You never know what surprises await you. The Masked Singer US has a few surprises up its sleeve, including bona fide Hollywood classic Dick Van Dyke, who is approaching 100 years old and is one of the newest actors to be unmasked.
Season 9 of the US edition of the programme debuted on Fox on Wednesday evening, with the first three characters, Mustang, Gnome, and Medusa, entering the stage ahead of two eliminations.
Gnome sang When You’re Smiling by Billie Holiday in the first round, with judge Ken Jeong suspecting Robert De Niro, Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke predicting Dustin Hoffman, and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg guessing Tony Bennett.
When Gnome was removed, the panel was taken aback when Mary Poppins legend Dick emerged from the outfit, with Nicole being overcome with emotion and placed her hands over her heart.
Ken rose to his feet in appreciation for the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star, swiftly followed by Jenny and Robin as Nicole fell into tears.
‘Such an honour – we are in the company of an icon, ladies and gentlemen,’ host Nick Cannon said as Dick, 97, greeted everyone on stage in a stylish grey suit.
Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole clapped and fanned her face as tears streamed down her face, as Nick continued: ‘This is the most seasoned and decorated entertainer we’ve ever had on our show ladies and gentlemen. Truly a legend.’
Speaking about his experience, the nonagenarian said: ‘It was real dark in there. Couldn’t see anything. I just loved it that they thought I was Robert De Niro. I didn’t know Robert De Niro could sing!’
Nicole struggled to speak as she stressed how much it meant to be in Dick’s presence, telling him: ‘I love you so much, we love you, the whole world loves you so much. It’s a pleasure to have you on the show.’
As others in the crowd sobbed, the 44-year-old said, ‘I can’t believe you’re here!’ I’m trying to remain calm. And you look stunning, you look dashing.’
Ken, 53, informed Dick that he was ‘one of the reasons why I got into comedy’, adding: ‘You are comedy,’ before stating that it was ‘our greatest reveal ever’.
Dick was dubbed ‘the GOAT’ by Jenny, 50, as Nicole put sweetly: ‘You’re our childhood.’
Fans watching at home were similarly bowled over by the Night At The Museum star’s unmasking, as one tweeted: ‘Watched #TheMaskedSinger and having 97 year old Dick Van Dyke sing tonight was as good as it gets. The man is a Legend.’
‘Seeing Dick Van Dyke on #TheMaskedSinger warmed my entire heart,’ another wrote.
‘Protect Dick Van Dyke AT ALL COSTS,’ wrote someone another. Doesn’t get better than this. What a blessing to have him, even at 97 years old! Legend.’
Dick wasn’t the only celebrity exposed on the first episode of The Masked Artist US’ ninth season; country music singer Sara Evans was also revealed as Mustang following a second round of singing, while Medusa advanced to the next round.
The Masked Singer US airs on Fox in the US.