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5 Shocking Reveals And The Historic Win That Changed The Masked Singer Forever: Season 12 Deep Dive

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The Masked Singer Season 12, which premiered in late 2024, concluded its run on December 18, 2024, delivering a finale that cemented its place in series history and shocked fans with one of the most unexpected celebrity winners ever. The twelfth season of the Emmy Award-nominated competition show brought back the high-stakes drama, incredible vocal performances, and signature whacky costumes, but it was the monumental victory by a legendary R&B group that truly made headlines, proving that the show continues to evolve its format and attract top-tier talent.

This deep-dive analysis of Season 12 covers the full cast of celebrity reveals, the revolutionary format changes like the "Smack Royale," and details the unprecedented journey of the winning mask, the Buffalos, who managed to make series history. The information presented here, current as of December 23, 2025, serves as the definitive retrospective on one of the most game-changing seasons in the show's run on the Fox network.

The Historic Finale: Boyz II Men’s Unprecedented Victory

The twelfth season of The Masked Singer concluded on a high note, with the Buffalos being crowned the winner of the Golden Mask Trophy. This victory was not just another title; it was a watershed moment for the American version of the competition, as the Buffalos became the first-ever group to win the show. The Buffalos were ultimately revealed to be the iconic R&B vocal group, Boyz II Men, comprised of members Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanyá Morris.

The group’s run was characterized by their signature harmony and powerful stage presence, which allowed them to navigate the show's rigorous elimination rounds. Their journey to the finale was a testament to their enduring talent, captivating both the studio audience and the panel of judges. The final vote was reportedly "VERY VERY VERY CLOSE," highlighting the competitive nature of the season. [cite: 4 in previous step]

The Runner-Up and Other Finalists

The Buffalos faced stiff competition, particularly from the Wasp, who finished as the runner-up. The Wasp, known for powerful and soulful performances, was revealed to be R&B singer Mario. [cite: 9 in previous step] Mario’s unmasking was a major reveal, confirming the panel’s suspicions that an established vocalist was hiding beneath the costume. The dramatic finale also saw the unmasking of the other finalists, solidifying the season’s reputation for having a truly star-studded cast.

The Full List of Season 12 Reveals and Shocking Identities

Season 12 boasted a diverse and talented cast, with celebrities from film, television, music, and sports all taking part. The panel, featuring host Nick Cannon and judges Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora, struggled more than ever to guess the identities, thanks to the show's new, more intricate clue system. [cite: 2, 12 in previous step] Below is a list of some of the most memorable masks and the celebrities who were revealed beneath them, contributing to the season's high topical authority and buzz.

  • Buffalos: Boyz II Men (Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, Wanyá Morris) - *Winner*
  • Wasp: Mario - *Runner-Up* [cite: 9 in previous step]
  • Bluebell: Natalie Imbruglia - The Australian singer-songwriter was a major surprise reveal. [cite: 11 in previous step]
  • Chess Piece: Laverne Cox - The groundbreaking actress and activist made a memorable appearance. [cite: 1, 2, 11 in previous step]
  • Ice King: Drake Bell - The actor and musician was revealed early in the competition. [cite: 4 in previous step]
  • Macaron: Bethany Hamilton - The professional surfer and shark attack survivor delivered an inspiring performance. [cite: 4 in previous step]
  • Leaf Sheep: The first contestant eliminated in the season's opening week. [cite: 6 in previous step]

The reveals highlighted the show's ability to pull in celebrities from across the pop culture spectrum, from Grammy-winning musicians to Emmy-nominated actors. The element of surprise remained the most compelling part of the show, especially when the judges' guesses—which included names like Jamie Foxx, Denzel Washington, and various pop stars—were wildly off the mark.

Format Shake-Ups: The Introduction of the 'Smack Royale'

To keep the competition fresh and unpredictable, The Masked Singer Season 12 introduced several key format changes that altered the flow of the competition. The most significant change was the blending of two fan-favorite rounds—the Battle Royale and the Smackdown—into a new, high-stakes elimination event called the "Smack Royale." [cite: 13 in previous step]

The Smack Royale was designed to intensify the pressure on the masked celebrities. Instead of a straightforward sing-off, this new round required contestants to perform a second song immediately following their initial performance, with the loser facing an immediate unmasking. This dynamic format ensured that every episode had a dramatic conclusion and tested the vocal endurance and versatility of the competitors. [cite: 13 in previous step]

Clues Embedded in the Costumes

Another major innovation for Season 12 was the integration of clues directly into the elaborate costumes themselves. [cite: 12 in previous step] Unlike previous seasons where clues were primarily delivered through cryptic packages, the Season 12 costumes, such as the Buffalos, Wasp, and Bluebell, contained hidden symbols and objects that eagle-eyed viewers and the panel could analyze. This subtle yet impactful change made the guessing game a much more immersive and challenging experience for the audience at home, adding a new layer to the show's mystery. [cite: 3 in previous step]

The Panelist Dynamics

The judging panel for Season 12 remained a central element of the show's appeal. Nick Cannon, the charismatic host, kept the energy high, while the panel provided their signature blend of insightful guesses and comedic relief. The main panel consisted of veteran judges Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, and Ken Jeong, alongside British pop star Rita Ora, who returned to the US panel. Ken Jeong, in particular, maintained his reputation for delivering the most outlandish and often incorrect guesses, much to the delight of the viewers and the other judges, while Rita Ora brought a fresh, international perspective to the celebrity speculation.

The Lasting Legacy of The Masked Singer Season 12

The Masked Singer Season 12 will be remembered for its commitment to innovation and the sheer star power of its reveals. By crowning Boyz II Men as the first group winner, the show redefined the scope of the competition, proving that multi-member acts can successfully navigate the format and achieve the highest honor. [cite: 1, 6 in previous step] The emotional unmasking of the Buffalos, coupled with the reveal of other major stars like Mario, Natalie Imbruglia, and Laverne Cox, ensured that the season concluded with a tremendous impact on pop culture. [cite: 11 in previous step]

The introduction of the "Smack Royale" and the use of costume-embedded clues demonstrated the production team’s willingness to evolve the successful formula, keeping the show fresh for its dedicated fanbase. As the show looks ahead to future seasons, the high bar set by Season 12, in terms of celebrity caliber and historical firsts, will undoubtedly influence the direction of the series. The season's success is a clear indicator that the mystery, the music, and the fun of The Masked Singer continue to resonate with millions of viewers across the globe. [cite: 13 in previous step]

masked singer season 12
masked singer season 12

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