saw the production. It looked like one of those Ziegfeld Follies 1930s Hollywood production. It looked underwater on TV so they did a wonderful job of alleviating, my Wildcard concerns.”

McGrath was prepared to sing “It’s Tricky” by Run DMC for his third number if he had returned. His first number was We’re Not Gonna Take It,” by Twisted Sister.

“The thing that really attracted me most of ‘The Masked Singer,’ is that it scared me,” he said. “It scared the heck out of me because it’s a singing competition. Now you might think, your career is as a singer/entertainer. [But] no one’s ever been confused by voice with Pavarotti or Chris Martin. But being able to be someone else inside the mask, obviously was something attractive to me.

“What I didn’t know, is what an emotional component this show would have for me,” he said. “You become part of this mystery adventure park vibe. It’s the world of costumes and make-believe. You breathe life into this thing, into this Orca, and when I took the mask off the last time, there is no more life, I essentially this Orca is gone. It was so fun to be a part of that, to fool people when you were singing as part of the Orca’s aura and being. I have 10 year old twins and that was a huge part of why I did it. And what a wonderful opportunity in a year that people aren’t doing a lot of things in the music industry. What a ride it was.”

McGrath said Sugar Ray has begun to perform once more, remembering gigs for Orlando and Tampa, and the band’s mid year dates are beginning to top off.

“I’m excited to see if anything happens with this ‘Masked Singer,’” he said. “Once you’re part of the Masked Singer, you’re part of the family. They do tours and things like that. I let them know that I’m available for anything you need. I’m here for ‘The Masked Singer.’”

Then, Nick Cannon was back full time as host, having recently been in isolate for COVID-19. Niecy Nash filled in as visitor host of “The Masked Singer” for the show’s initial five scenes, until Cannon was unmasked a week ago as the Bulldog.

This current season’s costumes include Raccoon, Seashell, Black Swan, Snail, Grandpa Monster, Phoenix, Chameleon, Russian Doll(s), Porcupine, The Piglet and the trump cards Orca, Crab and Bulldog. Gun as the Bulldog joins recently exposed superstars Nick Cannon (Bulldog), Logan Paul (Grandpa Monster), Danny Trejo (as Raccoon), Caitlyn Jenner (as Phoenix) and Kermit the Frog (as Snail).

The Season 5 contestants brag a joined 26 Grammy nominations, nine multi-platinum singles, four Academy Award nominations, three Super Bowl appearances, six gold decorations and two world records.

The show’s panelists are likewise once vieing for a “Golden Ear” trophy dependent on their initial impressions of each masked performer (which McCarthy won last time). Jeong and McCarthy Wahlberg each had a point up until now, heading into this scene.

McCarthy Wahlberg’s and Scherzinger’s initial feeling supposes were both Dave Grohl, Thicke went with Billie Joe Armstrong, while Jeong’s was Jon Bon Jovi. None of them got a point.

Here were the other contestants and their performances on night six, “Group A Finals — In the Nick of Time”:

Russian Dolls (three contestants)

Song: “Want to Want Me,” by Jason Derulo
Cannon clue: “What Goes Around… Comes Around.” “We had been together for some time, but as fate would have it, it was time to come back together on stage.”
Panel guesses: Pentatonix, the Jonas Brothers, 98 Degrees
Voice-over: “When this duo became a trio last time, it was a game changer for real. Performing on this epic stage is a far cry from where we started. Life on the road was definitely not glamorous. We performed everywhere, from parking lots to softball fields. But we put our heart and soul in every performance. And the years of hustle paid off, when we finally got the chance to perform for the president. And we crushed it. We raised the roof. Of the White House. And now we’re leaning on that hard working spirit to take us to the Super 8.”
Previous songs: “Man in the Mirror,” by Michael Jackson; “Wonder,” by Shawn Mendes
Previous panel guesses: Boyz II Men; Vanessa Hudgens; Darren Criss, Matthew Morrison, Kevin McHale or other “Glee” stars; Gwen Stefani and No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont, Sugarland, Boyz II Men, Jacksons

Porcupine/”Robopine”

