In a groundbreaking finale of The Masked Singer Season 12, the legendary R&B group Boyz II Men, performing as the “Buffalos,” clinched the Golden Mask trophy, becoming the first group to win the competition. The season culminated in a festive, holiday-themed episode that showcased the finalists’ vocal prowess and left audiences in awe.
Standout Performances
The finale featured two standout performances from each finalist. The Buffalos delivered heartfelt renditions of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” and Sam Smith’s “Too Good at Goodbyes,” impressing both the judges and the audience with their harmonious vocals and emotional depth. Their performances not only highlighted their musical versatility but also paid tribute to their rich legacy in the music industry.
Runner-Up
The runner-up, the “Wasp,” was unmasked as Grammy-nominated R&B singer Mario. Mario dedicated his performance to his mother, delivering powerful renditions of Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” and Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight.” His performances were marked by emotional depth and technical skill, earning him widespread acclaim throughout the season.
Star-Studded Event
The season finale was a star-studded event, featuring appearances from notable figures such as Taika Waititi, who made a cameo, and Nick Lachey, the winner of Season 5, who returned to perform. The episode also saw the return of panelist Rita Ora and special appearances from Robin Thicke’s mother and Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg’s son, adding a personal touch to the festivities.
According to People, host Nick Cannon described the finale as “probably the most legendary episode ever”, underscoring the high stakes and the exceptional talent showcased throughout the competition. The Buffalos’ victory marks a historic moment in the show’s history, celebrating the enduring legacy of Boyz II Men and their contribution to the music industry.
In an interview reported by Variety, the group mentioned they are considering adding some of these songs to their performance lineup. “All the songs presented our ability to show people that we’re more than just R&B singers, which is what we’ve always felt like,” said Shawn Stockman. “This allowed us to really stretch out in a way where we wouldn’t be ostracized or looked at as uncool or corny. We listen to R&B, we listen to pop, we listen to rock, we listen to all kinds of music in our private time. And this was probably the only time that we were allowed to express that in our whole entire careers.”
As the season concludes, fans can look forward to the upcoming Season 13, set to premiere on February 12, 2025. The new season, titled “Lucky 13,” promises a fresh theme and a new character, the “Lucky Duck,” described as “delightfully mischievous,” who will provide luck-related clues throughout the season. Returning panelists include Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Rita Ora, Ken Jeong, and Robin Thicke, along with host Nick Cannon.
The Season 12 finale of The Masked Singer not only celebrated the talents of its contestants but also set a new precedent by crowning a group as the winner, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next season’s surprises.
