Who is that? Breaking down all The Masked Singer season 9 clues

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Masked Singer season 9.

Get out your notes and fire up those search engines: Another season of The Masked Singer is here.

Season 9 features 21 new celebrities in disguise for the panelists (and audience!) to figure out the true identities of, and EW has you covered in your clue-parsing journey.

As we've done in seasons past, we will update the list below each week with all the new clues, anything said on stage, what the singers performed, and the judges' guesses. However, in order to better align with the "King/Queen of the Masked Singer" format, wherein all but one contestant goes home each week, we will only be doing in-depth clue write-ups for the contestants who move on, since they're the ones whose identities we don't know yet! Never fear, though: For each of the other contestants, we'll make note of who ended up being under the mask, what the panelists' guesses were, and what they performed as a reminder.

Without further ado, here's everything you need to know about each of these new contestants. Can you figure out who's under the mask?

Michael Becker/Fox Macaw on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Macaw?

Clue package:

• "I'm so excited to become the Macaw because he's everything that I'm not: flashy, confident, and he sings country songs," he says to start the first clue package

• Says he's been performing since a young age, but it didn't start out as a passion

• "My dad would bribe me with quesadillas to perform at our local Mexican restaurant," he reveals

• Says he eventually spread his wings on bigger stages, but the "pressure to always be the good son" brought much anxiety

• "Somewhere on the journey of melted cheese and panic attacks, I learned to take breaks and reset. What started as a way to make my parents happy turned into what actually fills me with glee."

• Says this is the year he "decided to be brave, not only on the stage but in my own life," and this was the perfect opportunity to put his newfound courage on display

• His trippy animated clue package includes a road with cactuses on each side, a black and white TV set with Macaw singing alongside a guitar player and a drummer, a plate of quesadillas and a jar of salsa, two arrows spinning around in counterclockwise circles in unison before pointing up and bouncing, yellow dripping down the screen, a rain storm, two yellow dolphins jumping out of the water, and a sun with red and purple rays

• Macaw holds a microphone, spins, waves, and blows a kiss as "La"s and music notes float on screen

• The tea from Macaw: "I can't believe that I'm here. It's like weird. You also take it personally in competitions like this. If you make it, it's not so much about, 'Oh, I won, I beat everyone,' it's more like, 'People are accepting me. They like me!' Acceptance is definitely something I've struggled with both in my career and in my personal life, so to be here on this stage and feel so comfortable and celebrated for just being myself, feels great. Now, I want to do a good enough job that it's worthy of going into the semifinals."

• "When I first started in my career, I was a lot more reserved because I was young, so I wasn't quite sure who I was and who I was supposed to be," he says to start the semi-finals clue package

• But as he got to know himself, he became afraid of who he was, and if he told the truth that he would then lose everyone

• "When I did, it changed my life in such a beautiful way. It helped me feel like I don't have to hide anything anymore"

• Says he avoided love songs because he didn't like what they talked about, but now he can relate to it

• "To be able to come back on TV and point right at the camera and say, 'You're enough,' means everything. It's so beautiful and I'm like, 'Why did I keep this from myself for all this time?'"

• He's shown in a nest and twirling around the jungle

• A red chili pepper and a vote sticker in a birdcage all appear in the semi-finals clue package

On stage:

• First performance: "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw

• Country Night clue: Country singer Deana Carter presents a silver medal. Of it, Macaw says, "It wasn't until I left the nest that I struck gold."

• "Supreme Six" performance: "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran

• Third performance: "Your Song" by Elton John

• British Invasion clue: A card that says "leader" on it. Of it, he says, "Whether in the studio, on the stage, or on TV, I know how to lead."

• Fourth performance: "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction

• Which panelist is he connected to? Nicole Scherzinger. Of the connection, he says, "Not only do we both love to travel, but we both have a special love for the Philippines."

