From Lizard to Legend: 'The Dragon' Sisqo Unmasked on 'Masked Singer'

Photo Credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Fans of “The Masked Singer” who thought the Lizard might prevail in the popular Fox reality singing competition were proved wrong-wrug-wrong-wrong-wrong Wednesday when the show unleashed “The Dragon.” This reveal showed that Grammy-nominated singer Mark Althavan Andrews, better known as Sisqó, was the man behind the Lizard’s mask.

As the Group C final unfolded, Sisqó's Lizard persona bid farewell to the competition after a spirited performance of "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence. He placed third.

Following his unmasking, Sisqó, 45, spoke with host Nick Cannon about his love for the show. "My family watches religiously, and they always insisted I was on it!" he said. "So when the opportunity came, I jumped at it – it's been a blast."

During the competition's "smackdowns," Sisqó channeled his resilience into the Dragon's performances. A poignant clue package alluded to his past struggles, highlighting how he overcame the temptations of a reckless lifestyle. Visual clues connected to fellow "Masked Singer" participant Busta Rhymes (as the Dragon), a microphone, and a photo of Beyoncé hinted at moments in his career.

Since his iconic 2000 hit "Thong Song," Sisqo's career has experienced highs and lows. Despite early success, he faced record label conflicts and a reputation for being "difficult."

In a 2016 "Where Are They Now?" interview, Sisqó reflected on these industry challenges and his desire for more creative control. He continues to make music and tours with the R&B group Dru Hill.

Police Link Rapper Rod Wave to Shooting Investigation

Photo Coutesy: Manatee County Sheriff's Office

Rapper Rod Wave, born Rodarius Marcell Green, was arrested Wednesday in Manatee County in connection with a Sunday night shooting that injured four people. Green, 25, faces two counts of illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon, according to Manatee County booking records.

The arrest is part of an ongoing St. Petersburg Police Department investigation into a shooting outside Sonic Sports Bar and Lounge. Four people sustained minor injuries in the incident.

The exact nature of Green’s charges remains unclear. A St. Petersburg Police news conference Wednesday did not reveal the circumstances leading to his arrest, but authorities linked the case to the shooting.

During the conference, St. Petersburg police refrained from disclosing further details. However, the investigation led authorities to two residences associated with suspects in the shooting, both connected to Green or one of his business ventures.

A SWAT team executed a search warrant at one of the residences on Monday evening, resulting in the arrest of two individuals on drug and weapons charges. Despite the operation, the shooters remained at large until Wednesday, when three additional arrests were made in connection with the shooting: Kevontre Wesby, 20; Keith Wesby, 21; and Christopher Atkins, 24.

The investigation yielded significant evidence, including multiple firearms, ammunition, cash exceeding $10,000, and various items of jewelry. Authorities have been investigating a violent group known as the "YG's" or "Young Gangsters" since March 2022, connecting several members to Green since the summer of 2023.

St. Petersburg Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev emphasized the association between Green and the suspects, highlighting shared residences and vehicles. However, authorities have yet to determine Green's involvement in the shooting incident.

"We don’t know if he was there that evening when shots were fired. We don’t know if he had anything to do with it at that point," Kovacsev stated. "It’s more of a fact that you have vehicles, you have residences, you have a complacency. You’re complicit, and we can’t ignore it."

Green has a history of legal issues, including a 2022 arrest on domestic battery charges in Pinellas County, which were later dropped. He rose to prominence in 2020 with his hit song "Heart on Ice," which garnered attention on TikTok and charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Green has maintained ties to his community in St. Petersburg, at times making headlines for philanthropic efforts such as providing $25,000 worth of free gas to residents in 2022.

Beyoncé Honored as Innovator at iHeartRadio Awards

Beyoncé took center stage at Monday's iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles, where she was honored with the Innovator Award. Presented by legendary artist Stevie Wonder, the accolade recognizes Beyoncé's career achievements and her role as an influential artist in the music industry.