Song: “Killing Me Softly,” by Roberta Flack
Cannon clue: “AKA.” “My first show they came out and said porcupine, and I said no, I’m Robopine. So, AKA.”
Panel guesses: Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Terence Howard
Voice-over: “The quills are out tonight, and I’m ready to unleash some magic on that stage. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this masked adventure. But now I’m on a mission to make it to the end. And I know a good mission because I’ve been on one my entire career. A quest for a certain golden relic. It’s been an action packed, fast-paced ride. I’m dodged booby traps and so many times my life has nearly crumbled. But I always escaped because I’ve been jonesing for that idol. But for now, I’m chasing a new idol, the golden mask. Winning it will be proof that the ultimate relic will be mine.”
Previous song: “Never Too Much,” by Luther Vandross; “All of Me,” by John Legend
Previous panel guesses: Jamie Foxx, Idris Elba, Lionel Richie, Ginuwine, Brian McKnight, Jason Derulo, Wesley Snipes, Eddie Murphy

Seashell

Song: “Tell Me Something Good,” by Rufus feat. Chaka Khan
Cannon clue: “Motown.” “Motown brought my family together.”
Panel guesses: Ashanti, Mya, Keke Palmer, Alicia Silverstone
Voice-over: “I’ve been so fortunate my entire career to walk in a variety of shoes. But one of the things I’m most proud of is I have been called a trailblazer, a role model. Sometimes I get stopped when I’m out shopping or at the movies. And it’s the biggest honor. Because when I was younger, shells like me weren’t given many opportunities to be seen. But I fought the current that flowed against me. And now seeing so many people follow my path, that’s what keeps me going strong. Now tonight, I can’t wait for everyone to see what I have in store as I continue to blaze forward.”
Previous song: “Listen to Your Heart,” by Roxette; “Confident,” by Demi Lovato
Previous panel guesses: Kristen Chenoweth, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ashlee Simpson, Jenny Slate, Haylie Duff

WILDCARD: Yeti

Song: “If It Isn’t Love,” by New Edition
Cannon clue: “Aphrodite.” “Yeti is all about love, love, love.”
Panel guesses: Ray J, Justin Bieber, Taran Killam
Voice-over: “As a Yeti, I only come out of hiding for a mammoth reason. And here, it’s to be a wild force to be reckoned with. So watch your step. Where I come from, too many yetis become monsters. But I had a secret weapon. A village of warrior women who were always there to show me the way. Having them as motivators and teachers was golden. And made me the abominable gentleman I am today. Knowing these warriors had my back gave me the confidence to go for the mountaintop when others wouldn’t even dare. The yetis are usually chased from their village. But I was raised right. Being here is a thank you to them.”

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Danny Ramirez on Joaquin Phoenix Leaving the Gay Romance Film Directed by Todd Haynes

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2 weeks ago

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October 21, 2024

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Todd Haynes was planning to cast Danny Ramirez and Joaquin Phoenix in a gay romance movie. However, Phoenix left the untitled production five days before Guadalajara, Mexico, filming got underway.

At the Academy Museum Gala on Saturday night in Los Angeles, Ramirez told Variety’s Marc Malkin, “It’s definitely disappointing.” “If anything,” he continued, “If anything, it just gave me more inspiration to keep driving, keep pushing, and knowing that I’m on the right path and approaching the work the right way. So that’s what I’m excited about.”

The movie, which depended on Phoenix’s casting, was in danger after it was revealed in August that he had quit the production, according to sources. Two guys in love in the 1930s who escape Los Angeles and travel to Mexico were the main subject of the NC-17-rated movie.

“It’s definitely a very complicated situation,” Ramirez stated. “The audition process was extensive, and so what I walked away with that was just the artistic validation of throwing down opposite of [Phoenix] in this chemistry read… There was a moment that I was like, ‘Oh, I’ve arrived as a performer.’”

“The most recent update is ‘hopefully.’” Ramirez said in response to a question about whether the movie is still in development with filmmaker Haynes.

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David Schwimmer Remembers Rejecting “Men in Black”: ‘That Would Have Made Me a Hollywood Star’

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2 months ago

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September 18, 2024

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Although David Schwimmer admits his “career would have taken a very different trajectory” if he had been the lead in the 1997 movie, he doesn’t regret declining Men in Black.

The actor said, “That’s not why I turned it down,” in response to a question on a recent episode of the podcast Origins With Cush Jumbo regarding whether he rejected down the successful franchise because it conflicted with his Friends filming schedule. Rather, he decided to become a feature film director.

Schwimmer said, “[It] was a brutal decision.” the actor chuckles. “I had just finished filming The Pallbearer, my first film with Gwyneth Paltrow, and there were high expectations of that, which didn’t come true (Laughs). It was kind of a bomb, but there were high expectations, and the studio, which was Miramax, wanted to lock me into a three-picture deal at a fixed price, and I said I would do that if I got to direct my first movie.”