• Fifth performance: "Hold Back the River" by James Bay

• Sixth performance: "All by Myself" by Eric Carmen

Judges' guesses: Elijah Wood, Zayn Malik, Doug Robb, Macaulay Culkin, Darren Criss, David Archuleta, Gavin DeGraw, Ryan Cabrera, Daniel Bedingfield, Daniel Radcliffe, Neil Patrick Harris

Macaw Unmasked: David Archuleta

Michael Becker / FOX Medusa on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Medusa?

Clue package:

• "I grew up far from the spotlight, a dancer in the dark, and I never quite fit in," she says to start the first clue package.

• But fitting in was not what she worried about, because she knew "early on, I was born to stand out."

• So she ignored anyone who wanted her to "conform."

• "Embracing my oddities, snakes and all, has taken me far. From the Super Bowl to this very stage — that's right, I've been here before."

• Says Masked Singer feels like the perfect stage for her because "look around, it doesn't get much weirder than this."

• A balance scale, a knight and bishop, a true love heart tattoo, Buckingham Palace, planets and asteroids, and Greek statues all appear in the first clue package.

• Second clue package is a look back at her first week

• "I'm glad my fun personality shined through this unique mask, because while I may look like I could turn someone to stone in this thing, I'm actually a bit of a softy underneath"

• New clue is a portrait of Chris Martin

• Third package is a look back at her second week

• "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but the snakes and I, we've got a secret weapon: My dad's favorite karaoke song. I grew up singing with him so it's the perfect choice to take me to the quarter finals"

• The Chris Martin picture, chess pieces, colorful palm trees, and Buckingham Palace from past packages all reappear here

• Her new special clue is a bust of season 7's McTerrier, who was unmasked to reveal cake baker extraordinaire and chef Duff Goldman. "Now, who's a good clue? Who's a good boy?" she says to the head.

• Her fourth official clue package is a look back at the last time we saw her on the show

• "I've kind of always felt like an underdog. This whole experience brings me back to the early days of my career, where I constantly had to prove myself to people that I was worthy of their time and energy"

• "That's why every time I sing I really feel like I go to a different place free of ego and insecurities and it's all about the music and feeling the emotion.. I didn't know how attached I was to this mask until I almost lost it"

• New clues include a reference to the Sun (who was revealed to be LeAnn Rimes in season 4) and a plate with the Golden Mask Trophy on it

• The tea from Medusa: "I definitely did not imagine I would make it this far, but I did try to manifest [it] in the best ways that I could. I lit a candle, rehearsed extra hard, talked to my therapist, and now, here I am, having literally clawed my way back into the competition. From the beginning, I've been very competitive with myself, and I'm excited I get to compete against all the champions, especially California Roll for a rematch. There have been tears, laughter — it has felt beautiful and crazy and I just hope I make it to the end."

• "The coolest part of all is this is the show the person closest to me would 100 percent have been a fan of. She was a really colorful, vibrant person, and was my biggest cheerleader," she says to start the semi-finals clue package

• In 2020, she lost her: "She was really young and it was really sudden"

• "When you lose your other half, it's really hard to see what your future could look like"

• Says it was the "biggest blessing ever" to learn she was pregnant - felt like a gift from this lost loved one

• "She and my son are a big part of my soul and my spirit, so it really makes my heart soar when the judges feel emotionally attached to what I'm singing about, and I always attribute it to them"

• A bedroom with two beds and a vanity, a picture of Medusa with another Medusa, Greek statues, a baby crib and bottle, a brig, and a picture of Sarah McLachlan all appear in the semi-finals clue package

On stage:

• First performance: "Happier Than Ever" by Billie Eilish

• Swag Bag clue: A DVD for Medusa: Snakes on the Astral Plane, emblazoned with the figure "$340 million." As Medusa says, "Sometimes success comes in the grayest of places."

