'The Masked Singer' Winner Was Sure He'd Be Out the First Week

Ellen chatted with "The Masked Singer" winner, hip-hop artist and producer T-Pain, who admitted he decided to embarrass himself on the highest level with the monster costume, since he didn't think he'd last past the first episode of the hit show.
#TheEllenShow
#TPain
#TheMaskedSinger

[@DrAdnan]

T-Pain’s actually really vocally talented

[@kimmyleelee9333]

Adnan A anyone who can make auto tune sounds great are great singers

[@updasco9]

Kimmy C not lil mosey😂

[@eternityescape5601]

Yeah but he also doesn’t make auto tune sound great

[@sarahcha7029]

Yesssss he sure is. Heard him sing live!

[@abzm6160]

Adnan A duh

[@Tinamarie.Adorno]

T pain is so adorable 😭 love his personality

[@Itsjustmescott]

I had to watch him sing the song "This is how we do it" before i would see who it was. and i have to say he shattered my perception of him . he was on point and sounded great. now will he do an album without AutoTune? I'd buy it...

[@InkimacDemos]

True. I didn't even know I had a crush on him till this show. He is adorable. Lol

[@CourtJules1]

Tinamarie Adorno hes literally so lovable 😭😍

[@xianweber121080]

YES.. SO HUMBLE..

[@cessd2860]

Nick Canon is the only one who guessed him right!

[@kingriece0902]

He was on Nick's wild and out show and Nick knows alot of celebrities and he's around them more so he was next to him he figured it out.

[@BlackGirlMarvel]

Plus Nick said the way he was messing with him informed his identity too.

[@smokythebear1004]

They are friends actually

[@adub92199]

I knew it was him off his speaking voice

[@QueenMel_]

Nick is actually friends with alot of these contestants outside the show

[@ScarlettJ1221]

T-Pain's voice is beyond amazing, he did such a great job as the Monster! Totally Slayed!

[@suneedays13]

ScarlettP the guy in your pfp (Ansel) is hotttt 🥵

[@achanwahn]

He's so adorable as the monster. Loved it! Was my fave from day 1 & so glad he won

[@finesse1650]

Same!

[@clydeandfriends]

@Diamond Forever Me too! But even without the mask, I'd still want to hug him.

[@rakashisensei7023]

Everyone in HipHop and listens to hiphop knew that was T Pain from day 1 lol

[@Broosh]

I swear. I only watched the finale and in the first moment, I knew it was Teddy lol.

[@MrsIEllis]

Exactly!

[@tiara891ify]

@@Broosh I swear to God

[@mandm471]

Not me. But I did know he could sing cause I heard him before but I didn’t recognize it immediately

[@dakingltroyproductofdade3579]

rickey williams I didn’t until last 2 shows

[@Burrdmizzle]

Its clear now we need two things from T-Pain: -An album with his real singing voice -A podcast! I heard Nappyboy podcast is coming can't wait!

[@DRyzed]

His debut album was primarily his real voice lol...

[@TammyTheQueenBee]

@@DRyzed Another one would be pretty cool, too.

[@Burrdmizzle]

DRyzed I know but just an album without the autotune at all just to shut the haters up. He ain't got to but it'll be cool if he did

[@Trillville43]

@@Burrdmizzle he did but people wasnt checking for it

[@Burrdmizzle]

Anthony Garrett you sure which album are you talking about?

[@Lahjic7]

He definitely has a distinctive voice.. but it’s to fans that know him... Ellen obviously has no clue

[@ybradford6349]

He was on Ellen show 9 years ago, I just seen the video, she know lol

[@thesmellycatjazz]

@@ybradford6349 9 years is a lot of time to forget

[@JayTee22]

Im late lol but soon as he started on the show I knew it was him🤦🏾‍♀️

[@heartofthematter247]

No clue lol

[@claim5509]

Jalee Taylor I think every one knew

[@NoDidddy]

T-Pain always made songs without auto tune, no one paid attention. T-Pain with the biggest comeback!!

[@KalishaJ]

😂😂Rolling with laughther at your username 😂😂

[@jordanjones8144]

"I'm fighting for my life!!!!!"

[@token1371]

*I first saw the show on the third episode. As the Monster was singing, my wife who only like country music walked in and said "That's T-Pain". I said "WHAATT?". Had to Google him. Still confused on her "T-Pain life", but congratulations Mr. Pain.*

[@lisawillis6088]

The Oracle hahaha! I love it! Her secret T-Pain life

[@deb7457]

The Oracle Great story!!!

