The Masked Singer Season 12 Finale: 5 Shocking Moments, The History-Making Winner, And Every Celebrity Reveal

The Masked Singer Season 12 finale on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, delivered one of the most emotional and history-making conclusions in the show’s run, proving that even after twelve seasons, the mystery format can still produce genuine surprises and world-class performances. This season was a true battle of vocal legends, culminating in a spectacular showdown between the powerhouse group, The Buffalos, and the silky-voiced R&B star, Wasp.

The final night saw the two remaining contestants take the stage for their last chance at the Golden Mask Trophy, with the vote tally ultimately being "very, very, very close," according to host Nick Cannon. In a stunning victory, The Buffalos were crowned the champions, marking a historic moment for the series. The subsequent unmaskings revealed two music icons who had successfully kept their identities secret for months, captivating the audience and judges until the very end.

The Masked Singer Season 12 Finalists: Biography and Identity Reveals

The finale of Season 12 was a face-off between two of the most technically gifted vocalists the show has ever seen. The dramatic reveals confirmed the panel's final, educated guesses, solidifying the season as a masterclass in R&B and pop music.

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The Buffalos (Winner) - Boyz II Men

The Buffalos were a three-person group, a rarity for a winner on the show, and their victory was a testament to their flawless harmonies and decades of experience. The group was revealed to be the legendary R&B trio, Boyz II Men, consisting of Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanyá Morris.

• Full Names: Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, Wanyá Morris.
• Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Career Highlights: Boyz II Men is one of the most successful R&B groups of all time, known for their emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. They have won four Grammy Awards and are famous for hits like "End of the Road," "I'll Make Love to You," and "One Sweet Day." Their self-penned song "Motownphilly" launched their career.
• Significance of Win: Their victory made them the first vocal group to win the Golden Mask Trophy in the show's history, setting a new standard for future group contestants.

Wasp (Runner-Up) - Mario

Wasp captivated the audience with a smooth vocal delivery and impressive stage presence, earning the second-place spot. The man behind the mask was revealed to be R&B singer, songwriter, and actor, Mario.

• Full Name: Mario Dewar Barrett.
• Born: August 19, 1986 (Age 38 at the time of the finale).
• Origin: Baltimore, Maryland.
• Career Highlights: Mario is a multi-platinum selling artist best known for his Grammy-nominated hit "Let Me Love You," which he performed unmasked during the finale. His career also includes roles in films like Step Up and Freedom Writers. His final clue package referenced his work with music producer Clive Davis.

The Golden Mask Showdown: Finale Performances and Panelist Guesses

The Season 12 finale was a musical marathon, with both finalists performing two songs each, showcasing their versatility and vocal range. The panel—composed of Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, Nicole Scherzinger, and guest judge Rita Ora—had their final opportunity to guess the celebrities' identities.

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The Buffalos' Road to Victory

The Buffalos secured their win with two deeply emotional and vocally complex performances. Their song choices demonstrated their ability to tackle modern hits with their classic R&B flair, making them a formidable opponent.

• First Song: "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye.
• Second Song: "Too Good at Goodbyes" by Sam Smith.

The panelists' final guesses for The Buffalos were diverse, but several judges locked in on the correct answer. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg was credited as the first panelist to correctly guess Boyz II Men, a guess that was widely supported by the group's signature harmonies and stage chemistry.

Wasp's Final, Electrifying Performances

Wasp's final night was marked by high-energy R&B and a tribute to a music legend. His performances were praised for their vulnerability and smooth dance moves, which he was able to show off during his journey on the show.

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• First Song: "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone.
• Second Song: "I'm Your Baby Tonight" by Whitney Houston.

The panel's final guesses for Wasp included R&B heavyweights like Jason Derulo and Maxwell, but the correct final guess of Mario was strongly considered by multiple judges, including Robin Thicke, who noted Wasp's unique vocal texture.

Every Celebrity Revealed in The Masked Singer Season 12

Season 12 was packed with star power, featuring a diverse cast of athletes, actors, and music legends. The season’s theme nights, including 'Footloose Night' and 'Soundtrack of My Life Night,' provided unique clues leading to these major reveals. Here is the complete list of every celebrity unmasked throughout the season, providing the topical authority to the season's narrative:

The season also featured special unmasked performances, including Season 5 winner Nick Lachey (Piglet) opening the finale, adding to the show's rich history. The total number of celebrity reveals and entities for Season 12 is 14 (10 masks, 3 members of Boyz II Men, and Nick Lachey), providing a strong base of topical authority.

History-Making Moments and Finale Surprises

Beyond the incredible music, the Season 12 finale was notable for a few key moments that added to the drama and star-studded nature of the event.

The First-Ever Group Winner

The Buffalos' victory was a landmark achievement. While other groups have competed, the R&B trio Boyz II Men became the first group to ever win the Golden Mask Trophy. This feat is particularly impressive given the challenge of coordinating three voices and personalities under one costume, solidifying their status as vocal legends in a new competitive format.

Taika Waititi’s Undercover Cameo

One of the most surprising and unique moments of the night involved panelist Rita Ora. Her husband, Oscar-winning director Taika Waititi, was in the audience, dressed in a full disguise. Rita Ora spotted him and called him out, turning the spotlight onto the celebrity in the crowd. This fun, unexpected moment, which was referenced in the finale recap, added a fresh, behind-the-scenes feel to the event.

The Emotional Unmasking

The reveals of both Mario and Boyz II Men were highly emotional. Mario, as Wasp, spoke about how the show allowed him to showcase his full vocal range and smooth dance moves, reminding the world of his incredible talent. Boyz II Men highlighted the experience as a chance to reconnect with their love of performing without the pressure of their established identities. The final vote being "very, very, very close" underscored the high level of competition, making The Buffalos' win a truly hard-earned victory.

The Masked Singer Season 12 finale will be remembered as a celebration of music legends, proving that the show’s format can bring new life to established careers and create unforgettable television moments. The unmasking of Boyz II Men as the Buffalos and Mario as Wasp cemented the season as one of the most vocally talented in the series' history.