AceShowbiz - [SPOILER ALERT] In the Wednesday, December 11 episode of "The Masked Singer" season 12, AJ Michalka was revealed as the celebrity behind the Strawberry Shortcake costume. Michalka had initially planned to perform alongside her sister Aly, but due to Aly's recent childbirth, AJ decided to participate as a solo act.

"We were supposed to do it together, but it was going to be tricky to schedule," Michalka told Variety. "So I ended up doing it on my own, and she fully supported it."

Strawberry Shortcake's performance of Selena Gomez's "Lose You to Love Me" marked her final number in the competition. She also sang "Slow Burn" by Kacey Musgraves, "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus, "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack, and "Closer" by Tegan and Sara.

Despite her strong performances, Strawberry Shortcake was eliminated after facing off against Buffalos and Wasp in a "smack royale." Wasp earned the top Semi Final votes, while Buffalos ultimately secured the second spot in the finale.

Strawberry Shortcake's elimination follows the unmasking of 12 celebrities this season, including Kobie Turner as Goo, Jana Kramer as Royal Knight, Bronson Arroyo as Sherlock Hound, and Paula Cole as Ship. The remaining masked singers, Buffalos and Wasp, will compete in next week's season finale.

Other notable details from the episode include the absence of panelist Rita Ora due to illness and the introduction of new friendship bracelet clues. These clues provide personal connections between the panelists and the singers. For example, Strawberry Shortcake gave Ken Jeong a bracelet that referenced their press tour together, while Buffalos presented Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg with a clue about her friendship with Donnie Wahlberg.

"The Masked Singer" continues to incorporate innovative elements into its format, featuring celebrity Masked Ambassadors and a "Ding Dong Keep It On" bell. The upcoming finale will reveal the identities of Buffalos and Wasp, bringing an end to the exciting season 12.