The Masked Singer Barbie Night: 5 Shocking Secrets And The Emmy Winner Behind Chess Piece
The Masked Singer's "Barbie Night" episode, which aired on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, delivered one of the most vibrant and surprising celebrity unmaskings of Season 12, cementing its place as a fan-favorite themed episode. This electrifying night was a dazzling tribute to the 65th anniversary of the iconic Barbie doll, featuring a spectacular array of pink costumes, female empowerment anthems, and an unforgettable panelist performance that nearly stole the show.
The episode saw the final four members of Group B—Bluebell, Chess Piece, Goo, and Wasp—battle it out for a spot in the Group B Finals, but only three could survive. The night was packed with clues and high-energy performances, culminating in the shocking elimination of the Chess Piece, who was revealed to be a groundbreaking Emmy-nominated actress and LGBTQ+ advocate.
The Shocking Chess Piece Reveal: Laverne Cox’s Full Profile
The elimination of the Chess Piece was a genuine surprise for many viewers, as the celebrity behind the mask delivered a powerful and heartfelt rendition of a classic anthem. The panel's final guesses were scattered, proving just how well the star had hidden her identity, but the reveal was truly groundbreaking and perfectly aligned with the spirit of "Barbie Night."
The celebrity unmasked as the Chess Piece was none other than the trailblazing actress, producer, and activist, Laverne Cox.
Laverne Cox: A Trailblazer's Biography
- Full Name: Laverne Cox
- Date of Birth: May 29, 1972
- Hometown: Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
- Occupation: Actress, Producer, LGBTQ+ Advocate
- Known For: Playing Sophia Burset on the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black (OITNB).
- Historical Milestone: First openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category.
- Barbie Connection: In 2022, Mattel released a Barbie doll in her likeness, making her the first transgender person to be honored with a Barbie doll. This clue was a major hint in the episode's package.
- Awards & Honors: Recipient of the Courage Award from the Anti-Violence Project, and numerous GLAAD Media Awards.
During the reveal, host Nick Cannon highlighted the significance of Cox's career, particularly her connection to the Barbie brand through her own inspiring doll, which was a deeply personal clue for the star. Her performance of "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan was a poignant choice, perfectly embodying the female empowerment theme of the night and her own status as a cultural icon.
The Ultimate Barbie Night Song List: Pop Anthems and Ken's Moment
"Barbie Night" on *The Masked Singer* Season 12 was designed to celebrate the doll's 65th anniversary with songs that spoke to themes of strength, independence, and self-worth. The Group B contestants chose powerful tracks, while panelist Ken Jeong provided a moment of pure, unexpected cinematic joy.
The Group B Battle: Powerhouse Performances
The four competing masks—Bluebell, Chess Piece, Goo, and Wasp—each brought their unique style to the stage, making the elimination a difficult choice for the audience and the panel, which included Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Robin Thicke, and new panelist Rita Ora.
- Bluebell: Performed "Dance the Night" by Dua Lipa. This song, a massive hit from the 2023 Barbie film soundtrack, was a perfect fit for the theme, showcasing Bluebell's incredible stage presence and vocal agility.
- Chess Piece (Laverne Cox): Performed "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan. A true female anthem, Cox delivered a passionate performance that, despite its power, led to her elimination.
- Goo: Performed "Miss Independent" by Ne-Yo. Goo's choice of a former *Masked Singer* winner's track was a bold move, and the performance secured its spot in the Group B Finals.
- Wasp: Performed "Skyscraper" by Demi Lovato. Wasp's rendition of this emotional ballad was a strong contender, demonstrating a dynamic vocal range that kept the celebrity's identity completely under wraps.
Ken Jeong's 'I'm Just Ken' Performance That Stole the Show
One of the most talked-about moments of the entire "Barbie Night" was panelist Ken Jeong's highly anticipated performance. Known for his wild guesses and comedic timing, Jeong stepped away from the desk and onto the stage to perform a song he was seemingly "born to sing."
Ken Jeong performed "I'm Just Ken," the Oscar-nominated power ballad originally sung by Ryan Gosling in the blockbuster Barbie movie. The performance was everything fans expected: chaotic, hilarious, and ultimately endearing. Jeong fully embraced the Ken energy, sliding down a slide and giving his all, which provided a much-needed moment of levity and topical relevance to the episode.
His dramatic and over-the-top take on the song was a perfect nod to the cultural phenomenon of the *Barbie* film, which dominated pop culture in the year prior. This segment highlighted the show's ability to blend high-stakes competition with fun, celebrity-driven pop-culture moments. The enthusiasm of the audience and the rest of the panel, including Jenny McCarthy and Robin Thicke, confirmed that Jeong's performance was a major highlight of Season 12.
The Significance of Barbie Night in The Masked Singer Universe
Themed nights are a staple of *The Masked Singer*, but "Barbie Night" in Season 12 felt particularly significant. It was a celebration of a global icon on her 65th anniversary, but it also served as a platform for powerful messages. The choice of female empowerment anthems, from Chaka Khan to Demi Lovato, moved the focus beyond just the doll to the broader themes of independence and strength.
The unmasking of Laverne Cox was a profound moment that tied directly into the theme. As the first transgender woman to have a Barbie doll made in her likeness, her presence on the show was a powerful statement about representation and breaking barriers. The show used the theme not just for fun, but to honor a celebrity who is a genuine trailblazer. Her participation added immense topical authority to the episode, linking the show to major cultural conversations about diversity and inclusion.
With Bluebell, Goo, and Wasp moving forward, the episode successfully set the stage for the Group B Finals, leaving fans to speculate wildly on the remaining identities. The quality of the performances and the star power of the revealed celebrity ensured that "Barbie Night" will be remembered as one of the most memorable and culturally relevant episodes in the history of *The Masked Singer*.
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