‘The Masked Singer’ Reveals the Identities of Handyman and Scarab: Here Are the Celebrities Under the Costumes

The iconic rasp of rapper and actor Tone Loc, famous for late-80s hits "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina," was finally unveiled on Fox's "The Masked Singer" during an episode themed around the 1995 film "Clueless." In a double elimination, the Handyman character was the first to be unmasked, with panelist Robin Thicke correctly identifying the performer. Tone Loc, whose real name is Anthony Terrell Smith, later revealed his participation was the result of a dare from friends who bet his tough-guy image would never land him on the show. He likened the secretive process to "some FBI-type stuff," acknowledging his distinctive voice was always a major clue.

Later in the same episode, the Scarab was revealed to be Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson. Judge Rita Ora successfully guessed the identity of the "Empire" and "Hidden Figures" star. Henson, who received an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," is also a prominent advocate for mental health awareness in Hollywood. Her appearance highlights the show's ability to attract A-list talent from beyond the music industry, adding a layer of surprise for viewers and panelists alike.

The night began with a group performance of "Kids In America" by Snow Cone, Scarab, Handyman, and Pugcasso, directly referencing the famous opening sequence of "Clueless." Ultimately, Pugcasso, Snow Cone, and the Crane advanced to the next round, joining remaining contestants like High Voltage and the Owl. This season introduces a new feature called "America's Insider," played by social media personality Kylie Cantrall as the Cat Witch, who provides exclusive backstage clues only to the television audience, further engaging home viewers in the mystery.

With these reveals, Henson and Tone Loc join a growing list of unmasked celebrities for Season 14, which already includes comedian Tiffany Haddish, reality TV figures Todd and Julie Chrisley, and Baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz. The current roster of contestants boasts impressive collective credentials, including 94 million records sold, 12 Emmy nominations, and an Academy Award nomination. As media analyst Dr. Lena Shaw noted, "The series has mastered the art of casting across genres, blending music icons with acclaimed actors and sports figures. This deliberate diversity in celebrity background is a key driver of its enduring appeal and the complexity of the guessing game."

Hosted by Nick Cannon, the series—an adaptation of the South Korean format "King of Mask Singer"—has more themed nights scheduled, including tributes to "Star Trek," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," and an "Ozzfest Night" honoring rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. The show is executive produced by Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis, and Cannon himself. Past winners underscore its eclectic mix, ranging from auto-tune pioneer T-Pain in the inaugural season to last season's champion, country star Gretchen Wilson, who performed as the Pearl.