The Shocking Truth: 7 Clues That Proved The Wasp On The Masked Singer Was R&B Superstar Mario

The Wasp on The Masked Singer Season 12 delivered one of the most powerful and consistent vocal performances in the show's history, captivating the audience and judges right up to the finale. The insect's commanding stage presence and incredible range immediately signaled a true professional, leading to a frenzy of guesses that included some of the biggest names in R&B and pop music.

As of December 17, 2025, the mystery has been definitively solved. The celebrity behind the elaborate, buzzing costume of The Wasp was none other than Grammy-nominated R&B singer and actor, Mario. His reveal as the Season 12 runner-up confirmed the suspicions of many fans and one panelist, Rita Ora, who correctly identified the voice that brought hits like "Let Me Love You" to life. This article dives deep into the star's biography, the specific clues that pointed directly to him, and what the multi-talented artist is working on right now.

Mario Dewar Barrett: A Complete Biography Profile

Mario Dewar Barrett, known mononymously as Mario, is a celebrated American R&B singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, and model. His career spans decades, making him a perfect choice for the show's mix of vocal talent and on-screen experience.

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• Full Name: Mario Dewar Barrett
• Born: August 27, 1986
• Age: 39 (as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
• Occupation: R&B Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Actor, Record Producer, Model
• Career Start: Signed his first major record deal at the age of 14.
• Major Albums: Mario (2002), Turning Point (2004), Go (2007), D.N.A. (2009), Dancing Shadows (2018).
• Signature Songs: "Just a Friend 2002," "Let Me Love You," "Crying Out for Me," "Break Up" (featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett).
• Acting Roles: Notable appearances in major films and television shows, including Step Up, Freedom Writers, Empire, and Rent: Live.
• Awards/Nominations: Grammy Award nominee, multiple Billboard Music Award nominations, and a Billboard Music Award win.

The Wasp's Clue Package Decoded: Connecting the Dots to Mario

The clue packages for The Wasp were meticulously crafted, weaving together references to Mario's music, acting career, and personal life. While the panelists threw out high-profile guesses like Taye Diggs, Jason Derulo, Miguel, Bruno Mars, Frank Ocean, and Maxwell, the trail of breadcrumbs consistently led back to Mario Dewar Barrett. The following are the most definitive clues and their exact connections.

1. The Ne-Yo Connection (The Masked Ambassador)

One of the most telling clues was the appearance of Season 10 winner, The Cow (Ne-Yo), as The Wasp's Masked Ambassador. Ne-Yo stated, "I think it's about time for my boy the Wasp to enter this game. I've known him since he was a kid."

• The Reveal: Ne-Yo is the renowned songwriter who penned Mario's biggest and most successful hit, the platinum-selling 2004 single, "Let Me Love You." This deep, professional, and long-standing connection made Ne-Yo the perfect person to introduce The Wasp.

2. The "BOOM!" Comic Book

During the Sports Night clue package, a comic book was featured prominently, which had the word "BOOM!" written across it in a large, stylized font.

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• The Reveal: This was a direct reference to Mario's 2009 single, "Boom," which was a track featured on his fourth studio album, D.N.A.

3. The Planet Mars Reference

A visual clue featuring the planet Mars was shown, leading some panelists to guess Bruno Mars. This was a classic misdirection, but the clue was still rooted in Mario’s discography.

• The Reveal: The planet Mars was a nod to Mario's 2020 EP, titled Closer to Mars. This was a subtle but undeniable link to his more recent musical projects.

4. The Film and TV References

The Wasp often spoke about performing on the "biggest stages and screens." Multiple clues referenced his dual career as a singer and an actor, which set him apart from many other R&B stars.

• The Reveal: Mario has a significant acting resume. He starred in the 2006 dance film Step Up and the 2007 drama Freedom Writers alongside Hilary Swank. On the small screen, he played a recurring role on the hit show Empire and starred as Benny in the live television musical Rent: Live.

5. The Baltimore Hometown Reference

Clues often hinted at The Wasp's roots and early life.

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• The Reveal: Mario was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. His hometown has been a foundational part of his identity and early career, which began when he was discovered at a local talent show.

6. The Platinum-Selling Artist Status

The Wasp's clues mentioned being a platinum-selling artist, a feat only achieved by a select few in the music industry.

• The Reveal: Mario's single "Let Me Love You" achieved multi-platinum status and was a global hit, cementing his place as a commercially successful R&B star. His debut album also went platinum, making this an easy-to-verify fact.

7. The Vocal Style

While not a visual clue, The Wasp's distinct vocal tone and impressive riffs were the biggest giveaway for those familiar with Mario’s music. His performances of songs like "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" showcased a voice that was too unique to be anyone else.

• The Reveal: The voice was unmistakable. The smooth, powerful, and technically proficient singing was a perfect match for the Grammy-nominated R&B vocalist who has spent his life mastering his craft.

What Mario (The Wasp) Is Doing Now: New Music, Tour, and Fatherhood

The timing of Mario's appearance on The Masked Singer Season 12 couldn't have been better, providing a massive platform for his latest projects. Since his unmasking, the R&B star has been incredibly busy, with a slate of new music and major life events that keep him firmly in the spotlight in late 2024 and 2025.

A New Era of Music: Albums and EPs

Mario is set to release his first album in six years, titled Glad You Came, in late 2024. This highly anticipated project marks a new chapter in his career, showcasing his evolving sound while maintaining the classic R&B sensibilities his fans adore. Furthermore, he is also slated to release a new EP, Mood Swings, in 2025, executive produced by Dre Moon and featuring collaborations with artists like Ty Dolla $ign.

His return to the studio is part of a new deal with Epic Records in partnership with his label, New Citizen, signaling a major industry push for his music.

Major Tour Announcements

Following the success on *The Masked Singer*, Mario announced a UK headline tour for 2025. The tour will allow him to connect directly with his international fanbase and perform new material from his upcoming albums, proving that his time as The Wasp has only amplified his global appeal.

Expecting His First Child

In a major personal update, Mario and his girlfriend are expecting their first child together. This exciting news adds another layer to the artist’s life, showing that his career and personal world are both thriving. The R&B star continues to prove that he is a multi-faceted talent, seamlessly balancing his roles as a singer, actor, and now, a future father.

The Wasp’s journey on The Masked Singer was a masterclass in performance and misdirection, but ultimately, the sheer talent and volume of clues made the reveal of the iconic Mario an unforgettable moment for the show’s fans.