'The Masked Singer' Reveals Identity of Ice King: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume on 'Miley Cyrus Night'

Staff, 11/21/2024Drake Bell, unmasked as the Ice King on 'The Masked Singer,' reflects on his personal journey amidst media scrutiny. Sharing insights from his past and his experience with sexual abuse, he emphasizes the value of support and self-acceptance, all while celebrating Miley Cyrus's music on a special themed night.

'The Masked Singer' Reveals Identity of Ice King: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume on 'Miley Cyrus Night'Michael SchneiderNovember 21, 2024 at 3:00 AMSPOILER ALERT: Details follow for Season 12, Episode 8 of "The Masked Singer," "Miley Cyrus Night," which aired November 20 on Fox.Drake Bell got a bit serious on Wednesday night's episode of "The Masked Singer," revealing what it felt like to be at the center of a media firestorm earlier this year. Bell, who was unmasked as the Ice King this week, shared some personal thoughts in the voice-over package before his performance.More from VarietyMiley Cyrus Stands Up for Chappell Roan: 'I Wish People Wouldn't Give Her a Hard Time. It's Hard Coming into This Business' With Social Media'The Masked Singer' Reveals Identity of Macaron: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume'The Masked Singer' Reveals Identity of Bluebell: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume"I finally felt ready to tell my truth to the world," said Bell - under the disguise of the Ice King. "And so I did. And then instantly regretted it. I imagined my words all over the news and the Internet, and totally freaked. I begged them to pull my story. I didn't want it to run. But, that power was out of my reach. The night it was released, I was a total disaster. Frozen. But once I saw how many people could relate, I felt the weight lifted off my shoulders. My story is out there. And I don't need everyone to understand me. But I've worked hard to put that chapter behind me, which is what I wanted most. For those of you who do stand with me, thank you. Because your support makes me feel like the sky's the limit."Bell-as-Ice King was referring to the Investigation Discovery documentary series "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids' TV," in which he shared he personal story of being sexually abused while starring on the Nickelodeon series "Drake and Josh."Bell has recently been touring across the country, performing his music, including a show next month in Los Angeles. Last year, he appeared on the Mexico version of "The Masked Singer," "¿Quién es la máscara?," as the Baby Alien."What originally drew me to the 'Masked Singer' was just doing something out of my element and doing something fun," he said. "I'm always working and performing. And I thought, to go and put some crazy costume on and sing different songs that you wouldn't normally sing, to learn this choreography and have these big productions around you, it just seemed like it'd be a total blast."Had he continued next week, Bell planned to sing "Burning Love," by Elvis Presley. Instead, he ended on the show with "Midnight Sky," by Miley Cyrus.Among the show's panelists, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg almost got it right by at first naming Drake Bell, but then locked in on James Franco. Rita Ora said Shia LeBeouf. Ken Jeong thought it was Joe Jonas. Robin Thicke named Cole Sprouse.It was "Miley Cyrus Night" on the show, and even though the pop star wasn't in studio, her music sure was - starting with a performance of "Party in the U.S.A." by contestants Strawberry Shortcake, Ice King, Royal Knight and Sherlock Hound. Later, the panelists had some fun with Thicke's notorious association with Cyrus (via their 2013 MTV VMAs twerking performance). "Robin, you know Miley very well," McCarthy-Wahlberg said. Quipped Thicke: "Uh no, uh, Miley and I have never met!"Drake Bell as Ice King joins 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 as the celebrities unmasked on "The Masked Singer" Season 12.Back for Season 12 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke, while Ora also returned to the desk for the second consecutive season to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger."The Masked Singer" Season 12 themed episodes include tributes to Mattel's Barbie as it hits its 65th anniversary, and the film "Footloose" as it marks its 40th anniversary. Miley Cyrus will also be honored with an episode devoted to her music catalog, while also new is a "Who Are You Fest," featuring music from "memorable festival lineups," as well as a "Sports Night" and a "60's Night." Tentpole themes that are back include "Soundtrack of My Life" and "Thanksgiving Night."New this season, clues will be "strategically embedded in costumes, in song choices and on-stage moments." And the fifteen celebrity contestants will be endorsed by a "celebrity Masked Ambassador," made up of previous participants including Dick Van Dyke (Season 9's Gnome), Jewel (Season 6 winner as the Queen of Hearts), Ne-yo (Season 10 winner as the Cow) and DeMarcus Ware (Season 11's Koala). And the "Ding Dong Keep It On" bell is also back this morning, but only one singer across the three group finals can be saved.Season 12 features 15 contestants performing in new costumes including "Ship," "Leaf Sheep," "Woodpecker," "Chess Piece," "Bluebell," "Buffalo," "Showbird," "Dust Bunny," "Goo," "Strawberry Shortcake," "Sherlock Hound," "Royal Knight," "Ice