The Wasp Unmasked: 7 Shocking Clues That Proved R&B Icon Mario Was Behind The Mask On Season 12

As of December 2025, the identity of The Wasp remains one of the most memorable and surprising reveals in *The Masked Singer* history, concluding a thrilling run on Season 12. The celebrity hiding behind the elaborately designed, buzzing costume was none other than the Grammy-nominated R&B superstar, Mario. His incredible vocal performances, which spanned genres from pop ballads to R&B classics, secured him a coveted spot as the season's runner-up. The Wasp's journey was a masterclass in misdirection, confusing panelists like Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg and Ken Jeong with layers of cryptic clues. However, a few eagle-eyed fans and one panelist, Rita Ora, managed to connect the dots to the "Let Me Love You" hitmaker. This deep dive uncovers Mario's full biography, breaks down every single clue, and updates you on what the R&B veteran is working on today as he shares his goals for 2025.

Mario Barrett: Biography and Latest Career Updates (2025)

Mario Dewar Barrett, known mononymously as Mario, is a celebrated American R&B singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, and model. Born on August 27, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland, Mario’s career has spanned over two decades, establishing him as a key figure in modern R&B.

• Full Name: Mario Dewar Barrett
• Born: August 27, 1986
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 39
• Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Actor, Model
• Breakthrough Hit: "Just a Friend" (2002)
• Biggest Hit: "Let Me Love You" (2004)
• Acting Roles: *Step Up*, *Freedom Writers*, *Rent: Live* (2019)
• Recent Music: Released his first album in six years in 2024 and a new single, "Nobody But Us."
• 2025 Outlook: Mario has been vocal about his professional goals for the year 2025, focusing on new music and expanding his artistic reach following his high-profile appearance on *The Masked Singer*.

The Wasp’s Buzzing Performances and Panelist Guesses

The Wasp quickly became a fan favorite and a strong contender, known for his smooth, powerful vocals and effortless stage presence. His song choices were diverse, showcasing his range and versatility, which made his true identity difficult to pin down for the panelists.

Key Performances by The Wasp:

• "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone (A soulful, contemporary ballad that showcased his vocal control).
• "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor (A powerful, emotional rendition that proved his ability to tackle disco and soul classics).
• "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder (A performance that highlighted his R&B roots and smooth tone).

Panelist Guesses:

The panelists were all over the map, with their guesses often focusing on other R&B and pop stars who matched the Wasp's vocal caliber. The sheer talent of The Wasp led to a series of high-profile, yet incorrect, celebrity theories:

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• Taye Diggs
• Bruno Mars
• Jason Derulo
• Miguel
• Ne-Yo (The irony here is significant, as Ne-Yo would later be revealed as a major clue).

Ultimately, it was panelist Rita Ora who correctly guessed Mario, recognizing the distinctive texture and power of his voice.

7 Crucial Clues That Unmasked Mario as The Wasp

The Wasp’s clue packages were rich with references to Mario’s life, career milestones, and collaborations. While some were subtle, others were direct nods to his biggest projects. Here is a breakdown of the most definitive clues that pointed directly to Mario Dewar Barrett.

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

One of the most significant clues was the appearance of Ne-Yo as The Wasp’s "Masked Ambassador." This was a massive hint for R&B fans. Ne-Yo is a renowned songwriter who famously penned Mario’s 2004 smash hit, "Let Me Love You." The collaboration was a cornerstone of Mario's career, making this connection a near-certainty for those in the know.

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2. The "BOOM!" Comic Book

During a clue package on Sports Night, a comic book was shown with the word "BOOM!" prominently written on it. This was a direct reference to Mario’s 2011 single, also titled "Boom," featuring rapper Juelz Santana. This clue tied his musical catalog to the Wasp’s identity.

3. The ATM Machine from the 1960s

A clue mentioned an invention from the 1960s, which was revealed to be an ATM machine, accompanied by million-dollar bills. This is a subtle yet clever nod to his debut film role. Mario played the character Miles "Tug" Caldwell in the 2006 film Freedom Writers, a movie about a teacher inspiring at-risk students. The "ATM" could be interpreted as "A-T-M," or "A-Tug-Miles," referencing his character.

4. The "Growing Up in the Hood" Reference

Several clues alluded to The Wasp growing up in a challenging environment, specifically mentioning the "hood." Mario was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and has been open about his challenging upbringing, including his mother's struggles with substance abuse, which inspired his philanthropic work. This personal detail anchored the Wasp’s story in Mario’s reality.

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5. The FOX Live Musical Phone Call

A phone call clue specifically referenced a FOX live musical production. Mario starred in the 2019 FOX live musical event Rent: Live, where he played the character Benjamin "Benny" Coffin III. This was a highly specific acting credit that narrowed the field of celebrity guesses considerably.

6. The Star-Shaped Jewelry

The Wasp was seen wearing star-shaped jewelry in one of the packages. This is a visual tie to his acting career, specifically his role in the 2006 dance movie Step Up, which launched Channing Tatum's career. Mario's character, Miles "Tug" Caldwell, was a central figure in the film.

7. The Runner-Up Finish

Mario’s incredible vocal talent propelled him all the way to the finale, where he finished as the Season 12 runner-up. His powerful, emotional performances of songs like "Beautiful Things" and his ability to master the stage proved that even after decades in the industry, the R&B icon still has the voice and star power to captivate a massive audience. His second-place finish cemented The Wasp as one of the most talented contestants in the show's history.