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‘The Masked Singer’ Reveals Identity of Dust Bunny: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume

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‘The Masked Singer’ Reveals Identity of Dust Bunny: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume

SPOILER ALERT: Details follow for Season 12, Episode 4 of “The Masked Singer,” “Sports Night,” which aired October 16 on Fox.

In the Year Two Thousand (and 24)… Andy Richter will be eliminated as Dust Bunny on “The Masked Singer.” The “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” and “Conan” sidekick — plus “Andy Richter Controls the Universe”/”Andy Barker P.I.” star — managed to stump the “Masked Singer” panelists, as no one got it right.

Panelist Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg said it was John C. Reilly. Ken Jeong though it was Will Ferrell. Robin Thicke named Chevy Chase. Rita Ora said it was Jay Leno.

“Singing has always been a secret ambition of mine,” Richter-as-Dust-Bunny said in his “Masked Singer” package. “When I was a rookie who first got into the biz, I had a super important job: Making coffee. Until I was asked to stand in for a person to test the lighting, and wouldn’t you know it, apparently I had a face for TV. Since then, I’ve collected quite a list of co-stars. Anne Hathaway, David Bowie, even Marlon Brando. Though no one’s ever seen that footage!”

Joel McHale and Nikki Glaser, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)

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“Sports Night” opened with guests Joel McHale and Nikki Glaser introducing a performance by panelists Thicke and Ora. Thicke and Ora faced off in a boxing ring, singing “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” by Scorpion, with Ora eventually chosen as winner of their tag team. Glaser previously appeared on Season 8 of “Masked Singer” as “Snowstorm,” while McHale is a frequent guest panelist on the series. Earlier this season, he was seen in a clip touting his relationship with Showbird, who wound up being his “Community” co-star Yvette Nicole Brown. McHale and Glaser were seen throughout the episode as sideline commentators.

Andy Richter as Dusty Bunny joins Paula Cole as Ship, Marsai Martin as Woodpecker, Yvette Nicole Brown as Showbird and John Elway as Leaf Sheep as the celebrities unmasked on “The Masked Singer” Season 12.

Back for Season 12 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke, while Ora also returned to the desk for the second consecutive season to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger.

“The Masked Singer” Season 12 themed episodes include tributes to Mattel’s Barbie as it hits its 65th anniversary, and the film “Footloose” as it marks its 40th anniversary. Miley Cyrus will also be honored with an episode devoted to her music catalog, while also new is a “Who Are You Fest,” featuring music from “memorable festival lineups,” as well as a “Sports Night” and a “60’s Night.” Tentpole themes that are back include “Soundtrack of My Life” and “Thanksgiving Night.”

New this season, clues will be “strategically embedded in costumes, in song choices and on-stage moments.” And the fifteen celebrity contestants will be endorsed by a “celebrity Masked Ambassador,” made up of previous participants including Dick Van Dyke (Season 9’s Gnome), Jewel (Season 6 winner as the Queen of Hearts), Ne-yo (Season 10 winner as the Cow) and DeMarcus Ware (Season 11’s Koala). And the “Ding Dong Keep It On” bell is also back this morning, but only one singer across the three group finals can be saved.

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Season 12 features 15 contestants performing in new costumes including “Ship,” “Leaf Sheep,” “Woodpecker,” “Chess Piece,” “Bluebell,” “Buffalo,” “Showbird,” “Dust Bunny,” “Goo,” “Strawberry Shortcake” and more.

Here were the first Group B performances on Wednesday’s Episode 4, “Sports Night”:

Wasp, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)

Wasp

Song: “Rock Your Body,” by Justin Timberlake

Panel guesses: Taye Diggs, Bruno Mars, Jason Derulo

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Masked Ambassador clue: Ne-Yo (Cow, Season 10): “I think it’s about time for my boy Wasp to enter the game. I’ve known him since he was fresh on the scene, and he gained huge success by taking my words of wisdom. I think he’s got what it takes to snag the Golden Mask trophy, just like I did in Season 10.”

