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SPOILER ALERT: Detailed recap of Season 12, Episode 11 of “The Masked Singer,” titled “Semi Finals: Last Three,” which aired on Wednesday, December 11 on Fox.

Initially, there was considerable speculation that AJ Michalka would perform on “The Masked Singer” alongside her sister Aly, as they are known for their popular musical duo, Aly & AJ. However, due to Aly’s recent new motherhood — she welcomed her first child — AJ decided to embark on this journey as a solo artist. Her decision proved to be successful, as AJ was revealed as Strawberry Shortcake in the penultimate episode of Season 12, showcasing her talent and individuality.

“We were initially supposed to perform together, and we thought it would be an exciting adventure as a duo,” Michalka shared with Variety. “However, coordinating our schedules became quite challenging. In the end, I took the plunge and did it solo, and she was incredibly supportive of my decision.” AJ’s choice to perform alone allowed her to explore her capabilities as a solo artist, which was an exhilarating challenge for her.

“The real thrill and challenge stemmed from the fact that I had never performed on stage without my sister by my side,” Michalka elaborated. “This experience pushed me to test my limits as a solo performer and discover how far I could go on my own. I had an absolute blast! I underestimated the difficulty of singing under such a heavy mask, but I managed to do it, and I’m genuinely proud of my performance.” Her journey on the show has not only been a test of her skills but also a significant personal achievement.

For her final performance, Michalka chose to sing “Lose You to Love Me” by Selena Gomez. Throughout the season, she also delivered renditions of other hit songs, including “Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves, “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus, “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack, and “Closer” by Tegan and Sara. While there were several songs she prepared but didn’t get the chance to perform, such as “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish and “Why Can’t I” by Liz Phair, her choices reflected her personal musical taste and comfort.

“I loved having the freedom to select my own songs,” she expressed. “It was incredibly satisfying to know that I resonated with the material I chose, making the experience even more enjoyable for me.” This autonomy allowed her to connect deeply with her performances, highlighting her passion for music and the art of expression through song.

Among her performances, Michalka’s favorite was “I Hope You Dance,” which she dedicated to her mother. “My mom is an incredible singer, but she has faced challenges with her self-confidence, which led her to stop singing altogether,” she shared. “This performance was my way of encouraging her to take the stage again, reminding her of her talent and the joy of singing.” This emotional connection to her performance added depth to her journey on the show.

Despite her impressive journey, none of the panelists correctly guessed her identity as Strawberry Shortcake. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg speculated it was Sarah Hyland, while Robin Thicke thought it might be Kelsea Ballerini. Ken Jeong suggested it was Joey King, and panelist Rita Ora was absent due to illness. The guessing game continues to be a thrilling aspect of the show, keeping viewers engaged and intrigued.

In what host Nick Cannon described as the closest margin in “The Masked Singer” history — less than 1% — Wasp received the highest votes in the Semi Finals, propelling them directly to the finals. This thrilling competition highlights the intense fan engagement and passion surrounding the show, making every vote count.

This led to an exciting “smack royale” between Buffalos and Strawberry Shortcake for the remaining spot in the finals. Both contestants performed “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic, but ultimately, Buffalos secured their place while Strawberry Shortcake faced elimination. This nail-biting moment showcased the fierce competition and the emotional stakes involved in the show.

The Semi Finals kicked off with a powerful performance of “Some Nights” by Fun, featuring Wasp, Strawberry Shortcake, and Buffalos. With Strawberry Shortcake now revealed, the stage is set for Buffalos and Wasp to battle it out in the upcoming season finale, raising anticipation for the grand conclusion of this thrilling season.

AJ Michalka, portraying Strawberry Shortcake, joins a remarkable lineup of previously unmasked contestants including Kobie Turner as Goo, Jana Kramer as Royal Knight, Bronson Arroyo as Sherlock Hound, Drake Bell as Ice King, Bethany Hamilton as Macaron, Natalie Imbruglia as Bluebell, Laverne Cox as Chess Piece, Andy Richter as Dusty Bunny, Paula Cole as Ship, Marsai Martin as Woodpecker, Yvette Nicole Brown as Showbird, and John Elway as Leaf Sheep, showcasing the diverse talents of the celebrity contestants this season.

Returning for Season 12 are host Nick Cannon, along with panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Robin Thicke. Rita Ora also returned to the panel for her second consecutive season to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger, enhancing the dynamics of the judging panel this season.

