Today : Feb 06, 2026
Arts & Culture
06 February 2026

Teddi Mellencamp Unmasked On The Masked Singer

An emotional reveal and a patriotic theme set the stage for next week’s Twilight tribute as Christina Perri prepares for a superstar performance.

For fans of dazzling costumes, cryptic clues, and emotional reveals, Wednesday nights on Fox have become a must-watch event, thanks to the enduring popularity of "The Masked Singer." This week, Season 14 delivered one of its most stirring episodes yet, as viewers said a heartfelt goodbye to a contestant whose journey resonated far beyond the stage. And with a much-anticipated "Twilight"-themed night and superstar performance just around the corner, the excitement is only building.

On February 4, 2026, the fifth episode of "The Masked Singer" Season 14 aired under the banner of "Red, White and Clue: Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday." According to UPI and TV Insider, the episode was a patriotic affair, featuring five contestants, the introduction of the season's final wildcard, and, most memorably, an emotional unmasking that left both judges and viewers teary-eyed.

At the center of the night’s drama was the contestant known as Calla Lily, whose clue packages throughout the season had hinted at a life marked by resilience, health challenges, motherhood, and a complex relationship with a famous father. As the competition intensified and the performances became more personal, Calla Lily’s story took on new meaning for many watching at home.

The episode, which aired an hour late due to NASCAR weather-related overtime, kicked off with Robin Thicke performing "Living in America," setting a festive tone. But the focus quickly shifted to the contestants vying to stay in the game. On stage, Calla Lily delivered a heartfelt rendition of "Jack & Diane," the classic hit by John Mellencamp. The choice of song was no coincidence—Calla Lily would soon be revealed as Teddi Mellencamp, daughter of the legendary rocker and a former star of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."

Before the big reveal, the judges—Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Rita Ora, and Ken Jeong—offered their final guesses. Rita Ora, moved by the emotional weight of Calla Lily’s performance and the recurring family themes, guessed Selma Blair. Ken Jeong, picking up on clues referencing an anchor and the film "Anchorman," thought it could be Christina Applegate. Robin Thicke, focusing on vocal tone and TV references, settled on Danielle Fishel. But it was Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg who connected the dots, citing a diamond house key clue and repeated hints about Calla Lily’s father, and correctly guessed Teddi Mellencamp. Her reasoning also drew on Mellencamp’s very public health journey, which has seen her battle stage 4 melanoma that spread to her lungs and brain—a fight she has shared with fans and followers alike.

When the mask finally came off, Teddi Mellencamp confirmed the accuracy of the clues, including a story involving Madonna and Sean Penn—a detail that, she admitted, was "even more unusual than depicted." The reveal was emotional, not just for Mellencamp, but for the entire panel. "The secret is out! I hope you enjoyed watching my #CallaLilyMask journey on #TheMaskedSinger as much as I did performing! I really had the most amazing time on @maskedsingerfox Did you guess correctly?" Mellencamp later wrote on Instagram, as reported by UPI.

The night’s performances featured a diverse lineup: Eggplant sang "American Woman" by The Guess Who, Owl delivered "Ain’t No Sunshine" by Bill Withers, High Voltage performed "Miles On It" by Kane Brown and Marshmello, and the newly introduced wildcard, Pangolin, took on Alanis Morissette’s "Ironic." Each act brought its own flavor to the stage, but it was Calla Lily’s deeply personal performance and subsequent unmasking that dominated post-show conversations.

With Mellencamp’s departure, the field narrows for the remaining contestants: Stingray, Snow Cone, Pugcasso, Pangolin, Owl, High Voltage, Galaxy Girl, Crane, Eggplant, and 14 Karat Carrot. The competition is only set to intensify, as clue packages grow more intricate and the stakes for both performers and panelists rise. And, as always, viewers can expect the unexpected—the show’s signature blend of mystery and spectacle keeps fans guessing week after week.

But the surprises don’t end there. Fox has announced that the next episode, airing February 11, 2026, will be a "Twilight"-themed night, paying tribute to the blockbuster film franchise based on Stephenie Meyer’s novels. According to The Futon Critic and Talent Recap, the episode will feature a special performance by Christina Perri, whose song "A Thousand Years" became synonymous with the 2012 film "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2." The track, which Perri wrote and recorded for the movie, has since been certified Diamond, selling over 10 million copies in the United States and amassing more than two billion views on YouTube. Fans are already speculating that "A Thousand Years" will be part of her set—after all, it’s hard to imagine a "Twilight" celebration without it.

The "Twilight" film series itself remains a cultural juggernaut, with four movies starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner. Collectively, the franchise has grossed a staggering $3.36 billion to date, and its devoted fanbase ensures that any homage is met with enthusiasm and nostalgia.

Theme nights have become something of a tradition on "The Masked Singer." This season alone has featured Fear Night, "Clueless" Night, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Night, and the recent "Red, White and Clue Night." Upcoming episodes promise even more variety, with "Star Trek" night, Care Bears night, Spice Girls night, and Ozzfest (in honor of Ozzy Osbourne) all on the horizon. According to TV Insider, these special episodes not only keep the format fresh but also provide a unique platform for celebrating pop culture milestones and musical icons.

As the competition heats up, the show’s familiar faces continue to anchor the spectacle. Nick Cannon returns as host, while the judging panel—Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Rita Ora, and Ken Jeong—bring their signature mix of humor, insight, and unpredictability. Their chemistry, along with the show’s blend of music, mystery, and heartfelt storytelling, is a big part of why "The Masked Singer" remains a ratings powerhouse.

Looking ahead, all eyes are on the upcoming "Twilight" night. Will Christina Perri’s performance bring another emotional high point? Who will be the next celebrity to unmask and surprise the audience? And as the remaining contestants fight for the top prize, which clues will finally crack the case?

For now, fans can only count down the days until the next episode, knowing that on "The Masked Singer," the only certainty is that anything can happen—and often does.