[@ms.bubs4fun506]

"I'm In Love With A Stripper"

[@yuhz1m1]

lololol

[@antonioking8524]

She listens to t pain I care we you live ever bar or ever club plays his top song buy u drink and shawty got apple bottoms jeans boots with fur the whole club

[@ryanvincenec3511]

He has great comedic timing

[@chelseawestfall8177]

I don’t think many people have an idea of how important this was to him. He was sick of using auto tune and even expressed that when he won. I’m so proud that he got the recognition he deserved ♥️

[@SimplyCanadian]

He's only 33 and is worth 35mil. I'm almost 29 and have -700$ fml

[@merricat3025]

He looks older than 33.

[@tamaradogubo]

I'm almost 25 and I have just 1000 naira which is roughly 4 dollars

[@kdawson8981]

I’m 38 and I think I have $150 in my bank account. SMH 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@kreyolqueen2279]

fragile dogubo That was funny 😂🤣🤣🤣

[@domramos1563]

At least you have something,I'm overdraft $35

[@Halatheone]

He is so humble!!!

[@carolea1629]

" *I picked a cylinder and a giant head* !" 😂

[@mr.notsocreative]

I love that Lil Wayne impression 😂 He is such a cool guy, I hope he actually rocks that chain somewhere fancy

[@Mictlan.x]

Didn't anybody see his Tiny Desk Concert?? We've know for years he has an amazing voice. So awesome that he won, though.

[@zedermeder]

Anyone else find Ellen to be a bit rude/off-putting in this interview? T-Pain has such positive energy and her vibe just isn’t matching up.

[@TheSCCandACCAreBadCommunities]

NikkiNewYork agreed I love her but he’s so humble and I felt like she was just idk inpatient or something

[@heartofthematter247]

Yeah she was very off-putting and rude. He was so nice, pleasant and funny! x

[@Splexsychiick]

True

[@amirasheedy9053]

I loved T-PAIN's costume and his acts my fave stay with me and how he comb his fur his costume is so cute!☺😀😁

[@ashleytenae1300]

Can we make sure he doesn’t disappear from the media again? He’s so good we need more songs from him now *without* the auto tune

[@Jonesy0218]

Real T-Pain fans recognized his voice from the beginning! He DOES have a distinct voice with and without autotune.

[@pixiestxNyomouf]

Facts! To me he sounds the same, autotune just made it higher

[@RJ-rp8yd]

Thank you!!! I knew it was him after the first ten seconds he started singing!

[@FMD023]

He made millions off auto tunes and won Grammys. He finally got to show the world his real voice. He definitely didn’t do this for the money but for validation from the fans that didn’t think he had vocal skills. Simply Amazing.

[@the.gr8danes]

He never needed auto tune. He used it to be different when he was coming up. Now, auto tune is INDUSTRY STANDARD.

[@plasmichoneytrip]

Every element..his monster costume being so adorable, him being so versatile, just cute, lovely, and AMAZINGLY TALENTED!!!!

[@MzAnointed3]

Lol his voice is distinctive... I was surprised they didn't know😊😊. Congrats oh winning tpain...

[@mrsbreazy7413]

Meka I haven’t heard his earlier music but I still guessed it was him 😫

[@hiatusmode989]

He is so humble and down to earth 😍👏🏻👏🏻

[@bigkahuna2048]

How has no one heard him sing without autotune and he has videos on KZbin of him singing Acustic. Smh

[@anieacody7078]

big kahuna wow you’re right I can’t believe some people have a life and didn’t take the time to look that up huh

[@destination2891]

cause not everyone listens to npr

[@TammyTheQueenBee]

Because they wanted to run with the idea of him not being able to sing without Auto-Tune. They could've easily searched T-Pain without Auto-Tune and would've known about 10+ years ago.

[@TammyTheQueenBee]

@@anieacody7078 It literally takes a second to search something online. It won't take that much out of your life.

[@bigkahuna2048]

@@TammyTheQueenBee so true

[@allouse1]

I wish T-pain did more songs with his slaying voice! 🔥

[@haleyajack]

T-Pain came to my college in 2018 and performed. He’s really as hilarious and genuine in person. I never watched the masked singer but when posts came up revealing the winner I watched his performance and automatically knew it was his voice

[@MsKitcloudkicker]

He is so humble and jolly!!! Hidden gem in the industry. Now we just need a ballad album

[@JamesJames-qo2rw]

I personally think his costume was the best costume. Listening to such soulful and heartfelt vocals coming out of a big Sully-from-monsters-Inc mascot costume was so silly and juxtaposing that I noticed the beauty in the music even more.

[@freedom9240]

T-pain has a very distinct voice!

[@sac_girl3151]

Lmao damn Ellen we get it .. you don’t think his voice is distinct 😂🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🙄🙄

[@heartofthematter247]

Sac_Girl she was so rude!

