‘The Masked Singer’ crowns, unveils Boyz II Men as season 12 winner

On By Littum

Season 12 of “The Masked Singer” ended Wednesday with heartbreaking performances, shocking revelations and a historic victory.

The season finale of the Emmy-winning competition series, where stars hide their identities wearing extravagant and often outlandish costumes, not only revealed both finalists, but crowned a winner.

The episode kicked off with a holiday performance from Season 5 winner Nick Lachey, aka alt ego Piglet, who performed the Christmas classic “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

Then the finalists gave their last two performances, vying for the title of winner. The audience later voted that they wanted to take home the prestigious Golden Mask trophy.

Solo performer Wasp wowed the crowd with renditions of Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man.” Trio Buffalos also took the stage with fiery covers of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” and Sam Smith’s “Too Good At Goodbyes.”

Here’s what you need to know about the season finale, including who won and who they are outside of their costumes.

Who Won ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 12?

Trio the Buffalos won Season 12 of “The Masker Singer,” marking the first win by a group in the show’s nearly six-year run.

The winners were later revealed to be Boyz II Men members Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris and Shawn Stockman.

The trio closed the finale with a nostalgic performance of their 1991 hit “Motownphilly.”

Judge panel member Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg correctly guessed the “End Of The Road” group before the winner was announced. The many false guesses included Earth, Wind & Fire, Blackstreet, The Jonas Brothers, Big Time Rush and the Black Eyed Peas minus Fergie.

Who was the wasp?

The Season 12 runner-up was revealed and revealed to be R&B singer Mario Dewar Barrett, better known as Mario.

The 38-year-old Baltimore native has released several studio albums, including the 2004 mega-hit “Let Me Love You.” He also appeared in Fox’s 2019 live presentation of “Rent.”

“I’ve always been into sitcoms and cartoons since I was a kid. I just think as we get older, sometimes we lose the secret of imagination, so it gave me a chance to get back to that kid,” Mario said.

Before the identification was revealed, judging panel member Rita Ora correctly predicted that Mario was the voice behind the insect. There were several failed guesses throughout the season, including Jason Derulo, Bruno Mars, Frank Ocean, Taye Diggs, Anthony Ramos and Miguel.

Who Was Everyone In ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 12?

“The Masked Singer” Season 12 contestants and their respective celebrity alter egos are listed as follows:

  • Buffaloes: Boyz II Men (Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris and Shawn Stockman)
  • Wasp: Mario Dewar Barrett
  • Strawberry Shortcake: AJ Michalka
  • Goo: Kobie Turner
  • Sherlock Hound: Bronson Arroyo
  • Royal Knight: Jana Kramer
  • Ice King: Drake Bell
  • Macaroons: Bethany Hamilton
  • Bluebell: Natalie Imbruglia
  • Chess piece: Laverne Cox
  • Dust Bunny: Andy Richter
  • Ship: Paula Cole
  • Woodpecker: Marsai Martin
  • Showbird: Yvette Nicole Brown
  • Leaf Sheep: John Elway

Who are ‘The Masked Singer’ judges and host?

Nick Cannon hosts “The Masked Singer” and the following stars are the season 12 judging panel.

  • Ken Jeong
  • Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg
  • Robin Thicke
  • Rita Ora

When will ‘The Masked Singer’ season 13 be released?

Season 13 of “The Masked Singer” will premiere on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.