NOTICE! THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS ABOUT SEASON 12 OF THE MASKED SINGER!The masked singer season 12 contestant Wasp was one of 15 mystery celebrity singers competing for the Golden Mask trophy, and came in second place behind Boyz II Men's Buffalos, and was revealed to be the singer Mario.. The masked singer season 12 welcomed host Nick Cannon, along with panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora. For the first time, each contestant was introduced by a Masked Ambassador, an alumnus of the program who has a special connection with the singer.
The masked singer Season 12 began with Group A, which included the winners Buffalos (Boyz II Men), Leaf Sheep (John Elway), Showbird (Yvette Nicole Brown), Woodpecker (Marsai Martin) and Ship (Paula Cole). The Group B contestants consisted of Wasp (Mario), Dust Bunny (Andy Richter), Chess Piece (Laverne Cox), Bluebell (Natalie Imbruglia) and Goo (Kobie Turner). Group C included Macaron (Bethany Hamilton), Ice King (Drake Bell), Royal Knight (Jana Kramer), Sherlock Hound (Bronson Arroyo), and Strawberry Shortcake (AJ Michalka). Here are all the clues that helped reveal Wasp was actually Mario.
The Masked Singer Season 12 Wasp Identity Predictions
Rita Ora was the first to guess Mario correctly
During The masked singer On Season 12 of Sports Night, panelists offered many different guesses about Wasp's identity, including some superstar singers. Rita guessed that Wasp could be Taye Diggswhile Jenny noticed the Mars track and thought he might be Bruno Marte. Robin theorized that the Wasp could be Jason Derulo. During Barbie Night, Rita guessed that Wasp might be Miguelwhich Jenny liked. However, she guessed Frank Oceanowhich Ken said was a good guess. He then guessed that Wasp could be David Diggs.
In the night of the 60s, the Masked Singer the panelists added even more guesses about Wasp's identity. Rita said he confused her, but she thought he might be Mario. Robin said he toured with Mario, and Wasp's artistic level was Mario's. However, he thought Wasp might be Craig David because of his falsetto. He also guessed Eric Benet. Jenny went back to Robin's original guess about Jason Derulo.
During The masked singer In the quarterfinals of season 12, Rita continued to think Wasp was Mario. However, Ken thought he was Usherwhile Jenny mentioned Maxwell. Robin agreed that Maxwell definitely had one of those types of vocals. During the semi-finals, Wasp's connection with Robin made him think he could be Antonio Ramos. Jenny once again mentioned Maxwell and Jason Derulo. Ken guessed Usher again. Rita was ill and missed the semi-finals, so she wasn't there to give a tip.
During The masked singer season 12 finale, before Wasp was unmasked, the panelists gave their final guesses about her identity. They included Jason Derulo (Jenny) and Usher (Ken), but Rita stuck to her guess about Mario, which Robin agreed with.. Rita was right and it was revealed that Wasp was Mario.
Wasp's masked ambassador was Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo revealed his connection to Wasp
The masked singer Group B season 12 contestant Wasp's Masked Ambassador was season 10 winner singer Ne-Yo, who competed as Cow. Ne-Yo appeared in a comic strip, after the word, “BOOM!” was shown, saying that he thought it was about time his son, Wasp, joined this game. He revealed that he has known Wasp since he arrived on the scene. Ne-Yo wrote Mario’s hit “Let Me Love You.” Mario also had a single called “Boom”.
A comic strip with Wasp on the cover was then shown. It was Vol. 2 and titled, “The Wasp: Back in Action.” Ne-Yo shared that Wasp found huge success using his words of wisdom. A light bulb appeared above Ne-Yo's head when he said he thought Wasp had what it takes to win the Golden Mask trophy, just like she did in Season 10.
Wasp Masked Singer Season 12 Sports Night Performances and Clues
Clues about Wasp's life and career have been revealed
On The masked singer Season 12 Sports Night, Wasp first appeared on stage holding a football. He performed a phenomenal version of Justin Timberlake's “Rock Your Body” including incredible dance moves. In her tips package, Wasp shared that she grew up in a tough neighborhood. The word, “Buzzzz!” then appeared on the screen in front of the planet Mars. Wasp said there was no reason he could have escaped, but he learned to dig deep and fight. Mario's 2020 EP is titled Closer to Marsand includes a single called “Mars”.
