The Buffalos’ Secret Revealed: 5 Shocking Clues That Proved Boyz II Men Were The Masked Singer Season 12 Winners

The Buffalos’ historic victory on *The Masked Singer* Season 12 remains one of the most celebrated and least surprising reveals in the show’s history, confirming the long-held fan theory that the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men was behind the masks. As of December 2025, their run is still fresh in the minds of viewers, marking the first time a group of three contestants has ever claimed the coveted Golden Mask Trophy on the American version of the series. The trio—Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman—delivered a masterclass in vocal harmony and stage presence, making their unmasking a triumphant moment for the legendary artists.

Their journey as The Buffalos transcended a mere singing competition; it was a powerful reminder of Boyz II Men's enduring legacy and their ability to connect with a new generation of fans. They consistently delivered stunning, genre-bending performances that showcased their unparalleled vocal talent, ultimately beating out the runner-up, Wasp (singer Mario), in the finale. The sheer quality of their harmonies, even muffled by the massive Buffalo costumes, was the strongest clue of all, but a closer look at the official clue packages reveals a fascinating tapestry of references to their multi-decade career.

The Buffalos' True Identities: A Complete Boyz II Men Biography

The Buffalos were revealed to be the three current members of the legendary vocal harmony group Boyz II Men. Formed in 1985 at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, the group is universally recognized for pioneering the New Jack Swing sound and becoming one of the most successful R&B groups of all time. They have been a trio since 2003, featuring the following members:

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• Nathan Morris (Baritone)
  • Role: Baritone and one of the founding members.
  • Key Fact: Often considered the group's backbone, he is known for his deep, resonant vocal contributions and co-writing many of their hits.
  • Entity Keywords: Nathan Bartholomew Morris, founding member, baritone vocals, Boyz II Men co-writer, Philadelphia High School.
• Wanyá Morris (Tenor)
  • Role: Tenor and a primary lead vocalist.
  • Key Fact: Recognizable for his distinct, powerful falsetto and incredible vocal runs, Wanyá has also competed on *Dancing with the Stars* (Season 22).
  • Entity Keywords: Wanyá Jermaine Morris, tenor, lead vocalist, falsetto, vocal runs, Wanya Morris solo career, Dancing with the Stars.
• Shawn Stockman (Tenor)
  • Role: Tenor and a primary lead vocalist.
  • Key Fact: Known for his smooth, soulful voice and his previous role as a judge on the NBC reality competition show *The Sing-Off*.
  • Entity Keywords: Shawn Patrick Stockman, tenor, lead vocalist, The Sing-Off judge, soulful voice, Boyz II Men songwriter.

Together, the trio has earned four Grammy Awards, multiple American Music Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their success is cemented by a string of global hits, including three songs that spent an impressive 13+ weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, a record that stood for years.

How The Buffalos Made History on The Masked Singer

Boyz II Men’s presence on *The Masked Singer* Season 12 was significant for several reasons, establishing a new benchmark for the competition. They were not only the first group of three to compete but also the first group to secure the Golden Mask Trophy, a major milestone in the show’s history.

The Challenge of Performing as a Trio

The Buffalos faced unique challenges that single contestants did not. Performing complex three-part harmonies while inside massive, restrictive costumes required an immense level of coordination and trust. According to interviews after the reveal, the heat and limited mobility inside the Buffalo masks made their signature choreography and vocal precision even more difficult. Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman collectively spoke about the difficulty of maintaining their classic a cappella sound under the masks, a testament to their professionalism and decades of working together.

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The Buffalos’ Standout Performances and Song Choices

The group’s strategy was brilliant: they chose songs outside of the R&B genre that allowed them to showcase their versatility while retaining their signature vocal power. This move intentionally threw the panelists and viewers off their scent, keeping the mystery alive for longer. Their song list was a powerful demonstration of their range:

• “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” by Cutting Crew: A surprising rock-ballad choice for their premiere performance, immediately establishing them as serious contenders.
• “Waiting for a Girl Like You” by Foreigner: A classic power ballad that perfectly highlighted their incredible harmony and vocal blend.
• “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve: An unexpected, anthemic choice that showcased their ability to adapt a Britpop classic into a soulful, powerful performance.
• “Too Good at Goodbyes” by Sam Smith: A modern pop hit that proved their relevance and ability to tackle contemporary music with emotional depth.
• Finale Performance: They wowed the audience with a powerful rendition of "When I Was Your Man" (originally by Bruno Mars) in the final round, securing their win.

Decoding The Buffalos Clues: Connecting the Dots to Boyz II Men’s Career

The clue packages for The Buffalos were littered with specific references to Boyz II Men’s career milestones, hit songs, and personal lives. While the panelists—including Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora—made various guesses like The Temptations or The O’Jays, the true fans of the R&B legends were able to piece together the puzzle.

Key Clues and Their Boyz II Men Explanations

The following five clues were the most definitive indicators of The Buffalos’ identities:

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1. The Halftime Show Reference: One of the most telling clues was a mention of a "Halftime show." Boyz II Men famously performed during the Halftime Show at Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005, a major career highlight and a clear indicator of their superstar status.
2. The Cow-Patterned Umbrella: A seemingly random prop, the cow-patterned umbrella is a direct, subtle nod to their hit song, "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday." The umbrella represents the theme of melancholy and saying goodbye, a recurring element in their music.
3. The Caution/Dead End Sign: This clue refers to the group’s early hit single, "End of the Road," which spent a then-record-breaking 13 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The "dead end" sign is a visual pun on the song’s title.
4. The Three Swaying Figures: The visual of three figures swaying together in the clue package was a simple but powerful reference to their current lineup as a trio (Nathan, Wanyá, and Shawn). It also highlights their signature synchronized choreography, a staple of their live performances.
5. The Bell: The bell is a clear reference to their Philadelphia roots and the Liberty Bell, a major symbol of their hometown. Boyz II Men formed in Philadelphia and their signature "Motownphilly" song is an ode to their origins.

Other general clues focused on themes of brotherhood, longevity, and record-breaking success, all of which align perfectly with the Boyz II Men narrative. Their choice of the Buffalo costume itself, symbolizing strength, endurance, and a herd mentality, was a metaphor for their decades-long career as a tight-knit vocal group.

The Boyz II Men Legacy Continues

Winning *The Masked Singer* Season 12 as The Buffalos has added a unique chapter to the already legendary story of Boyz II Men. It allowed Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman to step out of their established R&B persona and compete as anonymous artists, proving that their sheer vocal talent is enough to win over any audience, regardless of genre or disguise. Their victory has cemented their status not just as R&B icons, but as multi-generational entertainers capable of conquering the modern reality television landscape. The Buffalos’ journey is a powerful example of how true talent, harmony, and a little bit of mystery can lead to historic success on the biggest stage.