• Second performance: "Dancing Queen" by ABBA

• A first class ticket to flight number 1996 to Tokyo, presented by Nick Viall. Of it, she says, "I've taken a tour of the world and I love it. Wanna know where I'm from? Take a little look closer."

• Third performance: "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra

• New York Night clue: A handmade model of the Brooklyn Bridge with twinkly lights on it. Of it, she says, "Sometimes you have to build the bridge to get over it. Hopefully, it will put you in the right state of mind."

• Fourth performance: "Mercy" by Shawn Mendes

• Battle of the Saved clue: Mosaic tiles that spell "Alias." Of it, she says, "Here I'm known as Medusa, and at home I'm known by my name, but to the world I go by something completely different."

• Fifth performance: "Someone Like You" by Adele

• British Invasion clue: A card that says "mom" on it. Of it, she says, "Being an artist is my greatest passion, but being a mom is my favorite job."

• Sixth performance: "Take Me to Church" by Hozier

• Which panelist is she connected to? Robin Thicke. Of the connection, she says, "Robin, both of our voices have taken us on a journey, one that put platinum on our walls."

• Seventh performance: "Elastic Heart" by Sia

• Eighth performance: "Welcome to the Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance

Judges' guesses: Ellie Goulding, Meghan Markle, Lorde, Tove Lo, Apple Martin, Dakota Johnson, Florence Welch, Susan Boyle, Kesha, Imogen Heap, Amy Lee, Bishop Briggs, Ashlee Simpson, Grimes, Dido, Dove Cameron, Fergie

Medusa Unmasked: Bishop Briggs

Michael Becker / FOX California Roll on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is California Roll?

Clue package:

• "Wasabi my dudes, I'm the California Roll. Now you might be wondering what a Cali roll is doing here on New York Night. Well, why not? I've already been on Broadway," they say to start the first clue package

• Says that's not the only role they played — this entree has many sides

• "Just like the city of New York, this Cali Roll never sleeps"

• One of them mentions DJ-ing all night long, one of them mentions heading out west "on the 10 for the gleeful rays and silver screens," another mentions rubbing shoulders with the greats (Dolly Parton and Snoop Dogg), still another one mentions getting married

• "But without each of these ingredients, I wouldn't be the successful, No. 1 roll I am today"

• A skateboard rack, a cocktail and soy sauce, lots of beach-themed items, a book called "Group Project," Spicy Mayo Cones, caricature drawings of a tiger, Dolly Parton and Snoop Dogg drawings, a map with an X on it, and a wedding ring all appear in the first clue package

• The tea from California Roll: "This is such a different experience than we have ever done. How many people can say they've dressed up like sushi and sang Lady Gaga on television? It really is just about our voice and singing and trying to push ourselves where we can't use the foundation of what we know, which is exciting because we get to expand into new territories, new sounds, new heights with no shame. So tonight we're taking it up a notch and hopefully it will get us to the semifinals. This is gonna be the greatest performance."

On stage:

• First performance: "Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga

• New York Night clue: A pizza with "5 billion" on it. Of it, they say, "5 billion and growing, but who is counting?"

• "Supreme Six" performance: "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler

• Third performance: "Creep" by Radiohead

• British Invasion clue: A card that says "White House" on it. Of it, they say, "Well, we had such a good time performing at the White House. They even gave us a standing O."

• Fourth performance: "Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson

Judges' guesses: The Lion King Broadway cast, Pentatonix, Pitch Perfect cast, High School Musical cast, Hamilton cast, Miami Sound Machine, Dear Evan Hansen cast, Spring Awakening cast, In the Heights cast

California Roll Unmasked: Pentatonix

Michael Becker / FOX UFO on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is UFO?