Wasp voiceover: “I mean, I grew up in a tough neighborhood. There was no reason that I should have made it out. But I learned to dig deep and fight. My career turned into a high activity. We’re talking the biggest stages and screens in the world.”

Sports Night shoe clue: Basketball shoes. “Well, Nick, fresh kicks helps me to stay on my game.”

Chess Piece, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)

Chess Piece

Song: “Believe,” by Cher

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Panel guesses: Serena Williams, Regina King, Ashley Graham

Masked Ambassador clue: Nikki Glaser (Snowstorm, Season 8): “I know when you think of Nikki Glaser, you think of fashion icon. And that’s why I’m here. To introduce the most fashion-forward friend that I know.”

Chess Piece voiceover: “”Look, I love a fashion moment. I just never thought I’d be here. There were times I felt like a pawn with no protection. People doubted me my whole life. But I had to believe in myself. And make bold moves across the board, to secure my crown and that leading role that changed my game.”

Sports Night shoe clue: Tennis shoes. “In the first round of the match, it’s love serving love.”

Bluebell, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)

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Bluebell

Song: “We Belong,” by Pat Benatar

Panel guesses: Taylor Momsen, Elle Goulding, Paris Hilton, Leighton Meester

Masked Ambassador clue: Kelly Osbourne (Ladybug, Season 2): “I’m here to dish some top secret info about my friend Bluebell. Who certainly knows a thing or two about tabloid fodder. I should know, we even made headlines together. She had worldwide overnight success. But with major fame comes major gossip.”

Bluebell voiceover: “As my career was blossoming, and the rumors were going wild about my alleged relationships with rock stars, billionaires and even royals, the truth is, my true love never bloomed until recently. Now that I’ve found it, I’ve never been happier. We belong together. And now I’m here because, well, I’m kind of having a moment.”

Sports Night shoe clue: Roller blades. “I try to roll with the situation, but I always rock and roll.”

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Dust Bunny, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)

Dust Bunny

Song: “Sweet Caroline,” by Neil Diamond

Panel guesses: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Jay Leno

Masked Ambassador clue: Dick Van Dyke (Gnome, Season 9): “Hello there, ladies and gentlemen. It’s me, Dick Van Dyke. You may remember me as the cute Gnome from Season 9. Now, I am 98 years old. So, I know a little something about collecting dust. So here is my pal, the Dust Bunny.”

Dust Bunny voiceover: “Thanks Dick! Hi, I’m Dust Bunny. I’m here to audition for The Masked Singer because singing has always been a secret ambition of mine. When I was a rookie who first got into the biz, I had a super important job. Making coffee. Until I was asked to stand in for a person to test the lighting, and wouldn’t you know it, apparently I had a face for TV. Since then, I’ve collected quite a list of co-stars. Anne Hathaway, David Bowie, even Marlon Brando. Though no one’s ever seen that footage.”

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Sports Night shoe clue: Ice skates. “Well, my attitude in this competition is to burn through it in a blaze of glory.”

Goo, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)

Goo

Song: “Lose Control,” by Teddy Swims

Panel guesses: Jon Batiste, Shaboozey, Khalid

Masked Ambassador clue: Keenan Allen (Gargoyle, Season 9): “Excited to be a Masked Ambassador, with some classified information. On Season 9 as the Gargoyle, everyone got to see my softer, sensitive side. Even though they know me as tough. And on Goo, I can say he’s the same.”

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Goo voiceover: “Growing up, I wanted to tackle everything in my way. But inside, I was really sensitive. Oozing with emotions. Once my older brother started playing guitar, I found my escape. After tough days at school I’d sit in my room crying, sitting through the pains of high school trauma. I became a total music nerd. Starting acapella groups, music lab and even winning awards.”

Sports Night shoe clue: Music cleats. “For me, you may want to focus on the sole of the shoes.”

