The Masked Singer Season 12: Every Shocking Celebrity Reveal, Winner, And Final Standings

The Masked Singer Season 12 delivered one of its most legendary and surprising seasons yet, culminating in a historic finale that saw a group take home the coveted Golden Mask Trophy for the very first time. The season, which premiered on September 25, 2024, and concluded on December 18, 2024, captivated audiences with a dynamic cast of contestants spanning music legends, Hollywood moguls, and NFL stars, proving once again that the show is a masterclass in celebrity secrecy.

From the first shocking unmasking on "Who Can It Be Now?" night to the final, emotional reveal of the champion, Season 12 kept panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora guessing until the very end. This in-depth guide details every celebrity identity, the final standings, and all the key moments from the season that has been dubbed "probably the most legendary episode ever" by the show's host, Nick Cannon.

The Complete Masked Singer Season 12 Celebrity Reveals and Final Standings

Season 12 featured 15 celebrity contestants competing for the Golden Mask Trophy. The competition was fierce, with the cast representing a staggering array of talent and success, including Grammy winners, Super Bowl champions, and multi-platinum artists. Here is the full, definitive list of every celebrity unmasked during The Masked Singer Season 12, from the first elimination to the winner.

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• Winner: Buffalos — R&B Legends Boyz II Men (Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Michael McCary, though McCary was not part of the performance group). The Buffalos became the first group to ever win the competition.
• Runner-up: Wasp — Grammy-nominated R&B Singer Mario.
• 3rd Place: Strawberry Shortcake — Singer and Actress AJ Michalka (of Aly & AJ).
• 4th Place (Unmasked in Semifinals): Bluebell — Grammy-nominated Singer and Actress Natalie Imbruglia.
• 5th Place (Unmasked in Group A Finals): Ship — Grammy-nominated Singer-Songwriter Paula Cole.
• 6th Place (Unmasked in Group B Finals): Goo — NFL Defensive Tackle and Musician Kobie Turner.
• 7th Place (Unmasked in Group A Playoffs): Woodpecker — Actress and Mogul Marsai Martin.
• 8th Place (Unmasked in Group B Playoffs): Dust Bunny — Comedian and Talk Show Sidekick Andy Richter.
• 9th Place (Unmasked in Group A Playoffs): Macaron — Professional Surfer Bethany Hamilton.
• 10th Place (Unmasked in Group B Playoffs): Chess Piece — Actress and Activist Laverne Cox.
• 11th Place (Unmasked in Group A Premiere): Leaf Sheep — NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback John Elway.
• 12th Place (Unmasked in Group B Premiere): Ice King — Actor and Musician Drake Bell.

The Historic Win: Why Boyz II Men’s Buffalos Made History

The Buffalos' victory as Boyz II Men was a landmark moment for The Masked Singer. For 11 seasons, the Golden Mask Trophy had only been awarded to solo artists. The R&B group, known for their signature harmonies and timeless hits like "End of the Road" and "I'll Make Love to You," brought a level of vocal arrangement and stage presence that was unmatched.

Their performances were consistently praised for their flawless blend and emotional depth, leading the panel to unanimously agree on their identity in the final episode. The group’s win not only set a new precedent but also highlighted the show's ability to attract true musical legends. The Buffalos’ journey was a masterclass in adapting a group dynamic to a solo-focused competition, making their final reveal one of the most celebrated in the show's history.

The Shocking Runner-Up and The Rise of the Wasp

Coming in a close second was the Wasp, who was revealed to be the multi-talented R&B singer Mario. Wasp’s powerful, soulful vocals and energetic stage presence made him a fan-favorite throughout the season. Mario, famous for his hit "Let Me Love You," delivered performances that showcased his incredible vocal range and versatility, leaving the judges stumped with his ability to switch between genres.

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The final showdown between the Wasp and the Buffalos was described as one of the most competitive in Masked Singer history, with the Wasp’s modern R&B flair contrasting beautifully with the Buffalos’ classic sound. Mario’s participation added another layer of musical royalty to a season already packed with stars, further cementing the show's reputation for attracting high-caliber performers. His unmasking was a major reveal, confirming the panel's suspicion that a world-class vocalist was behind the mask.

Deep Dive into the Most Surprising Celebrity Identities

Beyond the top three, Season 12 was filled with unmaskings that truly stunned the audience and the panel. These reveals were crucial in maintaining the season's high level of intrigue and topical authority, introducing a wide range of stars from different fields:

The Sports and Comedy Surprises

• Leaf Sheep (John Elway): The unmasking of the legendary Denver Broncos quarterback and Super Bowl champion John Elway in the premiere episode immediately set the tone for a season of unexpected celebrity appearances. His participation highlighted the show's willingness to feature icons from the world of sports, a common LSI keyword for the series.
• Goo (Kobie Turner): Another NFL star, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner, was revealed as Goo. His reveal was a pleasant surprise, showcasing the musical talent hidden within the professional sports world.
• Dust Bunny (Andy Richter): Known as Conan O'Brien's long-time sidekick, comedian Andy Richter's reveal as the Dust Bunny was a moment of pure fun. His clue package focused on his extensive career in comedy and television, leading to some hilarious incorrect guesses from the panel.

The Hollywood and Music Icons

• Bluebell (Natalie Imbruglia): The "Torn" singer Natalie Imbruglia’s reveal as Bluebell was a major highlight. Her powerful, yet distinct, voice was a major clue, but her celebrity status as a global pop icon still made the unmasking a shocking moment for the audience.
• Ship (Paula Cole): The Grammy-winning artist behind the iconic song "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?" was an incredible addition to the cast. Paula Cole's unmasking as Ship was a treat for 90s music fans, demonstrating the depth of talent competing for the Golden Mask.
• Woodpecker (Marsai Martin): The young actress and producer Marsai Martin, known for her role in Black-ish and for becoming the youngest person to ever produce a studio film, was a genuine surprise. Her reveal as Woodpecker showcased her impressive vocal talent outside of her acting career.

The Inspirational and Pioneering Reveals

• Macaron (Bethany Hamilton): The world-renowned professional surfer and shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton brought an inspirational story to the stage. Her reveal as Macaron, a costume that perfectly masked her athletic background, was a touching moment that resonated with viewers.
• Chess Piece (Laverne Cox): Actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Laverne Cox, a true pioneer in television, was revealed as the Chess Piece. Her participation added a layer of gravitas and cultural significance to the season, with her clues referencing her groundbreaking career.

The Masked Singer Season 12 successfully blended high-stakes competition with jaw-dropping celebrity reveals. The season will be remembered for its historic winner, the Buffalos (Boyz II Men), and its diverse roster of stars that kept the guessing game, a core element of the show's success, alive until the very last note. From the "Footloose Night" to the "Soundtrack of My Life Night," the themes provided the perfect backdrop for these incredible performances.

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