The Ice King has been unmasked.
In the latest episode of the Fox’s “The Masked Singer” Wednesday it was revealed that the Ice King is none other than iconic former child star and one of Nickelodeon’s most beloved comedy stars, Drake Bell.
Bell was unmasked after he was eliminated on Episode 8 of the show during which he performed a cover of Miley’s “Midnight Sky” for Miley Cyrus Night. Among the panelists only Jenny McCarthy was able to correctly guess Bell. While Ken Jeong predicted the Ice King to be Joe Jonas, Rita Ora picked Shia LaBeouf, and Robin Thicke said Cole Sprouse.
“It’s been a long road and really difficult,” Bell said after his elimination. “But to come here and do something like this and see the support and put smiles back on people’s faces, this is why we’re entertainers… It’s just a pleasure to be able to be back on stage.”
The former child actor, who released his latest album “Non-Stop Flight” last month, also participated in Mexico’s edition of “The Masked Singer” as Bebé Alien.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Who is Drake Bell?What to know about the former Nickelodeon star’s career and allegations
Bell references ‘Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids’ TV’ while talking as Ice King
Prior to taking the stage, Bell spoke about his connection to Cyrus and talked about opening up in front of the world, all under the guise of the Ice King.
“Miley and I actually have a lot in common,” the former “Drake & Josh” star, 37, said in the video. “We both know the media can be totally uncool. And this year, I’ve been part of a firestorm of press. I finally felt ready to tell my truth to the world, and so I did. And then instantly regretted it.”
Without going into specifics, Bell as Ice King said: “I imagined my words all over the news and internet and totally freaked. I begged them to pull my story. I didn’t want it to run, but that power was out of my reach.”
He added that while he was hit with anxiety and apprehension when he opened up on his trauma publicly, he now sees his honesty as an act of strength.
“The night it was released, I was a total disaster. Frozen,” he continued. “But once I saw how many people could relate, I felt the weight lift off my shoulders. My story is out there.”
He continued: “I’ve worked hard to put that chapter behind me, which is what I wanted most. And for those of you who do stand with me, thank you. Because your support makes me feel like the sky’s the limit.”
Bell as Ice King was referring to the documentary series “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids’ TV,” in which he opened up on being sexually abused while starring on the Nickelodeon series “Drake and Josh.”
‘An emotional rollercoaster’:Drake Bell reflects on the aftermath of ‘Quiet on Set’ revelations
Which celebrities have been revealed on ‘The Masked Singer’?
Celebrities that have previously been unmasked on the show include:
- Week 1: John Elway as Leaf Sheep
- Week 2: Nicole Brown as Showbird
- Week 3: Marsai Martin as Woodpecker
- Week 3: Paula Cole as Ship
- Week 4: Andy Richter as Dust Bunny
- Week 5: Laverne Cox as Chess Piece
- Week 6: Natalie Imbruglia as Bluebell
- Week 7: Bethany Hamilton as Macaron
‘The Masked Singer’ remaining contestants
- Wasp
- Royal Knight
- Sherlock Hound
- Buffalo
- Goo
- Strawberry Shortcake
How to watch ‘The Masked Singer’
“The Masked Singer” airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox. New episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.
The show, now in its 12th season, will also see the return of fan-favorite themes such as “Soundtrack of My Life” and “Thanksgiving Night,” along with new themes such as “Sports Night,” “60’s Night” and a first-of-its-kind “Who Are You Fest,” featuring music from memorable festival lineups, as per FOX.
‘The Masked Singer’ Season 12:How to watch, stream