Clue package:

• Her first clue package is a 1950s-style newscast about a UFO interrupting a show called "Moose on the Loose" with "news from the East Coast"

• "An unidentified flying object was spotted hovering over a runway in New England and moving west," a mustachioed news anchor announces

• The musical frequencies it's emitting are "influencing radio waves and masking local broadcasts across the globe"

• UFO is shown in a graveyard surrounded by dead trees

• She touched down for 30 seconds and "struck a pose" with locals

• Described as "down to earth to begin with"

• She skyrocketed into stratosphere overnight alongside "several sister ships"

• She's "no model plane"

• A tiara, a flag that says "I Heart IT," a tombstone with "RIP Queen Victoria" on it, a sewing machine, a scarf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and a text message that says "GG! Time to Sing!" on it all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: "Yellow" by Coldplay

• Masked Singer in Space Night clue: A spacewalk helmet with the words "planet wide" on it, presented by astronaut Mike Massimino. Of it, she says, "I don't like to brag but I'm not just known in America, but the whole galaxy."

• "Supreme Six" performance: "Stargazing" by Kygo

• Third performance: "Tears Dry on Their Own" by Amy Winehouse

Judges' guesses: Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber, Gigi Hadid, Lily Collins, Rebecca Romijn, Molly Sims

UFO Unmasked: Olivia Culpo

Michael Becker / FOX Mantis on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Mantis?

Clue package:

• His first clue package is set up like a trailer to an action movie

• "In a world where celebrities dress up in elaborate costumes and sing their hearts out, one gentlemantis is answering the call" — he's shown answering the phone and saying, "I'm in"

• He's shown scaling a building, being flown in a helicopter, and walking in slow motion with a guitar

• "Flying on to The Masked Singer stage comes a performer known for his brooding persona who is ready to show you he's real freaking good at comedy — he's almost won an Emmy for it"

• Says he's not known as a singer but he's a published author and has done Shakespeare

• He wants to "let loose and dance with the wolves"

• Music has followed him his whole career, from Broadway to the silver screen

• A dancer is shown cheating at cards by pulling a card from his boot

• He's shown walking through fire

• A book called "Lord of the Fly," a skull, a plush wolf toy, poker chips, cowboy boots, gasoline, and a matchbook all appear in the first package

On stage:

• First performance: "Old Time Rock and Roll" by Bob Seger

• WB Movie Night clue: A pair of black sunglasses that have a "true story" tag on them. Of it, he says, "Representing a legend was instrumental to my success, and it was an honor to do so."

• Second performance: "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks

Judges' guesses: Dennis Quaid, Cole Hauser, Kevin Bacon, Bruce Springsteen, Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, Thomas Lennon

Mantis Unmasked: Lou Diamond Phillips

Michael Becker / FOX Gargoyle on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Gargoyle?

Clue package:

• "From the time I was 6, I pretty much knew I wanted to be a superhero. But while my peers all seemed to fly, I was always stuck on the sideline," he says to start the first clue package

• Says his dad told him not to let anyone tell him he couldn't do something, which became his superpower

• Gargoyle "shocked millions with how hard I slay"

• "I went from the guy they passed on to the guy they passed to… and now when the lights are blindin' and the game's on the line, I always answer the call"

• An I Heart LA jukebox, a father wearing a "World's Greatest Dad" t-shirt, a video game controller, hot sauce on a taco, explosions and lightning, a man gulping from a water bottle, and a Masked Express Charge Card all appear in the first package

On stage:

• First performance: "One Call Away" by Charlie Puth

• DC Superheroes Night clue: "Record maker," presented by Shazam! Fury of the Gods stars Helen Mirren and Zachary Levi. Of it, he says, "I'm keen on making waves in the field, but being a part of history is the best bonus I could ask for."

• Second performance: "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" by Usher ft. Pitbull

Judges' guesses: Antonio Gates, The Weeknd, Odell Beckham Jr., DeSean Jackson, William Perry, Michael B. Jordan, Anthony Mackie

Gargoyle Unmasked: Keenan Allen

Michael Becker / FOX Lamp on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Lamp?

