Richie Sambora says he felt like James Bond after dressing up as a root vegetable while appearing in the latest series of The Masked Singer.
The Bon Jovi guitarist was finally unmasked on Saturday night after appearing as Jack Potato on the wacky show, which has seen celebrity performers hide their true identities behind wacky outfits.
And Sambora, 63, a self-confessed fan of the widely syndicated format after being smitten with its American version during lockdown, admitted hiding under the outfit’s awkward potato head, conjuring up startling images of a certain British secret agent.
He told the judges: “It was incredible – like James Bond! – having to be so secretive, but every day I could show up and sing these amazing songs by songwriters and artists that I love so much. I hope everyone at home had as much fun with Jack Potato as I did.”
He added, “From the moment I first saw Jack I felt connected to the character I could become while playing him. It felt like the right fit! Who doesn’t love a potato?’
Unpeeled: Richie Sambora has compared himself to James Bond after dressing up as a root vegetable while appearing in the latest series of The Masked Singer
Sambora also admitted his appearance on the show reflected his current career path, with the Bon Jovi star currently preparing to release coronavirus-inspired solo single Livin’ Alone.
He said: “In my very first passport under occupation I wrote ‘self-employed entertainer’ and now it’s true!
“It all gave me new energy and focus on releasing new music and getting back on the road, so I hope you all enjoy Livin’ Alone when it comes out in a few weeks. It was written with love for you all during the most difficult time the world has seen in decades.’
The legendary American guitarist fell in love with The Masked Singer as the world went into hibernation at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, and he admits he couldn’t wait to get involved.
“I love being a guitarist and a songwriter,” he explained. “And of course, I am very privileged and honored to have had such success and accolades as a GRAMMY Winner, Ivor Novello Award Winner, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Well hidden: The Bon Jovi guitarist was finally unmasked on Saturday night after joining the zany show as Jack Potato
take it off Sambora admitted hiding under the outfit’s awkward potato head conjured up surprising images of a certain British secret agent
New venture: Sambora also admitted his appearance on the show reflected his current career path, with the Bon Jovi star currently preparing to release a solo single
“But what I really love is singing! My hiatus from Bon Jovi and the impact of COVID on my solo tour meant the only thing I could do was record a new record until I saw The Masked Singer!
“I loved it and it was a lot of fun to watch at a time when the world was a little quieter than it had been since Bon Jovi launched 37 years ago due to lockdowns and being forced to stay at home.”
He added, “After seeing so many great singers that I loved being on the show, I decided I wanted to do it myself.
“A lot of the biggest songs I’ve been a part of, from ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ to ‘It’s My Life’, I’ve continued singing with Jon and I just wanted to enjoy singing again and show it to my fans in the UK some love It’s always been my second home!’
Amber Riley also shocked the judges on Saturday night when she was revealed to be Jellyfish, and she was overjoyed to discover Sambora had heard her sing a Bon Jovi song earlier on the show.
Surprised: Amber Riley shocked the judges on Saturday night when she was revealed to be Jellyfish
guess who!? The Glee singer was unmasked in the semifinals, much to the shock of judges Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Rita Ora, Peter Crouch and Mo Gilligan
The Glee singer was unmasked in the semifinals, much to the shock of judges Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Rita Ora, Peter Crouch and Mo Gilligan.
One of the clues related to her performance in Dreamgirls the Musical, while the mirror ball referred to her win on Dancing With The Stars.
Only Jonathan had correctly guessed Amber by cleverly guessing the clues to being happy as code for Glee, while the others guessed it was Alesha Dixon and Jennifer Hudson.
Amber confessed, “I really tried to pick songs where people wouldn’t recognize my voice.”
Discussing why she got on the show, she said, “I thought it would be fun and I love singing and performing.”
“I thought they were way off the mark with the assumptions, it was kind of funny to be honest. But I KNEW Jonathan Ross was going to get me.”
Legend: The Bon Jovi star left the judges stunned as he removed his mask, with Davina being the only judge to guess correctly
Last three: First was Fawn, whose loudest clue was “Rankin,” which led Rita to believe it was Myleene Klass, Jonathan told Billie Piper, and Mo held on to his guns that it was Shania Twain
She added: “I was nervous because I couldn’t see very well and my balance was pretty lost and on top of the jet lag there was so much to juggle at once. But I did it!’
Bon Jovi star Sambora had previously left the judges stunned as he removed his mask, with Davina being the only judge to guess correctly.
He said: “It took a little getting used to, but it’s a wild reality when you’re doing this show. I had a lot of fun. We thought we were fooling some people.”
Several clues leading to his identity were “billions”, referring to the band’s billions of streams, and the clue 4313° Celsius, which equals the second album’s 7800° Fahrenheit.
The rest of the contestants successfully advanced to the finals after singing their hearts out.
First was Fawn, whose loudest clue was “Rankin,” leading Rita to believe it was Myleene Klass, Jonathan telling Billie Piper and Mo sticking to his guns that it was Shania Twain.
Phoenix came next with a rendition of Mika’s Grace Kelly and a reference to “frequency” that suggested David Tennant and Ronan Keating.
The last was Rhino, who performed Use Me and wowed the judges with his singing but left them baffled by the reference “zombie”.
Who could it be? Phoenix came next with a rendition of Mika’s Grace Kelly and a reference to “frequency” that suggested David Tennant and Ronan Keating
Mystery: Last was Rhino, who performed Use Me and wowed the judges with his singing but left them baffled by the reference “zombie”.