First celebrity is unmasked on 'The Masked Singer' Season 12 premiere

Season 12 of “The Masked Singer” has officially kicked off.

William Shatner, who competed as the Knight on Season Eight, opened the Sept. 25 premiere episode by reflecting on the show’s entertaining 186 episodes over the course of 11 seasons.

“Now, it’s time to start the show. The only show that keeps you guessing, wondering, begging to know, who could it be now?” Shatner said.

Panelist Rita Ora then took the stage to perform, before joining Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg at the panelists table.

“This is our biggest season yet,” host Nick Cannon told the crowd, teasing the 15 masked singers who will be competing this season.

For the first time in the show’s history, celebrity Masked Ambassadors, all “Masked Singer” alums, will introduce the new contestants. The Ambassadors also have a special connection to each person and will provide “the first and biggest clue of the season,” Cannon said.

The Season 12 Group A premiere had Nick Lachey endorsing Buffalo, Jenifer Lewis introducing Woodpecker, DeMarcus Ware endorsing Leaf Sheep, Joel McHale as Showbird's Ambassador and Jewel introducing the Ship.

What did each contestant perform?

Buffalo was the first performer of the night, impressing the judges by singing “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” by Cutting Crew. To their surprise, two other Buffalos took the stage, revealing that this act was a herd.

Woodpecker belted “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus and stumped the panelists, while Leaf Sheep sang “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw.

Showbird ruffled feathers singing “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige and the Ship sang “Pompeii” by Bastille.

Who went home this week?

When it came down to the first elimination, Cannon revealed that Leaf Sheep was headed home.

Before he was unmasked, the panelists took their best guesses.

Thicke guessed it was former quarterback Troy Aikman, Ora believed it was Billy Bob Thornton, while Jeong guessed it was former quarterback John Elway and McCarthy Wahlberg said it was Tom Brady.

It was then revealed to be: John Elway.

“Ken was right!” exclaimed Cannon, before asking Elway why he decided to be on “The Masked Singer.”

“I’m not sure, I was definitely not in my comfort zone,” the former athlete said. “But, you know, I’m in retirement now. I had the opportunity and took advantage of it.”

As the show wrapped, he said he had a great time. “I think all the grandkids will be happy to see poppy jump out of the Leaf Sheep.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com