Popcorn Never Tried to Hide Her Massive Voice on ‘The Masked Singer’: ‘We’re Not Here to Fool Anybody’

When the ultimate kernel popped and the bathtub got here off, although, it was none apart from Taylor Dayne.

The singer, who has offered greater than 75 million data worldwide due to such hits as “Inform It To My Coronary heart,” “Love Will Lead You Again” and “I’ll All the time Love You,” has finished all the things from touring with Michael Jackson to showing on Broadway in Elton John’s Aida in 2001. However, she tells Billboard, it was her run on Masked Singer that actually bought her blood working in the course of the pandemic lockdown.

Between this summer season’s epic dance anthem “Please,” final 12 months’s memoir Inform It To My Coronary heart: How I Misplaced My S–t, Conquered My Worry and Discovered My Voice and up to date studio periods for contemporary tracks, Dayne has loads of issues to be glad about this 12 months. Chatting with Billboard earlier than her elimination, the singer described why she needed to get underneath the bucket throughout these darkish, darkish instances.

Why did you choose Popcorn? It appeared like a wise selection as a result of it was the cutest and, seemingly, the least cumbersome. 

Precisely what you simply stated. I assumed she was lovable and accessible to the viewers. She’s pleasant and we had an election this 12 months and all the things was so doom and gloom and all of us wanted a contemporary tackle transferring by way of the 12 months. I really like the familiarity and the smile on her face.

Had been you watching the present earlier than you agreed to be on it? What appealed to you?

Sure I’ve, they usually stated my identify final season, so I used to be like, “Ohhhh… hiya??” [The judges dropped Dayne’s name last season while guessing the identity of eventual season 3 winner Night Angel Kandi Burruss.]

The present appears like the proper pandemic distraction. Was that a part of the explanation you probably did it, to provide individuals one thing to search out pleasure in throughout lockdown?

Sure, 100%. It is simply nice, the chemistry is actual and these guys are having a blast.

You’re recognized for being a dynamic, high-energy performer. Did it’s a must to tamp down a few of your signature stage strikes in order to not be too apparent?

I feel we did that with the fabric, and when you noticed all of the responses, you’d perceive what I imply. We did it with the producers and the choice of songs. We went by way of the checklist they usually’ve had among the biggest voices of all time on the present, in order that they perceive, and clearly my voice could be very recognizable. On some degree, between [judges] Robin [Thicke], Jenny [McCarthy] and Nicole [Scherzinger], I do know these individuals and we’re not right here to idiot anyone. However I needed [the performances] to be very pleasant, so I selected materials that was in my lane and a few that wasn’t… that may throw individuals off. However I additionally didn’t wish to dummy down my voice.

The guesses for you have been all over, kind Ken suggesting Tiger King‘s Carol Baskin to Anita Baker, Katy Perry, Tina Turner, Molly Ringwald and Mary J. Blige. Had been you stunned, horrified, delighted by these guesses?

Oh no! I am telling you this present… each time I watch it, it cracks me up. It is so effectively finished you simply should snigger! I used to be simply attempting to breathe underneath the costume and I am listening for the beat underneath a drum for a stomach and ensuring I can stand in place and see my ft.

It was fascinating that you just selected two songs by male singers. What was the problem for you in singing these songs?

I am an enormous Bryan Adams fan and Harry Types was a producer selection and I needed to discover the rhythm in that one. As soon as I discovered it and understood, I did what I’ve with Barry White and lots of different male vocalists I’ve lined. I did what I do, which is use the rhythm of it and perceive the place they’re coming from and the male perspective. I did it with the Purple Scorching Chili Peppers’ “Below the Bridge,” identical factor.

Did you anticipate to get so far as you probably did? Had been you planning to win?

These are difficult issues, these competitors exhibits, and you haven’t any expectations. I had no thought who these Snow Owls were, however I am going to inform you these Owls have been competitors! Belief me. When the male owl was singing, I used to be like, “Okey dokey.”

You’ve finished another actuality TV, Broadway, films, however absolutely this was the weirdest factor you have finished thus far?

No, I might say there’s been some additional bizarre issues I’ve finished, nevertheless it was positively very joyful and one thing else. I beloved being part of it. it felt prefer it made sense. This was stunning.

It’s been greater than a decade because you launched an album. Had been you nervous in any respect to burst again into the general public eye on the most important actuality present on TV? Do these previous nerves come again?

No. Not nerves, simply anticipation and the enjoyment of it. I am greater than prepared, I simply have to coach and get my voice into a spot and that is what you do: you keep prepared. I am at all times in a skilled place and then you definately do what you do.

You’ve gotten college-age twins. Did you inform them and the way did they really feel about you being on the present?

They’re 18 they usually’re on the point of go off to school they usually’re so proud. They like it.