“The Masked Singer” Season 12 concluded Wednesday featuring heart wrenching performances, shocking reveals and a historic win.
The season finale of the Emmy-winning competition series, where stars disguise their identity wearing extravagant and often peculiar costumes, not only unmasked both finalists but crowned a winner.
The episode kicked off with a holiday performance from Season 5 winner Nick Lachey, also known as alto ego Piglet, who performed Christmas classic “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
Then, finalists gave their two last performances vying for the title as winner. The crowd later voted for they wanted to take home the prestigious Golden Mask trophy.
Solo artist Wasp stunned crowds with renditions of Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and Bruno Mar’s “When I Was Your Man.” The trio Buffalos also took the stage with fiery covers of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” and Sam Smith’s “Too Good At Goodbyes.”
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Here’s what to know about the season finale, including who won and who they are outside their costumes.
Who won ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 12?
Trio the Buffalos won Season 12 of “The Masker Singer,” marking the first win from a group in the show’s nearly six year run.
The winners were later revealed to be Boyz II Men members Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris and Shawn Stockman.
The trio wrapped up the finale with a nostalgic performance their 1991 hit “Motownphilly.”
Judge panelist Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg correctly guessed the “End Of The Road” group before the winner was announced. The many false guesses included Earth, Wind & Fire, Blackstreet, The Jonas Brothers, Big Time Rush and the Black Eyed Peas minus Fergie.
Who was Wasp?
Season 12 runner-up was unmasked and revealed to be R&B singer Mario Dewar Barrett, better known as Mario.
The 38-year-old Baltimore native has released several studio albums, including the 2004 megahit “Let Me Love You.” He also starred in Fox’s 2019 live presentation of “Rent.”
“I’ve always been into sitcoms and cartoons since I was a kid. I just think that as we get older, sometimes we lose that secret of imagination so this gave me a chance to tap back into that kid,” Mario said.
Before the identifies were revealed, judge panelist Rita Ora correctly predicted Mario was the voice behind the insect. There were several unsuccessful guesses throughout the season, including Jason Derulo, Bruno Mars, Frank Ocean, Taye Diggs, Anthony Ramos and Miguel.
Who was everyone on ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 12?
“The Masked Singer” Season 12 contestants and their respective celebrity alter egos are listed as follows:
Buffalos: Boyz II Men (Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris and Shawn Stockman
- )
- Wasp: Mario Dewar Barrett
- Strawberry Shortcake: AJ Michalka
- Goo: Kobie Turner
- Sherlock Hound: Bronson Arroyo
- Royal Knight: Jana Kramer
- Ice King: Drake Bell
- Macaron: Bethany Hamilton
- Bluebell: Natalie Imbruglia
- Chess Piece: Laverne Cox
- Dust Bunny: Andy Richter
- Ship: Paula Cole
- Woodpecker: Marsai Martin
- Showbird: Yvette Nicole Brown
- Leaf Sheep: John Elway
Who are ‘The Masked Singer’ judges and host?
Nick Cannon is the host of “The Masked Singer,” and the following stars are the judging panelists for Season 12.
- Ken Jeong
- Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg
- Robin Thicke
- Rita Ora
When does ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 13 come out?
Season 13 of “The Masked Singer” is set to premiere on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
