The season’s premiere came with a surprise reveal that no one was expecting. The first episode introduced six new characters and one contestant drew the short straw of elimination as tradition follows. Although, he pulled out all of the best moves and sung his heart out to Lenny Kravitz’s 1993 hit, “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” the robot character got the least amount of the audience’s votes, resulting in his elimination in the first episode. 

When it came time for the unmasking, the judges tossed out names from all over the entertainment world, from Olympic snowboarder Shaun White, actor Johnny Knoxville, comedian and television personality Steve-O, former Public Enemy hype man Flavor Flav and even retired world boxing champion, Floyd Mayweather.

The judges were floored when they discovered none other than New Orleanian hip-hop titan Lil Wayne under the mask. When asked why he went for the robot disguise, Weezy said he felt his kids would like it best. 

“When my kids watch the show with me, I know they are going to like the robot costume,” he explained. Media mogul Nick Cannon, who hosts the show, was equally shocked. “This is a moment for television history,” he commented.

The unexpected appearance and subsequent elimination of Weezy surprised some of his fans, who were pleasantly surprised to see him on the show despite the elimination. Most fans instantly recognized Tunechi’s distinct gravelly tone beneath the costume as well leading them to identify him before the official reveal. These same fans were astounded at how far off the mark the judges’ guesses were. 

Nonetheless, fans are just happy to see Wayne doing interviews and media appearances with the rollout of his 13th studio album, Funeral, since his reclined public absence in recent years. 

Check out fan’s reactions to Lil Wayne’s stint on The Masked Singer below.