King," "Macaron" and more.Here were the second round of Group C performances on Wednesday's Episode 8, "Miley Cyrus Night":Sherlock HoundSong: "Used to Be Young," by Miley CyrusPanel guesses: Adam Levine, Johnny Rzeznik (of Goo Goo Dolls), Scott Stapp (of Creed), Hozier, Nate Ruess (of Fun)Miley clue: Wig. "Hannah Montana's not the only one with gorgeous, long hair."Sherlock Hound voiceover: "As a young Hollywood starlet, that Miley was known for being free-spirited and fun. Just like this old dog. See, when I was younger, I ran wild, crazy and free. Always gunning for a challenge. That's when I found myself in the bullpen, facing my biggest case yet. To break an almost century-long curse. Many men had come before me and failed. But with my drive, I knew I could get us out of this jam. We were between a rock and a hard place, but I didn't roll over. And with my band behind me, I single handedly broke the curse, claiming our spot in history. And while I went on to reinvent myself after that, just like Miley, I never forget those glory days when I was fun, wild and young.Previous song: "Under the Bridge," by Red Hot Chili PeppersPrevious panel guesses: Eddie Vedder, Gavin Rossdale, Chad Kroeger, Brandon BoydIce KingSong: "Midnight Sky," by Miley CyrusPanel guesses: Joe Jonas, Shia LaBeouf, Drake Bell, James FrancoMiley clue: Teen Choice 2008 surfboard. "For both Miley and me, our teenage dreams came true."Ice King voiceover: "Miley and I actually have a lot in common. We both know the media can be totally uncool. And this year, I've been part of a firestorm of press. I finally felt ready to tell my truth to the world. And so I did. And then instantly regretted it. I imagined my words all over the news and the Internet, and totally freaked. I begged them to pull my story. I didn't want it to run. But, that power was out of my reach. The night it was released, I was a total disaster. Frozen. But once I saw how many people could relate, I felt the weight lifted off my shoulders. My story is out there. And I don't need everyone to understand me. But I've worked hard to put that chapter behind me, which is what I wanted most. For those of you who do stand with me, thank you. Because your support makes me feel like the sky's the limit."Previous song: "Tonight Tonight," by Hot Chelle RaePanel guesses: Pete Wentz, Joe Jonas, MrBeastStrawberry ShortcakeSong: "Wrecking Ball," by Miley CyrusPanel guesses: Chloe Fineman, Hilary Duff, Ashley TisdaleMiley clue: Boxing gloves. "Miley has always been in my corner. She was even by my side when I made my debut."Strawberry Shortcake voiceover: "Miley night hits close to home for me. As close as Hannah Montana as one could get. Literally. That is because Miley and I literally have the same dreams cooking. And apparently the same recipe for success. We both grew up in front of the world. We lived the sweet life. And at one point, shared a stage. We even hobnobbed with the same famous brothers. And even leaned on each other when we ended up breaking their hearts. Let's not sugarcoat it. Which is why it's fitting that tonight I am singing one of her most iconic breakup songs. The girl gets it, and I'm thrilled to pay tribute to the cream of the crop. Miley."Previous song: "Slow Burn," by Kacey MusgravesPrevious panel guesses: Renee Rapp, Lana del Rey, Rachel ZieglerRoyal KnightSong: "When I Look At You," by Miley CyrusPanel guesses: Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kate Hudson, Aubrey PlazaMiley clue: Nashville. "Just like 'Party in the U.S.A.,' Miley and I would both prefer a Nashville party."Royal Knight voiceover: "Tonight, we're celebrating Miley. And just like she's had many chapters, in my life, so have I. Chapter 2: While I may be standing on this stage in shiny protective armor, for so much of my life I felt broken. A series of bad relationships, betrayals and heartbreaks left me feeling shattered. And worst of all, like everything was my fault. But I knew love was out there for me. So I continued fighting, and let me tell you, it was a battlefield. Just as my world was falling apart, I saw someone on the horizon. A beacon, calling me to safety. And now, he's my north star. I look to him when I feel lost, and he calls me his warrior. Which is why I broke into tears the first time I saw this mask. Kind of fitting, right? Tonight this song is for him. The night I found my light, in total darkness."Previous song: "You and I," by Lady GagaPrevious panel guesses: Ashley Tisdale, Lily James, Hayden PanettiereLast season's performers included Vanessa Hudgens, who won the Season 11 crown as Goldfish, beating out Scott Porter, who had performed as Gumball. Other 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 Bird), Sisqó (Lizard), Billy Bush (Sir Lion), Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs), Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound) and Kevin Hart (Book)."The Masked Singer" comes from Fox Alternative Entertainment. Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis and Cannon are executive producers, while Seitchik serves as showrunner. The series is based on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.Best of VarietyNew Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This WeekAwards Season Calendar 2024-2025: Complete Schedule for Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and MoreWhat's Coming to Netflix in November 2024Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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