The Masked Singer Season 12 concluded with a bang on December 18, 2023, when the Buffaloes triumphed over Wasp to win the coveted Golden Mask trophy. This momentous finale, hosted by Nick Cannon, marked the first time a group won the competition and sent shockwaves of excitement through fans and contestants alike.
The night began with the familiar holiday cheer as Nick Lachey, the winner of Season 5, opened the episode with the festive classic “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Dressed as Santa Claus, Cannon showered the audience and judges with gifts, setting the festive tone for the evening.
Throughout the competition, the panelists – Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Rita Ora, and Robin Thicke – made their guesses about the masked singers. Each contestant expressed their emotions and experiences through their performances, showcasing their growth and talents.
Wasp kicked off his final performance by reflecting on his time on the show. He shared, “This experience has felt like it’s made for me, like I’m finally getting the recognition I’ve been craving. For a long time in this industry, I felt underrated.” Wasp's voice commanded attention, especially when he performed “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars. His silky smooth rendition highlighted his upper register and emotional depth. Yet, he didn’t stop there. His concluding performance featured Whitney Houston's “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” where he made the song his own.
During the judging segment, the panelists debated Wasp's identity, tossing names like Jason Derulo, Usher, and Mario. Finally, their suspicions were confirmed when Nick Cannon revealed Wasp's true identity as Mario, who expressed his gratitude and happiness for the recognition he's received through the show.
Meanwhile, the Buffaloes also brought their A-game. This trio captivated the audience with their harmonious renditions. Their first song, “Somebody That I Used To Know,” offered quite the performance, showcasing their extraordinary harmonies and stage presence. Their vocals melted hearts and made it clear they were no strangers to live performances.
Throughout their time on stage, Buffaloes shared their personal narratives, emphasizing the struggles they faced. They exclaimed, “We had to fight our way out of the hood… It’s so freeing to be Buffaloes!” The sincerity behind their words was palpable, and it connected with the audience on a deep level.
Their final number, “Too Good At Goodbyes” by Sam Smith, showcased their classic 90s harmonies and raw emotionality, leaving the audience and panelists awestruck. After such powerful performances, the judges were unanimous—Buffaloes had captured their hearts.
With the performances concluded, it was time for the outcome. Nick Cannon announced, “It’s here! The last vote of the season.” The tension was high as the audience awaited the results. After the final tally, the panelists and viewers echoed their approval when Cannon revealed, “Buffaloes are the winners!”
Not only did the Buffaloes break the record as the first group to win The Masked Singer, but their reveal as Boyz II Men—Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman—sent fans of the group over the moon. “History is made! The trophy is theirs,” Cannon exclaimed with excitement.
The season finale was nothing short of spectacular. The mixture of heartfelt performances, personal revelations, and the joy of historic wins made it one of the most memorable episodes of The Masked Singer. The announcements of Wasp's and Buffaloes' identities closed the chapter, but anticipation for the next season begins.
With Season 12 concluding on such a high note, fans are already buzzing for what the future holds for this beloved competition. The Masked Singer has provided endless entertainment this season, and it’s safe to say many will be tuning back for Season 13 to see what surprises are next. Until then, viewers can catch up on missed episodes on Hulu or their local Fox channels.