[@raine4510]

That really sounds like lil wayne😂😂😂

[@DjTecniq]

Raine I’m a white guy and he sounds nothing like Lil Wayne🤣

[@lakitisha1]

DjTecniq I think he meant his impression of him lol

[@ten9054]

"how did they not know its you?" i mean exactlyyyy lol fans been saying its him

[@margaretfalde]

His laugh is so infectious! I just realized I'm grinning so hard my cheeks actually hurt

[@Lisa_Uncensored]

He seems like such a sweet man.

[@BlizzyFoxTF]

That new album cannot come at a better time. Safe to say it is getting a looot of attention.

[@skyhighpizza1577]

“People don’t believe it be like it be , but it do “ T pain Senior Quote

[@emmie.shu3]

I like the fact that he is so humble and inspiring... in spite the fact that most are jealous of him...but T-pain keeps hustling and doing his thing...creatively unique and his voice with or without the auto tune will be always fine by me ...👍😎😎😎

[@zo.8658]

He has a Genuine personality and i love his sense of humor Lol that Lil Wayne impression was 😂😂

[@monicamackeyt7231]

I was floored when I didn’t guess who it was behind the monster suit but knew the voice- so glad TPain is getting the recognition for he deserves for his awesome gift👍🏾

[@bb.cute.channel]

So excited to hear that T-Pain and Donny Osmond are collaborating on a new project.

[@heartofthematter247]

BB Cute dope! Hope it comes thru NICE! x

[@JaeCoxx]

So good to see T-Pain happy and getting the attention he's deserved for so long.

[@MegTheGem1]

Technically, one person on the show guessed him correctly...Nick!

[@monicajohnson2683]

He slayed every song he sang on that show.

[@shayjones2311]

He did a Mashup of his popular songs with NO auto tune 😂😂 how does pple not know?

[@F371C1A_R]

I think the “monster” costume was absolutely perfect for him!! It’s very cute & lovable, just like him! T-pain is one of those people you just want in your life. He’s so humble, down to earth guy & extremely extremely talented. He really does have a distinctive voice & even personality. You know, I really don’t think he gives himself enough credit & doesn’t realize just how talented he is. I really wish they would record the whole version of his Stay With Me , cover! Absolutely beautiful!

[@Traceeluu10]

I didn’t know he had an album out, what kind of fan am I :( I’m still obsessed with that auto tune y’all did years ago. It used to be my ringer 😂😂 I’m downloading his album now!! 😍❤️❤️

[@dreameryoung38]

I didn't know he had a album out

[@MrUtuber2012]

It was a surprise album. No announcement was made for it

[@heartofthematter247]

I used to have the tpain auto tune app on my iPhone 10 years ago! 😂

[@RunningMyMouth_]

We knew it was him. Ellen your the only one who doesn’t know his voice.

[@neetrab]

Wrong, but ok. Most of y'all didn't even know who it was until somebody said it.

[@NoraGreen1992]

You can't help but love him. Such a genuine guy.

[@666blackcarbon9]

Social media knew it was T-Pain from dang near the start!!! Plus I knew it was him and Gladys Knight from hearing their voices the very 1st time they performed!!! I hope he drops an album soon of his natural voice!!! ✌🏾🖤🌞

[@mubeenah7883]

gotta hella love and respect for t-pain ❤️✊🏽 such a humble soul . so happy all aspects of his amazing vocal talents are being validated and recognized . he been had th talent and voice and I’m glad everyone can see it now . it’s undeniable. he’s a G fr . so happy for him . he seriously deserves this 💕

[@oswinoswald3410]

I loved watching him on the finale, he was so happy and bouncing around. He seems like a really genuine and cool guy to hang out with. If he releases an album without the auto tune, I'm on board.

[@LovelyLibra1020]

So happy for him! He earned it and has such a beautiful voice!

[@laurenenglish2957]

tpain made the auto tune sound better not the other way around

[@karenl.595]

Honestly super rude, Ellen. First of all, T-Pain has one of the most distinctive voices in the music industry, ever. Second of all, even if someone doesn't have a distinctive voice, you don't say that to them; it's insulting!

[@nellyrose941]

I love his lil Wayne voice 😂

[@RoseMandizha]

I can actually imagine Lil Wayne saying that exactly how Tpain did it 😂🤣

[@articgoneape]

I'm glad the Monster won :) He and Donny Osmond were my favorites.

[@articgoneape]

@Sergio Andrade True!

[@lifeoftalise4390]

His Lil Wayne impression 😂

[@jsetennis9224]

T Pain is so funny and so charismatic.

[@Thywright]

I knew it was him the first Episode

[@alfrances40]

Now Nikki 🤥

[@anklebreaker9728]

😂

[@zandermama1255]

Ellen you should have him cohost for an episode!

[@topgurl9313]

I love you T-Pain. Please do an album with your un-modified singing voice!!!

[@PowerPat221]

Rappa Ternt Sanga ....

