Ginuwine as Husky.Photo:Prince Williams/Wireimage; Michael Becker / FOX
Prince Williams/Wireimage; Michael Becker / FOX
Ginuwinetraded in “Pony” for Husky onThe Masked Singer.
The R&B singer, 53, unmasked as Husky onWednesday’s Rock Night, which also saw Tiki — aka Sebastian Bach — go home. Ginuwine tells PEOPLE he initially felt hesitant about going onThe Masked Singer.
Ginuwine just missed competing in the finale, but “ultimately, it was fun,” he says of hisMasked Singerexperience. “I’ll never forget it.”
The father of nine shares what it felt like performing under the furry Husky costume, his thoughts on the legacy of “Pony” and his reaction to being mentioned inBritney Spears’memoir.
GINUWINE: A lot of people that know me know that’s not my lane. That’s not stuff that I do. I’ve turned down movies and all kinds of stuff like that. That’s just not my thing. Just like anything else that I’ve done in my life, if I set out to do it, I see it all the way through, so that’s something I was glad that I did do. Usually when I’m doing my shows and being on the road, I pretty much go to the place, go to the hotel, do the show and come on back home. So I got an opportunity to travel a little more and relax and do something that was different.
Why were you drawn to the Husky costume?
I was happy about it being the Husky because it represents who I am as a person. I’m a hard worker, alpha male, all that good stuff. Seeing the costume and being in the costume was two different things, but it was definitely a representation of who I am.
Ginuwine performing as Husky on ‘The Masked Singer’ season 10.Michael Becker / FOX
Michael Becker / FOX
How did it feel performing as Husky?
That was a little task for me to overcome. It was very hot, very uncomfortable for me. But once I got into it and people started screaming and you get into the whole show and production of it all, I zone in and stick to what I set out to do. It helped me finish it.
So you relied on a the energy of the crowd to power through?
Absolutely. That’s been my whole career. The crowd is loving it, I’m loving it and it takes my mind off of any uncomfortable situation that I’m in. Being in that costume was truly uncomfortable, but once I got out there and started doing my thing, I was able to go see it through.
I was absolutely laughing under the costume. That kept me cool up under there because it was funny, and I was happy that they weren’t getting it right off the bat. Anybody that’s been to my concerts, they know how I usually would sound. Because I was pretty much hoarse, I think that was a plus because my voice is very distinctive. I knowRobin Thickeand I knowNick Cannon, so I was like, I’m glad I’m not sounding like myself.
Did you try to pick songs that didn’t sound like something you would normally perform?
I thought that was the genius of the show, of picking those songs, because if I had an opportunity to pick the songs that I liked, they would get me right off the bat. So for them to choose the songs that they chose, at first, I was a little agitated, but I understood it.
Ginuwine in New Orleans in July.Paras Griffin/Getty
Paras Griffin/Getty
Do you have any guesses for any of the remaining contestants?
In one of your clue packages, you talked about the deaths of your parents. How did you cope?
That process was a struggle for me. I’m sure anybody can understand that. But as I said, being an alpha male, being a person with a strong mind, strong-willed, I was able to continue. You never forget, but you’re able to continue and your days get better. Me continuing to work hard, that’s how I honor my mom and my dad. They always hoped that I would conquer my love for music and performing, and they were able to see that and enjoy it for a few years of my career.
Your career has spanned 27 years. Which song or project do fans recognize you most for these days?
Your name came up in Britney Spears' memoir because she claimed Justin Timberlake put on a blaccent while meeting you. Did you hear about that?
Yeah, yeah, I definitely heard about it. People were calling about that. But I can tell you I don’t remember that happening. I truly don’t remember that happening. If Justin would’ve did something like that, I probably would’ve looked at him like, “Why are you acting like that?” If he did that, that would be something that I would remember. That would’ve definitely stuck out. So nah, Idon’t remember that happening.
Had you been getting calls from people suspecting you were onThe Masked Singer?
Definitely. I’ve gotten calls, but of course, I didn’t validate anything. I was like, “Oh man, I wouldn’t do no show like that. I like the show, but that’s just not me. I wouldn’t have done that.” But of course, my kids knew, because they watch the show a lot, and they’re the ones that actually turned me on to the show. I’m happy that I did it.
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The Masked Singerairs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
source: people.com