This season of “The Masked Singer” features themed episodes that pay tribute to iconic moments, such as Mattel’s Barbie celebrating its 65th anniversary, and the movie Footloose marking its 40th anniversary. Additionally, an episode dedicated to Miley Cyrus‘ music catalog is on the horizon, alongside a new “Who Are You Fest,” featuring music from unforgettable festival lineups, and themed nights like “Sports Night” and “60s Night.” Classic themes such as “Soundtrack of My Life” and “Thanksgiving Night” also make a return, ensuring a diverse and nostalgic experience for viewers.

A fresh element this season involves embedding clues “strategically” within the costumes, song choices, and moments on stage. Furthermore, the fifteen celebrity contestants will be introduced by a “celebrity Masked Ambassador,” comprised of previous participants, including Dick Van Dyke (Season 9’s Gnome), Jewel (Season 6 winner as Queen of Hearts), Ne-yo (Season 10 winner as Cow), and DeMarcus Ware (Season 11’s Koala). The “Ding Dong Keep It On” bell makes its return this season, but only one singer from the three group finals will have the chance to be saved, adding another layer of excitement to the competition.

This season features an exciting roster of 15 contestants, each donning unique and creative costumes, including Ship, Leaf Sheep, Woodpecker, Chess Piece, Bluebell, Buffalo, Showbird, Dust Bunny, Goo, Strawberry Shortcake, Wasp, Sherlock Hound, Royal Knight, Ice King, and Macaron. This vibrant variety of characters adds to the show’s charm and appeal, allowing for imaginative performances.

Here are the notable performances from Wednesday’s Episode 11, “Semi Finals: Last Three”:

Unmasking Strawberry Shortcake’s Identity and Performance Highlights

Music: “Lose You to Love Me,” by Selena Gomez

Panel guesses: Joey King, Sarah Hyland, Lucy Hale

Lessons learned: “I’ve discovered that I’m resilient and powerful. I’m genuinely thrilled to be on this stage. These words carry immense significance for me. I cherish being here, as this is what I love to do. I took a lengthy break from performing, and I’m so grateful that I returned. This moment feels right; I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Friendship bracelet clue: For Ken Jeong. “Press Tour.” “One of the highlights of my career was the press tour we did together. You made me laugh the entire day.” This clue illustrates the camaraderie and shared experiences among the contestants and panelists.

Strawberry Shortcake voiceover: “Oh my goodness! This season’s competition has been no cakewalk. I’m exceptionally proud to have survived that smackdown. What nobody tells you is that like a good cake, Hollywood is layered. Sure, it sparkles and is incredibly fun, but it also comes with immense pressure to succeed. It entails a lot of rejection, a bit of self-doubt, and the feeling that you’ve poured your heart into something that may never be seen. I believe that’s why some individuals begin to feel disenchanted with their dreams. That’s what happened to me. I was so triggered by the drama of early fame that I decided to take a long break. I needed to step away from the spotlight to rediscover my love for what I do. Becoming Strawberry Shortcake reminds me of why I started all those years ago. It’s fun, it’s silly, and it’s so authentically me. Yes, there’s pressure to keep progressing to the finale, but that’s solely because this experience has been so delicious. I don’t want it to end. Strawberry Shortcake is a part of me for life.”

Previous songs performed: “Slow Burn,” by Kacey Musgraves; “Wrecking Ball,” by Miley Cyrus; “I Hope You Dance,” by Lee Ann Womack; “Closer,” by Tegan and Sara

Earlier panel guesses: Renee Rapp, Lana del Rey, Rachel Ziegler, Chloe Fineman, Hilary Duff, Ashley Tisdale, Kelsea Ballerini, Hailee Steinfeld, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Haylie Duff, Danielle Haim

Unmasking Buffalos: Performance Insights and Background

Music: “Africa,” by Toto

Panel guesses: Boyz II Men, Color Me Badd, After 7

Words of encouragement: “First, I’d say never in a million years would I expect to find myself in a buffalo mask. But, I’m thrilled to be doing this alongside my brothers and my best friends.” This statement highlights the camaraderie and support within the group, reinforcing the importance of friendship in their journey.

Friendship bracelet clue: For Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg. “Donnie.” “We go way back with Donnie, and we share a long history with you