The Masked Singer Season 12: Every Celebrity Revealed, The Shocking Winner, And The New Panelist Twist

The Masked Singer Season 12 delivered one of the most unpredictable and star-studded line-ups in the show’s history, culminating in a jaw-dropping finale on December 18, 2024. This season was packed with legendary voices, an NFL Hall of Famer, a major-league pitcher, and a beloved sitcom star, all hidden behind some of the most intricate costumes yet, including the Buffalos, Wasp, and Leaf Sheep.

The twelfth season, which premiered on September 25, 2024, also introduced a significant shake-up with a new judge and a fresh on-stage twist, ensuring that even veteran fans of the show were kept guessing until the very end. From the moment the first celebrity was unmasked, it was clear that the show was not holding back on star power, with the final result crowning a musical group that is nothing short of R&B royalty.

The Complete Masked Singer Season 12 Celebrity Reveals: From Winner to First Out

The core of The Masked Singer is the mystery, and Season 12 featured 16 contestants across three groups, all battling for the coveted Golden Mask Trophy. The list of unmasked celebrities is a testament to the show's broad appeal, featuring stars from music, sports, comedy, and acting.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Here is the full, definitive list of every celebrity revealed on The Masked Singer Season 12, from the winner to the early exits, providing the ultimate guide to the season's surprises and celebrity identities.

The Shocking Finale: How Buffalos Beat Wasp

The finale of Season 12 pitted the powerful vocal harmonies of the Buffalos against the dynamic stage presence and range of the Wasp. Both finalists delivered show-stopping performances, making the final vote "VERY VERY VERY CLOSE," according to host Nick Cannon.

Ultimately, the legendary sound and stage mastery of the Buffalos secured the victory, crowning the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men as the Season 12 champions. Their unmasking was a moment of genuine awe for the panel and the audience, as the group's signature blend of soulful vocals had captivated everyone throughout the competition.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The runner-up, Wasp, was then unmasked, revealing R&B sensation Mario, known for hits like "Let Me Love You." Mario's powerful performances and smooth delivery made him a fan-favorite and a formidable competitor, solidifying the finale as one of the most vocally talented in the show's history.

Panelist Shake-Up and New Twists: Rita Ora and Masked Ambassadors

Season 12 was notable not just for the celebrity reveals, but also for a major change at the judges' table and the introduction of a new format element.

The New Panelist: Rita Ora Steps In

For the first time in the American version of the show, a new face joined the main panel: British singer and actress Rita Ora. Ora, who is a veteran judge on the UK version of The Masked Singer, stepped in to replace long-time panelist Nicole Scherzinger, who was unable to return for the season. Rita Ora brought a fresh perspective and sharp guessing skills, quickly becoming a key part of the panel alongside returning judges Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, and the ever-enthusiastic Ken Jeong.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The Masked Ambassadors Twist

To further inject excitement and topical authority, Season 12 introduced the Masked Ambassadors. This twist saw past fan-favorite contestants return to the stage, not to compete, but to offer support and guidance to the new celebrities. This element allowed the show to pay homage to its history while giving the current contestants a unique resource, adding another layer of intrigue and surprise to the format.

The Most Shocking Celebrity Identities of Season 12

While the finale was thrilling, some of the mid-season unmaskings were arguably the most shocking, proving that star power can come from any corner of the entertainment and sports world.

• NFL Legends Take the Stage: The reveal of Leaf Sheep as two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback John Elway was a moment sports fans didn't see coming, especially given his surprisingly strong singing voice. Equally surprising was Goo, revealed as current Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner, who stunned the audience with his powerful vocals, proving he's a star on and off the field.
• The MLB Connection: Former MLB All-Star pitcher Bronson Arroyo was unmasked as the Sherlock Hound, showcasing his talent as a musician beyond the baseball diamond.
• Hollywood Trailblazers: The reveal of Chess Piece as Emmy-nominated actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Laverne Cox brought a major, recognizable star to the stage, highlighting the show's ability to attract diverse talent.
• The Comedy Reveal: The unmasking of Dust Bunny as comedian and beloved talk show sidekick Andy Richter was a delightful surprise, adding a touch of humor and nostalgia to the competition.

Season 12 was a massive success, delivering on its promise of big names, incredible performances, and a finale that crowned a truly deserving champion in Boyz II Men. The mix of legendary singers, sports icons, and Hollywood stars, combined with the new panelist and format twists, ensured that The Masked Singer remains one of the most talked-about reality competitions on television.