The Masked Singer season 11’s Lovebird was unmasked on Transformers Night and revealed to be former Bachelor star Colton Underwood, and he now compares his two reality show experiences. As Lovebird, Colton made his debut by singing a sweet version of “Home” by Phillip Phillips. He advanced to Transformers Night, during which he sang a stirring rendition of “All That You Are” by the Goo Goo Dolls. Only Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed his identity correctly, as the other Masked Singer season 11 panelists’ final guesses were Josh Duhamel (Robin Thicke), Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino (Rita Ora), and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Ken Jeong).

In an interview with EW, Colton revealed that neither competing as Lovebird in The Masked Singer season 11 nor starring as the lead of The Bachelor season 23 was more intimidating, but rather they were simply different from each other. He explained, “I just think it’s different phases and different times in your life.” He said, “You get experience and you mature and you grow up and you sort of do it all in front of the public.” Colton concluded by saying that there are different fears at various times in people’s lives, depending on what they’re going through.

Colton Underwood Wants An LGBTQ-Themed Bachelor Season

Colton Has Had Talks With The Bachelor Producers

Colton, who came out as gay on April 14, 2021, shared, “I definitely think there’s a time and a place for a queer dating show. I think it’s time.” He said that he’s “had talks” with some of The Bachelor producers, but he thinks that there are “so many other incredible dating shows that might even be more well-equipped format-wise.” He mentioned Love Is Blind and The Ultimatum, both of which had LGBTQ+ seasons. Colton explained that the Bachelor format is “tricky and it’s hard. Our community is so diverse and we play by different rules and I mean that with all the love and respect.”

Colton has had a difficult yet inspiring reality television journey. When he appeared on The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, and The Bachelor, he was hiding who he really was. He’s now competed on both Beyond the Edge, which he won, and The Masked Singer season 11, appearing free and joyous as his true self. As Lovebird, Colton was able to spread his wings and fly. When he was unmasked, he said that he spent his whole life working as a football player, and The Masked Singer gave him the opportunity to explore the arts, music, and theatre.

Colton is correct that it’s time for The Bachelor to have an LGBTQ+ season, but he’s also right to be skeptical of the franchise’s ability to handle it. Although having LGBTQ+ seasons of other reality dating shows such as Love Is Blind and The Ultimatum is important for representation, those shows don’t have the same cultural significance as The Bachelor. If The Bachelor, which is much more of a mainstream show, had an openly LGBTQ+ person as its lead, it would have much more of an impact. If it happens, hopefully, Colton will be there to lead the way.