Joe Bastianich (‘The Masked Singer’ Spaghetti & Meatballs) on pursuing rockstar dreams, his original costume idea and ‘MasterChef’ [Exclusive Video Interview]
“When you ask a singer to sing they say yes,” says “MasterChef” judge Joe Bastianich while discussing his time as Spaghetti & Meatballs on “The Masked Singer.” The successful restaurateur says despite everything he’s accomplished, music is still his greatest passion. “I’m a singer-songwriter, I have a band, I’m going on tour this summer. It was an incredible challenge, but I accepted it and it was an incredible experience.” Watch his exclusive video interview with Gold Derby senior Denton Davidson above.
As Spaghetti & Meatballs, Bastianich sang “Only the Good Die Young” on “Billy Joel Night.” After landing in the bottom two with Lizard, he was sent packing after they dueled it out with “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song).” Panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Rita Ora couldn’t figure out his identity, guessing Stanley Tucci, Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay or Gordon Ramsay, respectively.
When asked if his original dream was to be a rockstar he responds, “I still do. I still think I can do it. I keep on writing the songs, I keep on getting out there and playing them. Maybe not a rockstar, maybe in the theaters. I’ll find my way. Usually I can accomplish what I set out to do in life. That’s no small ambition, but we’ll see what happens.”
Bastianich originally wanted to be a Pizza on “The Masked Singer,” but he had to pivot to Spaghetti & Meatballs for logistical reasons. “When I first put the costume on my head it was like 20 pounds of el dente spaghetti. It was not easy to sing through and dance in. I wanted to be a slice of pizza because I’ve been a pizza before on ‘MasterChef’ and that worked for me. It’s always a negotiation with ‘The Masked Singer’ people, they have your best intentions in mind.”
The businessman and musician will tour music festivals with his band this summer. You can learn more about his tour dates and recorded music by visiting his website (click here). He also gives us some insight in what to expect on Season 14 of “MasterChef,” which premieres this May on FOX.