[@Skye08Star]

I was so shocked that Kenan didn’t guess his voice. TPains voice is SO recognizable! I knew it week 1 and kept laughing at the judges like “Yoooo cmon!” 😂

[@SavedMoon]

He has such a funny and down to Earth personality. He was so cute as the Monster. I'm really happy he won. T-Pain has an amazing voice ^^~

[@nicoledenel]

My Monster 👁 T pain needs to do more music without auto tune!!! Love him all the way through the competition and his reaction when he was unmasked was the cutest... the joy, the tears 😭😭😭 Love you T-Pain! *WE WANT MONSTER PLUSHIES*

[@nicoledenel]

We actually picked the right costume. It was cuteness overload and an amazing and personality to become most people's favorite. And in every clue he was so cute in that outfit my heart wasn't able to take it!

[@cho7879]

the person that didn't know how musically gifted tpain is, don't know what the tiny desk concert is

[@miguelromo8819]

T-Pain is amazing i never knew who he was before this show but now I'm a big fan

[@Rocksroxs]

he is so humble and sweet! HE deserves it! HE IS AMAZING

[@imanitnae]

Anybody black would know his voice is really distinct. I knew from the first episode that it was him. I couldn’t believe the judges couldn’t figure out who he was. Only Nick Cannon knew exactly who that was. 😂😅

[@gabrielrodriguez4114]

T-pains impression of lil Wayne 😂😂

[@maddiesartstudio343]

Oh t pain I am happy he won

[@faashionforward]

I thought it was long established that T-Pain used a lot of autotune bc he wanted to, not bc he needed it. He's not to be grouped in with the artists drowning their songs in it bc they know they can't deliver w/o it. T-Pain is actually talented lol.

[@Eva-gh2kn]

I’m so happy for you !!!!! Love your natural voice

[@itznubian8117]

Lol i knew it was t pain..... My era Tpain had the club lit!!! 💃💃💃💃💃💃💃

[@Ivaa1805]

His personality is so adorable 😭🥰

[@charlesaade]

Happy for Tpain. He deserves the applaud he’s getting right now after years of humbleness 👏

[@tammyscorner6]

Have a whole new love for T-pain! Awesome job!!

[@christene62]

He grew up in the church and sang there! That's where some of the best singers started out. Just give him props! Awesomeness!!!!

[@melaniemccauley6619]

Any real T-Pain fan has known from day ONE that this man can sing! He is a musical genius. If this is what it took for people to see his shine, then so be it🙃

[@bstmeg5237]

I just found out that he has produced and written phenomenal songs? He's literally the best

[@nicoleloggins7226]

Ellen he has a lot of songs without autotune, but the best one I remember was karaoke. It has explicit language for those who go to listen to this if they read this comment. So glad you had him on! ❤️

[@faroshscale]

He's a really articulate and sweet person.

[@preciousfragoso]

He has a very distinct voice and he’s done a lot without auto tune. He’s wonderful 🖤

[@alexmadude6719]

"I picked a cylinder " 😂😂

[@princesskb4401]

I can’t believe I didn’t know who he was! I grew up listening to him!! He’s so humble and kind! I’m so happy for him so really am. He was so excited!

[@millhunkydc]

T Pain the best

[@kaylavix]

Accurate. T - Pain is a genuine guy. He comes to the restaurant I work at all the time and I always know because you can just tell when you hear him. One of the many voices of my childhood.

[@marlat.4221]

I was rooting for the Monster from day one but I had know idea it was T-Pain. Awesome job sir!!!

[@caliiortega0923]

Seriously how did they not know it was him? The judges guess's were embarrassing, he's amazing and so talented!!!🔥❤

[@neversaygoodbye4]

I think his voice is distinct! I knew right away!

[@Ecanbee]

I don’t see how anyone could not know that it was T Pain. Dude is super talented but I think this show just proved how underrated he is as a singer.

[@tonispring4875]

He seems humble and nice

[@momospiky]

Ok he is literally so adorable, how can you not smile when he talks???

[@KA-eu9sy]

"I'm going to cry again." Dr. Ken. We all cried Dr. Ken. We all cried. We all loved The Monster. For his singing. For his courage. Love you T-Pain. :D

[@whitnienichols8043]

I knew it was TPain from the first episode he was on. Recognized his voice right away. I feel like anyone that has regularly listened to his music since the beginning they'd recognize it.

[@NotAlwaysWhatYouExpect]

I knew it was him immediately after the first few words he sang of his first performance. To me his voice is very distinct. Plus some of his little vocal runs are the same as he's been doing for years. It legit blows my mind people didn't know.

[@flysociety7116]

Is it me but Ellen seem like she wasn't really into it.

[@shanzfendi]

Yep. She was QUITE off-putting in this interview