During her acceptance speech, Beyoncé expressed gratitude to Wonder, who played harmonica on her cover of the Dolly Parton classic "Jolene," featured on her most recent album, "Cowboy Carter." "Thank you for making a way for all of us," she said, acknowledging Wonder's inspiration. She dedicated the award to fellow innovators who have defied labels and created shifts in the industry.

In her powerful remarks, Beyoncé reflected on the challenges of innovation and emphasized the importance of staying true to one's vision despite criticism. She thanked her team at Parkwood, as well as her husband, Jay-Z, and their children for their unwavering support.

'Cowboy Carter,' released on March 29, received widespread acclaim and broke records on streaming platforms. Spotify and Amazon Music reported it as the most-streamed album upon its release, solidifying Beyoncé's status as a global icon.

Featuring collaborations with artists like Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and Stevie Wonder, the album pays homage to country music legends while showcasing Beyoncé's versatility and artistic evolution.

The iHeartRadio Music Awards also honored other notable artists, with SZA taking home multiple awards, including Song of the Year for 'Kill Bill.' Taylor Swift was named Artist of the Year, and Jelly Roll and Ice Spice were recognized as new artists in the pop and hip-hop categories. Legends like Metallica and Foo Fighters were also honored for their contributions to rock music.

In addition to mainstream categories, the awards celebrated diversity in music, recognizing artists across genres like Latin pop, regional Mexican, K-pop, and African music.

2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards Winners:

Major Awards
Song of the Year: "Kill Bill" – SZA
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Duo/Group of the Year: OneRepublic
Best Collaboration: "Calm Down" – Rema and Selena Gomez
Producer of the Year: Jack Antonoff
Songwriter of the Year: Ashley Gorley

Pop

Pop Song of the Year: "Flowers" - Miley Cyrus
Pop Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Best New Artist (Pop): Jelly Roll
Pop Album of the Year: Olivia Rodrigo, "Guts"

Country

Country Song of the Year: "Heart Like a Truck" - Lainey Wilson
Country Artist of the Year: Morgan Wallen
Best New Artist (Country): Jelly Roll
Country Album of the Year: Morgan Wallen, "One Thing at a Time"

Hip-Hop

Hip-Hop Song of the Year: "All My Life" - Lil Durk ft. J. Cole
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year: Drake
Best New Artist (Hip-Hop): Ice Spice
Hip-Hop Album of the Year: Metro Boomin, "Heroes & Villains"

R&B

R&B Song of the Year: "Snooze" - SZA
R&B Artist of the Year: SZA
Best New Artist (R&B): Victoria Monét
R&B Album of the Year: SZA, "SOS"

Alternative

Alternative Song of the Year: "One More Time" - Blink-182
Alternative Artist of the Year: Fall Out Boy
Best New Artist (Alt and Rock): Noah Kahan
Alternative Album of the Year: boygenius, "the record"

Rock

Rock Song of the Year: "Lost" - Linkin Park
Rock Artist of the Year: Foo Fighters
Rock Album of the Year: Metallica, "72 Seasons"

Dance

Dance Song of the Year: "Strangers" - Kenya Grace
Dance Artist of the Year: Tiësto

Latin Pop / Urban 

Latin Pop / Urban Song of the Year: "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" - Shakira and Bizarrap
Latin Pop / Urban Artist of the Year: Karol G
Best New Artist (Latin Pop / Urban): Young Miko
Latin Pop / Urban Album of the Year: Karol G, "MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO"

Regional Mexican 

Regional Mexican Song of the Year: "Ella Baila Sola" - Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma
Regional Mexican Artist of the Year: Peso Pluma
Best New Artist (Regional Mexican): Peso Pluma
Regional Mexican Album of the Year: Peso Pluma, "Génesis"

K-pop

K-pop Artist of the Year: Jung Kook
K-pop Song of the Year: "Cupid (Twin Version)" - FIFTY FIFTY
K-pop Album of the Year: Stray Kids, "5-Star"
Best New Artist (K-pop): NewJeans

African Music Artist

Best African Music Artist: Burna Boy