First performance: "Venus" by Shocking Blue

Judges' guesses: Melissa Joan Hart, Ali Larter, Alyssa Milano

Lamp Unmasked: Melissa Joan Hart

Michael Becker / FOX Dandelion on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Dandelion?

Clue package:

• "My life has always felt kind of like a movie — The Wizard of Oz, to be exact," she says to start the first clue package

• Says like Judy Garland, she started her career as a kid

• The package is very Wizard of Oz-like, goes in between black and white and color picture

• She's worked with all the greats (living and dead), calling out Madonna, Elton John, and Flea

• But she was restless for a home, a "place to play my keys," so she put down roots in "a musical city"

• "Sadly, much like The Wizard of Oz, a devastating twister hit my home. But just like dandelions growing through the cracks in the concrete, I rebuilt"

• Says she learned there's always sunshine after the rain

• A wanted poster, a windmill, champagne and flutes, an angel, a zombie, a flower cart, a piano, a sign for "Music City," a twister, an apple, and a rainbow all appear in the first package

On stage:

• First performance: "Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland

• WB Movie Night clue: Ruby slippers with a tag that says "billboards." Of it, she says, "These heels were made for performing. TV, movies, concerts, and even charting next to Olivia Rodrigo."

• Second performance: "Starlight" by Muse

Judges' guesses: Zooey Deschanel, Emmy Rossum, Reese Witherspoon, Sara Bareilles, Milla Jovovich, Alicia Witt

Dandelion Unmasked: Alicia Witt

Michael Becker / FOX Doll on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Doll?

Clue package:

• "Psst, hi, I'm Doll. I heard it was '80s Night, which, hey, makes me feel good and right at home," he says to start the first clue package

• Says life growing up was "surreal" and "maybe a little rocky" because he was "a weirdo"

• When it came to his voice? "Forget about it, no one wanted to hear it"

• Started his own group with other misfit dolls

• When you press the button on its box, Doll says, "Let's be friends"

• They had a great time til "the man" came in and told them they were "too strange"

• "They tried to knock us out but they didn't know who they was dealing with. So I marched step by step into their playground and schooled them all"

• Dedicates performance to all the "unforgettable freaky deaky dolls who's ever been told you were expendable"

• A toy box that says "try me," a house full of farm animals, a saxophone, a boombox, a playbill for a show called "Guys as Dolls," a red flag, and hairspray all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds

• '80s Night clue: A ticket that says "ghostwriter" on it, presented by CHiPs star Erik Estrada. Of it, Doll says, "While my movie career is scary, it's my work with multi-Grammy-winning artists that still blows me away."

• Second performance: "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley

Judges' guesses: Gene Simmons, anyone from Mötley Crüe, Donnie Wahlberg, Sebastian Bach, Austin Butler

Doll Unmasked: Dee Snider

Michael Becker / FOX Scorpio on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Scorpio?

First performance: "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper

Judges' guesses: Christine Quinn, Denise Richards, Heidi Klum, Kim Cattrall

Scorpio Unmasked: Christine Quinn

Michael Becker/Fox Moose on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Moose?

First performance: "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis & the News

Judges' guesses: George Wendt, Jon Lovitz, John Goodman, Ed O'Neill

Moose Unmasked: George Wendt

Michael Becker/Fox Fairy on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Fairy?

Clue package:

• "Making my debut on Sesame Street Night makes me feel right at home-ish, because I grew up on these streets," she says to start the first clue package

• "Some might say I'm a bit of a nepo-fairy"

• Said she made money charging neighborhood kids to see her dad

• Could have taken "a more direct route to fame" like other kids she grew up with, but she chose a "divergent path" by prioritizing her education

• Eventually, her destiny led her to Tinseltown and she got to pursue her two loves, singing and acting

• A magical feather duster, a police badge with 966 on it, dollar bills, a black panther stirring a cauldron, pictures of Rob Lowe, Sean Penn and Emilio Estevez, a basketball, a white Christmas tree, and a yellow ducky ornament all appear in the first package

On stage:

• First performance: "You're No Good" by Linda Ronstadt

• Sesame Street Night clue: A styrofoam plate that says "endless love" on it, presented by Cookie Monster. Of it, she says, "This clue should be music to your ears, a timeless classic that means so much more to me than just romance."