After months of talks, the intelligence actor said that they had come to an agreement whereby he “would act in three more movies for them” in exchange for allowing him to “direct my entire theater company in the first film,” Since You’ve Been Gone from 1998. The film was told through the perspective of a doctor who was severely beaten up by a fellow graduate on graduation day, humiliating him and setting the stage for a ten-year class reunion.

“All these unknown actors but I was going to put them on the map, basically. I was going to let everyone discover the talent of this amazing company,” Schwimmer said, “We found this amazing script, and we were developing it. We started pre-production. All my best friends in the world in my theater company quit their jobs so they could be in this film over the summer, which was going to be a six-week shoot in Chicago.”

However, Schwimmer had to make a tough decision about his career because the production for his directing debut happened to coincide with the filming of Men in Black.

The Six Days Seven Nights actor recalls, “We’re in pre-production, hired the whole crew, everything’s going and that’s when I was offered Men in Black.” “It was a direct conflict with this. My summer window from Friends was four months. I had a four-month hiatus and Men in Black was going to shoot exactly when I was going to direct this film with my company. And of course, it was an amazing opportunity. However, my theater company and that relationship with all those people would probably have ended. I don’t think it would have recovered.”

Schwimmer stated that he is unsure if “he made the right choice,” but he firmly feels that in these kinds of circumstances “you have to follow your gut, you have to follow your heart.”

“Look, I’m really aware, whatever 20 years later maybe more, [Men in Black] would have made me a movie star,” he continued. “If you look at the success of that film and that franchise, my career would have taken a very different trajectory.”

In the end, Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith played the key parts in the Men in Black franchise.

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The Role of Vulnerability in Success: Hannah Love’s Guide to Embracing Your True Self

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2 months ago

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September 16, 2024

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In a world that often celebrates strength and success, vulnerability might seem like a weakness—but for Hannah Love, it’s a cornerstone of true personal growth and success. Throughout her journey, Hannah has discovered that embracing vulnerability isn’t just about being open with others; it’s about being honest with yourself. It’s through this honesty that real transformation begins.

Hannah’s life has been shaped by challenges that tested her resilience and forced her to confront deep-seated fears and insecurities. From childhood trauma to the emotional struggles of her twenties, she faced moments where vulnerability was not an option but a necessity. “For a long time, I saw vulnerability as a sign of weakness,” Hannah recalls. “I thought that if I let people see my pain, they would see me as less capable, less strong.”

However, as Hannah began to open up about her experiences, she realized that vulnerability was not her enemy—it was her greatest ally. It allowed her to connect with others on a deeper level, to share her struggles without shame, and to find strength in the very parts of herself that she had once tried to hide. “Vulnerability isn’t about being weak,” she explains. “It’s about being real. It’s about showing up as your true self, no matter how imperfect that self might be.”

One of the most significant lessons Hannah learned is that vulnerability is essential to building meaningful relationships. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we create space for others to do the same. This mutual openness fosters trust and deepens connections, both personally and professionally. “The more I shared my story, the more I realized that others were going through similar struggles,” Hannah says. “By being vulnerable, I wasn’t just helping myself—I was helping others feel less alone.”

In her work as a mental health advocate, Hannah emphasizes the power of vulnerability in healing and personal development. She encourages others to embrace their imperfections, to share their stories, and to see vulnerability as a pathway to growth rather than a hurdle to overcome. “When we hide our true selves, we limit our potential,” she explains. “But when we embrace who we are, flaws and all, we open ourselves up to new possibilities.”

Hannah’s journey also taught her that vulnerability is closely linked to authenticity. For years, she tried to fit into societal molds, hiding her true feelings behind a mask of perfection. But this only led to more pain and disconnection. It was only when she started living authentically—when she stopped trying to be what others expected and started being herself—that she found true success. “Living authentically means embracing your vulnerabilities and showing up as your whole self,” she says. “It’s about being honest with yourself and others, even when it’s hard.”

Through her platform, Hannah continues to advocate for vulnerability as a key to personal and professional success. She believes that when we embrace our vulnerabilities, we not only empower ourselves but also inspire others to do the same. “Success isn’t just about what you achieve,” she explains. “It’s about how you achieve it—by being true to yourself and allowing others to see the real you.”

As Hannah prepares for her TEDx Miami talk, she is eager to share her insights on vulnerability and authenticity with a broader audience. She hopes to inspire others to embrace their true selves and to see vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a source of strength and connection. Her message is clear: in a world that often values perfection, it’s our imperfections—and our willingness to share them—that truly make us successful.

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