SPOILER ALERT: Particulars observe for Season 12, Episode 11 of “The Masked Singer,” “Semi Finals: Last Three,” which aired Wednesday, December 11 on Fox.

AJ Michalka was initially speculated to carry out on “The Masked Singer” along with her sister Aly, the opposite half of their Aly & AJ musical duo. However with Aly unavailable — she just lately gave delivery to her first little one — AJ determined to provide it a attempt as a solo act. And she or he went far: AJ Michalka was revealed on Wednesday’s penultimate Season 12 episode of “The Masked Singer” as Strawberry Shortcake.

“Initially, we have been speculated to do it collectively, and we have been like, this is able to be actually enjoyable to do as a group,” Michalka advised Selection. “However it was going to be actually difficult to schedule. So I ended up doing it alone. And she or he absolutely supported it.

“The problem and the thrill got here from figuring out that I had by no means actually carried out on stage with out my sister,” Michalka added. “I needed to problem myself as a solo artist and see how far I might get. And I had a blast. I didn’t notice it could be that tough to sing below a masks that heavy, however I did it, and I’m actually happy with myself.”

Michalka sang “Lose You to Love Me,” by Selena Gomez, as her last quantity; she had beforehand carried out “Sluggish Burn,” by Kacey Musgraves, “Wrecking Ball,” by Miley Cyrus, “I Hope You Dance,” by Lee Ann Womack, and “Nearer,” by Tegan and Sara, on the present. Songs she had prepped however didn’t get an opportunity to carry out have been “What Was I Made For,” by Billie Eilish, and “Why Can’t I” by Liz Phair.

“I beloved that I used to be ready to decide on my very own songs,” she stated. “Understanding that I felt actually snug with the fabric I used to be selecting, that made me actually glad.”

Michalka stated her favourite efficiency was “I Hope You Dance,” which she devoted to her mom. “My mother was an unimaginable singer, however has struggled with self-confidence and simply stopped singing fully,” she stated. “That was form of my very own message to her to get her on the market to sing.”

For Strawberry Shortcake, not one of the panelists guessed it proper. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed Sarah Hyland. Robin Thicke thought it was Kelsea Ballerini. Ken Jeong stated it was Joey King. (Panelist Rita Ora was absent as a result of sickness.)

In what host Nick Cannon stated was the closest margin in “The Masked Singer” historical past — lower than 1% —Wasp earned the highest Semi Last votes, instantly sending him on to the finals.

That led to a “smack royale” between Buffalos and Strawberry Shortcake for the opposite spot transferring on. They each sang “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic, and in the end Buffalos made it via whereas Strawberry Shortcake was eradicated.

The Semi Finals opened with Wasp, Strawberry Shortcake and the Buffalos singing “Some Nights,” by Enjoyable. With Strawberry Shortcake now revealed, that leaves Buffalos and Wasp to battle it out in subsequent week’s season finale.

AJ Michalka as Strawberry Shortcake joins Kobie Turner as Goo, Jana Kramer as Royal Knight, Bronson Arroyo as Sherlock Hound, Drake Bell as Ice King, Bethany Hamilton as Macaron, Natalie Imbruglia as Bluebell, Laverne Cox as Chess Piece, Andy Richter as Dusty Bunny, Paula Cole as Ship, Marsai Martin as Woodpecker, Yvette Nicole Brown as Showbird and John Elway as Leaf Sheep because the celebrities unmasked on “The Masked Singer” Season 12.

Again for Season 12 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke, whereas Ora additionally returned to the desk for the second consecutive season to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger.

“The Masked Singer” Season 12 themed episodes embody tributes to Mattel’s Barbie because it hits its sixty fifth anniversary, and the movie “Footloose” because it marks its fortieth anniversary. Miley Cyrus will even be honored with an episode dedicated to her music catalog, whereas additionally new is a “Who Are You Fest,” that includes music from “memorable pageant lineups,” in addition to a “Sports activities Night time” and a “60’s Night time.” Tentpole themes which are again embody “Soundtrack of My Life” and “Thanksgiving Night time.”

New this season, clues shall be “strategically embedded in costumes, in tune decisions and on-stage moments.” And the fifteen movie star contestants shall be endorsed by a “movie star Masked Ambassador,” made up of earlier members together with Dick Van Dyke (Season 9’s Gnome), Jewel (Season 6 winner because the Queen of Hearts), Ne-yo (Season 10 winner because the Cow) and DeMarcus Ware (Season 11’s Koala). And the “Ding Dong Preserve It On” bell can be again this morning, however just one singer throughout the three group finals could be saved.

Season 12 options 15 contestants performing in new costumes together with “Ship,” “Leaf Sheep,” “Woodpecker,” “Chess Piece,” “Bluebell,” “Buffalo,” “Showbird,” “Mud Bunny,” “Goo,” “Strawberry Shortcake,” “Wasp,” “Sherlock Hound,” “Royal Knight,” “Ice King” and “Macaron.”

Right here have been performances on Wednesday’s Episode 11, “Semi Finals: Last Three”:

Strawberry Shortcake

Music: “Lose You to Love Me,” by Selena Gomez

Panel guesses: Joey King, Sarah Hyland, Lucy Hale

What have you ever discovered: “I’ve discovered that I’m resilient and powerful. And I’m simply so glad to be right here on stage. These phrases imply a lot to me. I like being right here. That is what I like to do. I took an extended break from it. And I’m so glad I got here again. That is the place I’m speculated to be.”

Friendship bracelet clue: For Ken Jeong. “Press Tour.” “One of many highlights of my profession was the press tour we did collectively. You made me chortle the complete day.”