Last season’s performers included Vanessa Hudgens, who won the Season 11 crown as Goldfish, beating out Scott Porter, who had performed as Gumball. Other performers included Thelma Houston (Clock), Chrissy Metz (Poodle Moth), Corey Feldman (Seal) and Clay Aiken/Ruben Studdard (Beets), Jenifer Lewis (Miss Cleocatra), Kate Flannery (Starfish), Charlie Wilson (Ugly Sweater), DeMarcus Ware (Koala), Colton Underwood (Love Bird), Sisqó (Lizard), Billy Bush (Sir Lion), Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs), Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound) and Kevin Hart (Book).

“The Masked Singer” comes from Fox Alternative Entertainment. Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis and Cannon are executive producers, while Seitchik serves as showrunner. The series is based on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.

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Venezuelan dissident Machado credits Trump for advancing freedom movement, dedicates Nobel to him

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Venezuelan dissident Machado credits Trump for advancing freedom movement, dedicates Nobel to him

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

FIRST ON FOX: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is crediting President Donald Trump for helping sustain Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement while dedicating her Nobel Peace Prize to him, telling Fox News Digital that he provided critical support at a moment when Venezuelans felt abandoned by the international community.

“I am absolutely grateful to President Trump for every gesture, every signal and every moment that he has stood with the Venezuelan people. I have watched it very closely, and I know what it has meant for those who are fighting to reclaim democracy and freedom in our country,” she stated.

“A free and democratic Venezuela is not only possible — it is closer than ever. And that free Venezuela is breathing louder than ever before,” Machado said, adding that her Nobel Peace Prize is also dedicated to Trump. “This Nobel Prize is symbolic of that fight for freedom and is dedicated to the Venezuelan people and to President Trump for showing what strong leadership looks like in the moments that matter most.”

EXPERT REVEALS WHAT IT WOULD TAKE FOR TRUMP TO DEPLOY TROOPS TO VENEZUELA: ‘POSSIBILITY OF ESCALATION’

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Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado waves at the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway, early Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB Scanpix via AP)

An official familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that Machado hopes to visit the U.S. and meet the president to formally honor him for what she views as his support for the Venezuelan people.

Machado’s remarks come as she re-emerged publicly in Oslo, Norway, after spending 11 months in hiding. After a brief detention during an anti-government protest in Caracas, she went underground as pressure from the Maduro government intensified.

Her return to the public eye coincided with the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, where her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the award on her behalf. The Associated Press reported that Machado waved to cheering supporters from a hotel balcony — her first public appearance in nearly a year.

SCHUMER ACCUSES TRUMP OF PUSHING US TOWARD ‘FOREIGN WAR’ WITH VENEZUELA

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The daughter of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ana Corina Sosa, accepts the award on behalf of her mother, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, during the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at Oslo City Hall, Norway, on Dec. 10. (Ole Berg-Rusten/NTB Scanpix, Pool via AP)

Machado was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election despite winning the opposition primary by a wide margin, a move that drew strong criticism from Western governments.

Roxanna Vigil, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, told Fox News Digital that Machado remains “the most popular political figure in Venezuela,” adding that she secured “over 90% of the vote” in the opposition primary before being blocked by Maduro. “She became a real threat… and so they disqualified her from running,” Vigil said. Machado ultimately endorsed Edmundo González, who went on to win the election.

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Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado addresses supporters at a protest against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, the day before his inauguration for a third term. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

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Machado ultimately endorsed González, who was widely regarded by independent tallies of the result as having won the 2024 election, but who did not assume the presidency after Venezuela’s official National Electoral Council, controlled by Maduro allies, declared Nicolás Maduro the winner and inaugurated him for another term.

Machado has signaled she intends to return to Venezuela when conditions allow and continues to call for a peaceful transition away from Maduro’s rule.

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Residents emerge in DR Congo’s tense Uvira after M23 rebel takeover

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Residents emerge in DR Congo’s tense Uvira after M23 rebel takeover

A cautious calm has settled over the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) city of Uvira in South Kivu province, as residents begin emerging from their homes following its capture by M23 rebels.

The capture earlier this week threatens to derail a United States-brokered peace agreement, signed with much fanfare and overseen by President Donald Trump a week ago, between Congolese and Rwandan leaders, with Washington accusing Rwanda on Friday of igniting the offensive.