• Second performance: "Angel From Montgomery" by Bonnie Raitt

Judges' guesses: Tracee Ellis Ross, Angelina Jolie, Rashida Jones, Aisha Morris, Mickey Guyton, Lori Harvey, Corinne Foxx, Jennifer Aniston

Fairy Unmasked: Holly Robinson Peete

Michael Becker / FOX Axolotl on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Axolotl?

First performance: "Can't Fight the Moonlight" by LeAnn Rimes (a.k.a. season 4 winner Sun)

Judges' guesses: Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Alexa Bliss, Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney

Axolotl Unmasked: Alexa Bliss

Michael Becker / FOX Jackalope on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Jackalope?

First performance: "Whenever, Wherever" by Shakira

Judges' guesses:  Lele Pons, Camila Cabello, Jenna Ortega

Jackalope Unmasked: Lele Pons

Michael Becker/FOX Squirrel on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Squirrel?

Clue package:

• "Growing up, I was just your average professional figure skater with Olympic dreams. I wanted to be a child psychologist," she says to start the first clue package

• Says her superpower is empathy

• Instead, she wound up in Hollywood: "What happened next could have happened to billions of bombshells"

• Says she modeled for major agencies, did some teen acne commercials, landed some international sitcom parts, and made out with Tom Cruise

• These days, she likes to play the girl next door as much as superheroes

• She's shown falling and then landing into a green screen set

• Ice skates, a smiley face button, a gorilla, Swedish meatballs, and a white castle all appear in the first clue package

On stage:

• First performance: "Try" by Pink

• DC Superheroes Night clue: A comic book drawing presented by publisher and chief creative officer of DC Comics, Jim Lee. In it, there are signs for "hero time." Of the clue, Squirrel says, "Just like that piece of art, I put time into my work, but it's all worth it when I get to watch the final product, like this clue, hero time."

• Second performance: "Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington Jr. ft. Bill Withers

Judges' guesses: Naomi Watts, Katie Holmes, Michelle Monaghan, Margot Robbie, Uma Thurman, Katherine Heigl, Kate Hudson, Malin Akerman, Anne Hathaway

Squirrel Unmasked: Malin Akerman

Michael Becker / FOX Wolf on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Wolf?

First performance: "Break on Through" by The Doors

Judges' guesses: Michael Bolton, Richard Marx

Wolf Unmasked: Michael Bolton

Michael Becker/Fox Polar Bear on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Polar Bear?

First performance: "Rapture" by Blondie

Judges' guesses: DJ Jazzy Jeff, Sean Combs, Flavor Flav, Grandmaster Flash

Polar Bear Unmasked: Grandmaster Flash

Michael Becker/Fox Night Owl on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Night Owl?

First performance: "Fernando" by ABBA

Judges' guesses: Debbie Gibson, Paula Abdul, Belinda Carlisle, Kylie Minogue

Night Owl Unmasked: Debbie Gibson

Michael Becker/Fox Rock Lobster on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Rock Lobster?

First performance: "SOS" by ABBA

Judges' guesses: Howie Mandel, Steve-O, Martin Short

Rock Lobster Unmasked: Howie Mandel

Michael Becker / FOX Mustang on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Mustang?

First performance: "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake

Judges' guesses: Pink, Suzanne Somers, Ann or Nancy Wilson, Chrissie Hynde

Mustang Unmasked: Sara Evans

Michael Becker / FOX Gnome on 'The Masked Singer'

Who is Gnome?

First performance: "When You're Smiling" by Billie Holiday

Judges' guesses: Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Mel Brooks

Gnome Unmasked: Dick Van Dyke

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