Strawberry Shortcake voiceover: “Oh my goodness. This season’s competitors has been no cakewalk. And I’m actually proud to have survived that smackdown. What nobody tells you is sort of a good cake, Hollywood is layered. Certain, it sparkles. And is tremendous enjoyable. However there’s additionally a lot strain to make it huge. And it comes with quite a lot of rejection, slightly little bit of self-doubt and a touch of feeling such as you’ve poured your complete coronary heart into one thing that individuals may by no means see. I feel that’s why some folks begin to really feel so disenchanted with their goals. That’s what occurred to me. I used to be so triggered by the drama of early fame that I made a decision to take an extended break. I needed to lose the lights to like what I do once more. Changing into Strawberry Shortcake, I’m reminded of why I began all these years in the past. It’s enjoyable, it’s foolish and it’s so me. And certain, there’s strain to maintain going to the finale. However solely as a result of this expertise has been so scrumptious. I don’t need it to finish. Strawberry Shortcake is with me for all times.”

Earlier songs: “Sluggish Burn,” by Kacey Musgraves; “Wrecking Ball,” by Miley Cyrus; “I Hope You Dance,” by Lee Ann Womack; “Nearer,” by Tegan and Sara

Earlier panel guesses: Renee Rapp, Lana del Rey, Rachel Ziegler, Chloe Fineman, Hilary Duff, Ashley Tisdale, Kelsea Ballerini, Hailee Steinfeld, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Haylie Duff, Danielle Haim

Buffalos

Music: “Africa,” by Toto

Panel guesses: Boyz II Males, Coloration Me Badd, After 7

What do you need to say to one another: “First, I’d say by no means in one million years who I anticipate to even be in a buffalo masks. However, I’m glad I’m doing it with my brothers and one of the best pals I ever had.”

Friendship bracelet clue: For Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg. “Donnie.” “We go method again with Donnie. And we additionally go method again with you.”

Buffalos voiceover: “Effectively, effectively, effectively. Look who’s so near the finale. Man, we labored so onerous to get right here. However we’re no strangers to that. Arising we needed to work tougher than anybody. We have been consistently advised we must be one thing else. One thing we weren’t and that we’d by no means make it. However we didn’t hear. And staying true to ourselves was the primary cause for our success. We now know that was an necessary instance to set for the subsequent era. And particularly our youngsters. Yeah, our youngsters like to sing. And what? They sound higher than us. We’re like, what have we executed? What miracle have we created? Listening to their voices turned all the things round, and provides us an actual cause to maintain going. That’s proper. Each resolution we three Buffalos make collectively is with them in thoughts. To ensure they’ve all they want on this life. And so they’re going to get an actual kick out of watching their pops up right here doing their factor as three inspirational Buffalos. Perhaps in the future, it will likely be their flip. Children, we love you a lot. That is for you. All the things is for you.”

Earlier songs: “(I Simply) Died In Your Arms,” by Slicing Crew; “Ready For a Lady Like You,” by Foreigner; “Bittersweet Symphony,” by The Verve; “You’re Nonetheless the One,” by Shania Twain

Earlier panel guesses: B2K, Earth Wind and Fireplace, 98 Levels, Bell Biv DeVoe, 112, Boyz II Males, Massive Time Rush, Bone Thugs N Concord, Black Eyed Peas, Temptations, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Blackstreet

Wasp

Music: “Stunning Issues,” by Benson Boone

Panel guesses: Anthony Ramos, Maxwell, Jason Derulo, Usher

One thing you’d wish to say to younger wasps: “I would like you to recollect your energy. As you grow old, always remember that little one you as soon as have been. At all times hold dreaming, and consider in your self irrespective of how darkish it will get. Irrespective of what number of instances you fall, you possibly can at all times rise up and fly once more.”

Friendship bracelet clue: For Robin Thicke. “Nashville.” “You recognize Robin, I had a blast whereas we painted the city pink in Nashville. We had such a great time, do you bear in mind?”

Wasp voiceover: “Changing into the Wasp, I by no means felt so highly effective. It’s introduced out this supercompetitive edge in me that truthfully, I haven’t felt since I used to be a child. My mother knew there can be solely so many alternatives for me to get out of the hood. So when she noticed a poster for a expertise present, she signed me up on the spot. I used to be shook. However I tapped into this hearth within me and I gained the entire thing. And, an business mogul was there who signed me on the spot. Speak about a turning level. Being right here has introduced me again to once I was hungry for a win. And it’s an attractive factor. Tonight, I do know I’m up towards some steep competitors. And truthfully, I’m terrified to lose out on an opportunity to win all of it within the finale. This golden masks is coming for the golden masks, you heard?”

Earlier songs: “Rock Your Physique,” by Justin Timberlake; “Skyscraper,” by Demi Lovato; “Ain’t No Approach,” by Aretha Franklin; “Standing Subsequent to You,” by Jungkook

Earlier panel guesses: Taye Diggs, Bruno Mars, Jason Derulo, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Daveed Diggs, Mario, Craig David, Eric Benét, Usher, Maxwell

Final season’s performers included Vanessa Hudgens, who gained the Season 11 crown as Goldfish, beating out Scott Porter, who had carried out as Gumball. Different performers included Thelma Houston (Clock), Chrissy Metz (Poodle Moth), Corey Feldman (Seal) and Clay Aiken/Ruben Studdard (Beets), Jenifer Lewis (Miss Cleocatra), Kate Flannery (Starfish), Charlie Wilson (Ugly Sweater), DeMarcus Ware (Koala), Colton Underwood (Love Chicken), Sisqó (Lizard), Billy Bush (Sir Lion), Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs), Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound) and Kevin Hart (Guide).

“The Masked Singer” comes from Fox Different Leisure. Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis and Cannon are government producers, whereas Seitchik serves as showrunner. The collection is predicated on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.