Joel McHale and Nikki Glaser, “The Masked Singer” (Michael Becker/Fox)
World
‘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!”
“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.
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
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
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)
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is facing mounting anger over a mandatory 20% ethanol-blended fuel policy, with vehicle owners demanding choice and an opposition politician asking carmakers Maruti Suzuki and Toyota to provide clarity.
World
With US unleashing attacks, Iranian official threatens that the Islamic Republic will deliver a ‘hard slap’
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An Iranian official warned that the Islamic Republic will deliver a “hard slap” while another blatantly threatened the U.S. that “if you strike, you’ll get hit,” according to automatic translations from the two men’s Persian-language posts on X.
Ebrahim Rezaei, whose profile on the social media platform indicates that he is a representative in Iran’s Parliament and the spokesperson for the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, wrote in a post on X, “The martyred Khamenei taught us not to fear America and showed that ‘falsehood will perish.’ Await the hard slap from the Iranians.”
The speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned, “America still hasn’t learned that bullying and breaking promises are no longer cost-free. Let me put it plainly: if you strike, you’ll get hit. Don’t flail around pointlessly, or you’ll sink even deeper: the Strait of Hormuz will only open with ‘Iranian arrangements,’ not American threats.”
Both of the men issued their posts on Wednesday after U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced more strikes against Iran.
“At the direction of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway,” CENTCOM had noted in a post on X.
TRUMP SAYS IRAN CEASEFIRE DEAL IS ‘OVER’ AFTER NEW ROUND OF STRIKES
People gather at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla for a farewell ceremony for Iran’s late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on July 4, 2026, in Tehran, Iran. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)
The U.S. military later provided more information about the attacks.
“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces completed an additional round of strikes against Iran, July 8, to further degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping and innocent civilian mariners in the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM noted on Wednesday night.
“U.S. forces struck approximately 90 Iranian military targets including air defense systems, coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone storage sites, naval capabilities, and military logistics infrastructure along Iran’s coastline. The latest strikes follow successful execution of offensive strikes in Iran the night before,” the announcement noted. “CENTCOM forces hit approximately 80 Iranian military targets July 7, including more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats, to impose heavy costs for Iran violating the ceasefire by attacking three commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.”
TRUMP DEMANDS END TO TRADE WITH KEY US ALLY, CALLS IT A ‘WASTED CAUSE’
President Donald Trump indicated on Wednesday that, as far as he was concerned, the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding ceasefire was “over.”
Kuwait and Bahrain have both reported coming under attack.
The Kuwait Army noted in a Thursday post on X, which was written in Arabic, “The Official Spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, Major General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, stated that the armed forces detected, at dawn today, (3) ballistic missiles, (1) cruise missile, and (10) hostile drones within Kuwaiti airspace, which were successfully intercepted and dealt with.”
TRUMP SAYS ‘IRAN LIES AND CHEATS’ AS IRGC EMERGES AS DOMINANT FORCE IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH US
President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, on July 8, 2026. (SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)
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The Bahrain Defense Force noted in a post that was in Arabic, “The General Command clarifies that, with firm resolve and high combat readiness, the Bahrain Defense Force’s air defense systems confronted, intercepted, and destroyed several treacherous Iranian aerial attacks this morning, Thursday, July 9, 2026 CE.”
Three wins to go. How can your team reach the final and win the World Cup 2026? Click here to find out.
Who: Norway vs England list of 3 itemsend of list
What: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Quarterfinals
Where: Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, the United States
When: Saturday, July 11, at 5pm (21:00 GMT)
How to follow: We will have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 18:00 GMT before our live text commentary stream.
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Four weeks ago, if you told Norwegians their team would be in the World Cup quarterfinals, they might have laughed it off. But this weekend, the Scandinavian country is set to break new ground.
Norway’s dream run in North America enters a new chapter when the tournament’s dark horses take on title contenders England for a place in the semifinals.
It took Norway a whopping 28 years to return to the sport’s biggest stage, and they have made their mark in style – from their traditional Viking row celebrations capturing global attention to striker Erling Haaland becoming the internet’s darling.
A lethal presence in the box and a goofy, no-nonsense personality off the pitch, Haaland has become somewhat of an all-round entertainer for viewers. His exemplary goal-scoring figures make you almost forget he’s playing in his debut World Cup – and next up, the towering striker will go toe-to-toe with England’s Harry Kane, another number nine who delivers when it matters most.
