The Masked Singer has crowned its Season 12 winner, transforming the competition's history with the Buffalos claiming the title and making headlines as the first group ever to win the coveted Golden Mask Trophy. This season finale, which aired on December 18, brought fans to their feet with compelling performances and dramatic reveals, keeping the spirit of the competition alive even as 2024 approaches.
The evening kicked off with a festive performance by Nick Lachey, the Season 5 winner known as Piglet, who serenaded the audience with the holiday classic, "It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year." Following this, the final showdown commenced between the two finalists: the Wasp and the Buffalos.
The Wasp opened the second act with emotive renditions of Bruno Mars’ heart-wrenching ballad "When I Was Your Man," followed by Whitney Houston’s lively "I’m Your Baby Tonight." Each performance served as not only entertainment but as a personal message, with the Wasp, later revealed to be R&B singer Mario, sharing, "Your wings are like your intuition; trust them. Trust your intuition and believe in yourself." It was clear he aimed to inspire and connect, pulling on the heartstrings of viewers and judges alike.
The Buffalos followed suit, performing Gotye’s "Somebody That I Used to Know" with precision and elegance, before wrapping up their final performances with Sam Smith’s emotional "Too Good at Goodbyes." Their harmonious blend showcased the strength and unity of this iconic trio, who wowed the audience. One Buffalo expressed the emotional weight of their experience on stage, stating, "It was so freeing. I don’t even know why I’m crying right now; I feel we can do anything together." Such sentiments only added to the intensity of the finale, generating palpable tension as the audience awaited the results.
After all performances concluded, it was time for the judges and the audience to vote and determine the winner of Season 12. When the results finally broke, the Buffalos emerged victorious, with Wasp taking the runner-up spot. Host Nick Cannon declared it was "very, very, very close," highlighting the level of talent displayed during the season's climactic finale.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: the unmaskings. The Wasp was revealed to be Mario, who, at 38 years old, has been known for his soulful hits and even starred on Fox's live presentation of "Rent". Rita Ora had rightfully guessed his identity earlier on, underlining the prowess of the judges throughout this competition.
Following Mario’s reveal, the names behind the Buffalos’ costume were unveiled: Grammy-winning R&B group Boyz II Men, comprised of Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman. The trio made history—winning as the first group to ever take home the Golden Mask Trophy. The combination of their musical legacy and undeniable talent solidified their win, causing emotional joy among fans and team members alike.
Throughout the season, the Buffalos entertained fans with various song choices, ranging from heartfelt classics to lively contemporary tracks. They pulled off impressive performances including covers from Shania Twain and Toto, all to mislead the judges as to their identity.
Nathan Morris remarked on the experience of performing behind the masks, likening it to being confined with limited visibility, which added to the challenge. “It was almost like wearing a football helmet,” he explained. “You could only see through the nose, and it forced you to communicate differently.” This extra layer of difficulty led them to feel more like characters rather than their typical artistic selves.
The emotional performances and the unmasking reveal were not just about winning, but about showcasing their growth as artists and individuals. Another Buffalo reflected, "This has been for our fans, our kids, for everyone who stuck with us." Their words echoed deeply within the audience who have been supporting them for years.
The thrill of the finale hasn't just been about entertainment; it sets the stage for what lies ahead. FOX has already confirmed the return of "The Masked Singer" for Season 13 on February 12, 2025, promising more intrigue, music, and celebrity surprises for devoted fans.
With the Buffalos claiming their place as champions and Mario solidifying his legacy, the Season 12 finale will surely resonate with fans as they eagerly anticipate the next installment of “The Masked Singer.” Not only did the season conclude with delightful performances, but it also reinforced the timeless power of music, camaraderie, and the thrill of guessing who could be hiding beneath the mask.