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Regional authorities say at least 400 civilians, including women and children, have been killed in the violence between the cities of Bukavu and Uvira, both now under M23 control.

Al Jazeera is the only international broadcaster in Uvira, where correspondent Alain Uaykani on Saturday described an uneasy calm in the port city on the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika, which sits directly across from Burundi’s largest city, Bujumbura.

Uaykani said government and allied militias, known as “Wazalendo”, which had been using the city as a headquarters, began fleeing even before M23 fighters entered.

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Residents who fled as the Rwanda-backed group advanced have begun returning to their homes, though most shops and businesses remain shuttered.

“People are coming out, they feel the fear is behind them,” Uaykani said, though he noted the situation remains fragile with signs of intense combat visible throughout the city.

Bienvenue Mwatumabire, a resident of Uvira, told Al Jazeera he was at work when fighting between rebels and government forces broke out, and he heard gunshots from a neighbouring village and decided to stop, but said that “today we have noticed things are getting back to normal.”

Baoleze Beinfait, another Uvira resident, said people in the city were not being harassed by the rebels, but added, “We will see how things are in the coming days.”

M23’s spokesperson defended the offensive, claiming the group had “liberated” Uvira from what he called “terrorist forces”. The rebels say they are protecting ethnic Tutsi communities in eastern DRC, a region that has seen fighting intensify since earlier this year.

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The offensive, which began on December 2, has displaced more than 200,000 people across South Kivu province, according to local United Nations partners.

Rwanda accused of backing rebels

South Kivu officials said Rwandan special forces and foreign mercenaries were operating in Uvira “in clear violation” of both the recent Washington accords and earlier ceasefire agreements reached in Doha, Qatar.

At the UN Security Council on Friday, US ambassador Mike Waltz accused Rwanda of leading the region “towards increased instability and war,” warning that Washington would hold spoilers to peace accountable.

Waltz said Rwanda has maintained strategic control of M23 since the group re-emerged in 2021, with between 5,000 and 7,000 Rwandan troops fighting alongside the rebels in Congo as of early December.

“Kigali has been intimately involved in planning and executing the war in eastern DRC,” Waltz told the UNSC, referring to Rwanda’s capital.

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Rwanda’s UN ambassador denied the allegations, accusing the DRC of violating the ceasefire. Rwanda acknowledges having troops in eastern DRC but says they are there to safeguard its security, particularly against Hutu militia groups that fled across the border to Congo after Rwanda’s 1994 genocide.

The fall of Uvira has raised the alarm in neighbouring Burundi, which has deployed forces to the region. Burundi’s UN ambassador warned that “restraint has its limits,” saying continued attacks would make it difficult to avoid direct confrontation between the two countries.

More than 30,000 refugees have fled into Burundi in recent days.

The DRC’s foreign minister urged the UNSC to hold Rwanda accountable, saying “impunity has gone on for far too long”.

A report by the American Enterprise Institute’s Critical Threats project said Rwanda provided significant support to M23’s Uvira offensive, calling it the group’s most consequential operation since March.

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Al Jazeera’s UN correspondent Kristen Saloomey said UNSC members were briefed by experts who noted that civilians in DRC are not benefitting from the recent agreements negotiated between Kinshasa and Kigali.

More than 100 armed groups are fighting for control of mineral-rich eastern DRC near the Rwandan border. The conflict has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with more than seven million people displaced across the region.

The M23 group is not party to the Washington-mediated negotiations between DRC and Rwanda, participating instead in separate talks with the Congolese government hosted by Qatar.

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Video: Deadly Storm Causes Massive Flooding Across Gaza

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Video: Deadly Storm Causes Massive Flooding Across Gaza

new video loaded: Deadly Storm Causes Massive Flooding Across Gaza

Nearly 795,000 displaced people in Gaza were at risk of dangerous floodwaters, according to the United Nations. The heavy rain and strong winds flooded makeshift shelters and collapsed several buildings, according to the Gaza Civil Defense.

By Jorge Mitssunaga, Nader Ibrahim and Saher Alghorra

December 12, 2025

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