How did Norway and England reach the round of 16?
Norway finished second in Group I with six points, beating Senegal and Iraq and losing to France. They started their knockout phase with a late 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast before stunning Brazil by the same scoreline to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.
England topped Group L with seven points, beating Croatia and Panama and drawing with Ghana. They needed a second-half comeback to beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the round of 32 and knocked out cohosts Mexico 3-2 in a scintillating last-16 contest at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
Pressure firmly on England
The chants of “It’s Coming Home” were louder than ever when England’s fighting spirit – against the background of high altitude, history and a red card – steered them to victory against the home side Mexico.
Sharing 10 of the team’s 11 goals between them, the dynamic duo of Kane and Jude Bellingham has kept England alive in the title race, especially at a time when there are defensive deficiencies in the squad.
The in-form side, which also boasts more World Cup experience than Norway, are deemed favourites to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2018.
“We’ve been here a few times,” said England winger Bukayo Saka. “But the best team on the day is going to be the team that wins, so we’re aware of that and that’s where our focus is.”
England’s leaky defence – which has kept only two clean sheets in five games – will face its toughest test yet against Haaland, whose seven goals rank him third in the Golden Boot race, only behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Haaland: The most recognisable face at the World Cup
In their first World Cup since 1998, Norway, a nation of just more than five million people, has exceeded expectations.
After stunning the record five-time world champions Brazil to reach their first-ever quarterfinal, Norway will be eager to take down another giant and extend their fairytale run.
As much as their success has been a team effort, the spotlight has centred on their poster boy, Haaland – the blond, pony-tailed, 1.95-metre- (6ft4-) tall striker and a new social media sensation.
With his nonchalant replies in news conferences, awkward post-match selfies on Snapchat and a glittering collection of luxury handbags, the striker has drawn attention for more than just his goal-scoring prowess. In fact, “Haaland mania” has reached a fever pitch during the course of the World Cup.
Instagram is flooded with AI-generated and animated videos of him, stitched with his now-famous song “Ha-ha-ha-Haaland”.
“It’s important to joke around … I like to joke a little bit, and I like to have fun,” Haaland said. “That’s a key for my daily life – to joke around and, of course, train well and prepare well.”
Haaland’s top-notch preparation has delivered outcomes that even the 25-year-old did not expect.
“To be in the quarterfinals with Norway in the World Cup is quite surprising, even for me,” he said.
“Just to be able to play in the World Cup is, for me, a huge honour, and it was a huge goal for me in my career. To be able to be here and play on the biggest stage with my Norwegian friends against the best teams in the world, it’s really special.”
Norway vs England predictions
The Opta supercomputer gives England a 50.4 percent likelihood of winning in regulation time, while Norway’s chances of winning are 25.1 percent.
The model estimates a 24.6 percent probability of the game going to extra time.
What time is Norway vs England?
- Norway: NRK1, NRK2, TV 2 (11pm, Central European Summer Time)
- United Kingdom: STV, STV Player, ITV1, ITVX (10pm, British Summer Time)
- USA: Peacock, Fox, Fox One, Telemundo App, Telemundo Network (5pm, Eastern Daylight Time)
To check the TV listings for your country, head to FIFA’s TV listing schedule here.
Who will the winner face in the semifinals?
The winner of the Norway vs England match will play Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinals in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Norway vs England: Head-to-head
Norway and England have never met at the World Cup, but have previously faced each other 12 times. England have won seven times, Norway twice, while three matches ended in a draw.
Their most recent encounter came in a 2014 international friendly, which England won 1-0 at Wembley.
Norway vs England: Team news
England will be without defender Jarell Quansah after he was handed a two-match ban for picking up a red card in the game against Mexico. He will miss the quarterfinal and a potential semifinal should England advance.
Centre-back Marc Guehi has a slight hamstring strain and will be assessed later on Friday to see if he is fit to play, while Reece James remains doubtful with a hamstring injury.
Defensive midfielder Jordan Henderson has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a broken wrist.
No issues have been reported in the Norway camp.
Norway’s predicted lineup
(4-3-3): Nyland (goalkeeper); Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Berg, Berge, Odegaard; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa
England’s predicted lineup
(4-2-3-1): Pickford (goalkeeper); Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
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