AceShowbiz - "The Masked Singer" returned for its season 9 on Wednesday night, February 15. In the first episode of the new season, three celebrity singers performed in front of Nicole Scherzinger, Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy and Robin Thicke who all returned as panelists.

Kicking off the night was Mustang. She said in her clue package, "From the outside, my life may look like a shiny carnival. I've sold out arenas, I've won awards and even collaborated with [Elvis Presley]." The clues also included a bucket of soap, barbells and a bird's nest with three eggs.

She performed "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake. Among the guesses were Pink, Suzanne Somers, The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde and Heart's Nancy Wilson.

Performing next was Gnome. Gnome said in his clue package, "I've become a mainstay in your lives over the course of my storied career," before showing umbrellas and a statue with a photo of Tony Danza.

That night, Gnome belted out "When You're Smiling" by Frank Sinatra. As his bag clue included a medal featuring a picture of John F. Kennedy, Gnome revealed that he once met President Joe Biden. The judges thought Gnome could be Dustin Hoffman or Robert De Niro.

Rounding out the night was Medusa. Medusa said, "From the Super Bowl to this very stage - that's right, technically I've been here before. But this time, I'm here to compete."

Medusa awed everyone with a cover of Billie Eilish's "Happier Than Ever" which rendered Nicole speechless. For the guesses, the panelists mentioned Ellie Goulding, Lorde and Meghan Markle.

Before the in-studio audience voted on their favorite performer of the night, host Nick Cannon revealed the "Ding Dong Keep It On" bell that the judges could ring up to three times to save a contestant within the first three rounds. Those three competitors will then go against each other in a special episode for a chance to rejoin the show.

Nick later announced that Gnome was the first celebrity to get unmasked in season 9. Gnome turned out to be 97-year-old acting legend Dick Van Dyke. "This is the most seasoned and decorated entertainer we have had on our show," Nick said.

The judges were all emotional to see Dick under the mask. Nicole said while crying, "I love you so much." Ken added, "You are one of the reasons that I got into comedy."

Medusa and Mustang later returned to the stage for the Battle Royale to determine the first King of Mask. The two sang Rihanna's "Diamonds" and the judges eventually picked Medusa over Mustang. When Mustang took off the mask, she was revealed to be singer Sara Evans.