‘The Masked Singer’ season 12’s Buffalos and Wasp.Photo:Michael Becker/FOX (2)
Michael Becker/FOX (2)
Warning: This story contains spoilers from the season 12 finale ofThe Masked Singer.
Christmas came early for one of theMasked Singerfinalists!
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, Buffalos and Wasp battled it out for the Golden Mask trophy and judgesKen Jeong,Jenny McCarthy,Rita OraandRobin Thickehelped decide who would be crowned the king — or kings — of season 12.
First, season 5 winnerNick Lachey(a.k.a. Piglet) opened the show with “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” as hostNick Cannon, dressed as Santa Claus, gave out presents to the judges.
Each contestant performed two selections, offered up a snippet of their real voice and reflected on theirMasked Singerjourney.
“This experience has felt like it’s made for me, like I’m finally getting the recognition I’ve been craving,” Wasp said in his final clue package. “For a long time in this industry, I felt underrated. I started building my empire at a young age, dominated the Billboard charts and collaborated with the best in the business, including a bunch ofMasked Singeralums:Lil Wayne,Vanessa Hudgensand, of course, my ambassadorNE-YO, who I’ve been hitting up for advice this whole time.”
Wasp performing on ‘The Masked Singer’ season 12.Michael Becker/FOX
Michael Becker/FOX
Still, Wasp said he felt like the world hadn’t seen “how vast my talent is.”
“I feel like I’m constantly being overlooked at times and like people still see me as that cute little kid with that song,” the bug continued. “They don’t know the depths of my talent.”
Wasp hoped to honor his mom with aMasked Singerwin. “I feel my mom here with me tonight in sprit, and she’s giving me wings for these last two performances,” he said. “I hope she’s proud.”
Next, Buffalos said thatThe Masked Singerhelped them “rediscover ourselves and our bond.”
Buffalos performing on ‘The Masked Singer’ season 12.Michael Becker/FOX
“We had to fight our way out of the hood, we had to overcome the passing of one of the most important people in our lives and we’ve even had to change our entire sound when we lost a member,” one of the Buffalos said in their clue package.
Another Buffalo said that their time onThe Masked Singer“has been for our fans, for our kids, for everyone who stuck with us” over three decades.
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“That range was world class,” Thicke, 47, said.
The panel ran through their wide range of guesses for Wasp, which includedB2K,Bell Biv DeVoe, Blackstreet,Bone Thungs-N-Harmony,Boyz II Men,Earth, Wind & Fire,Jonas Brothersand Tony! Toni! Toné!
“Those harmonies, they make you feel like you’re walking through the gates of heaven,” Thicke told Buffalos.
The response brought one of the Buffalos to tears. “This has made me feel like, with these guys, we can do anything,” he said.
Cannon, 45, called the Dec. 19 finale “probably the most legendary episode ever” ofThe Masked Singerbefore announcing the winner: Buffalos, the first group to ever win the show.
“Thank you so much,” one of the Buffalos said.
Before the winners could unmask, runner-up Wasp popped off his insect head to reveal “Let Me Love You” singer Mario, 38.
Mario as Wasp on ‘The Masked Singer’ season 12.Michael Becker/FOX; Noam Galai/Getty
Michael Becker/FOX; Noam Galai/Getty
When Buffalos returned and took off their masks, Boyz II Men’sNathan Morris,Wanya MorrisandShawn Stockmanappeared.
Boyz II Men as Buffalos on ‘The Masked Singer’ season 12.Michael Becker/FOX; Denise Truscello/Getty
Michael Becker/FOX; Denise Truscello/Getty
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The Masked Singerseason 12 is now streaming on Hulu.
source: people.com