Wasp was then shown wearing boxing gloves as the word “POW!” appeared on the screen. Wasp said his career has turned into a hive of activity, including the biggest screens and stages in the world. Mario appeared in the films Next and Freedom Writersand starred as Benny in Rent: Live. He has also had many TV appearances, including roles in Empire and All the Queen's Men. As Wasp made a heart shape with her hands, heart-shaped balloons appeared on the screen. One of them burst and the word, “POP!” appeared on the screen.
Ne-Yo then reappeared stating that Wasp had that charisma and style, and the women swarmed. Mario was definitely a heartthrob when he first appeared on the music scene, and he still is. Ne-Yo said it was now time for Wasp to go out and do what he does best. Ne-Yo stated that he thought that The masked singer The season 12 contestant could be the “bell to knock.”
After Wasp's performance, another clue to his identity was revealed. Each competitor in Group B brought a different pair of sports shoes that best represented their life. Wasp's shoes were basketball shoes decorated with beehive. Vespa explained, “Fresh shots help me stay on my game.”
Wasp Masked Singer Season 12 Barbie Night Performance and Clues
Wasp spoke about her relationship with her father
During The masked singer season 12 Barbie Night, Wasp sang a powerful, moving and absolutely stunning version of Demi Lovato's “Skyscraper”. Before his tips package began, Nick stated that Wasp's education was far from a dream. Wasp then said that Barbie can have the house of her dreams, and he did too, but it took him a while to realize that. He shared that he lived with more than a dozen family members, “all of them drug dealers.” A room filled with several Wasps was then shown.
As Wasp caught a red crab, which represented Mario's hometown of Baltimore, MarylandHe said there was a lot of noise in the house and love, but one thing was missing: his father. He then looked at a picture frame that said “#1 dad,” when a Vespa father's photo disappeared. Mario's father is Derryl Barrett Sr., singer of a gospel group called Reformation. Wasp shared that without his father's guidance, he felt like he didn't know his purpose, so when he ventured out into the world as a young wasp with big dreams, he had to learn to stand on his own two feet.
However, Wasp said he finally made it big and returned home and his entire family was there, including, to his surprise, his father. He returned to the room and there was a sign that said: “Starring Wasp,” with a ladder underneath it. Wasp then pulled out his father's photograph, saying that when he talked to him in person, he said he was proud of him.
Wasp said that, for the first time, he felt like he had “unlimited potential”. He added that, For every difficult memory of that house, there was a good one and, more than anything, it was where he nurtured his dreams. Wasp concluded by saying: “So I guess it was a dream house after all.”
After Vespa's performance, another clue was given about his identity. Each competitor in Group B brought a toy that represented them. Wasp's was a pair of Barbie dolls on a stage. “Well, every minute I'm there, I take my live performances to new heights.” In 2019, Mario played Benny in the TV production of Rent: Live. He also toured to support his own music.
Wasp Masked Singer Season 12 Night Performance and 60s Clues
Wasp shared her beloved mother's story
The masked singer The night of the 12th season of the 60s began with a delightful performance of the Beach Boys' “Fun, Fun, Fun” from the three Group B finalists: Wasp, Goo and Bluebell. They sang sensational harmonies together. Wasp's competition song was a spectacular version of Aretha Franklin's “Ain't No Way”presenting his characteristic falsetto.
Wasp started his tips package by saying that reaching the Group B finals made him feel like a superhero under his Wasp armor. He said that throughout his life there were a hero he admired most: his mother. At this point, a photo of an older female wasp was shown. Wasp shared that she was creative and loved Halloween. He said she loved costumes more than anything. Wasp then picked up a silver stethoscope. This may refer to Mario's song, “Crying Out for Me”, which has the lyrics, “I can hear your heart crying out to me.“
Wasp went on to say that her mother was her protector, fighting invisible monsters to her bed and neighborhood children who tried to steal her bike. He then unfolded a treasure map and looked at it. Wasp confessed that as he grew older, he “began to see cracks in her armor, as she faced her darkest battle.”
Wasp said he tried everything to save her, but no amount of money or love could fix her broken wings. He looked at a makeup mirror with light bulbs around it as he said this. Wasp added that when she passed away, he thought he would never recover from the bite. In 2007, MTV aired a special called, I Won't Love You to Death: The Story of Mario and His Motherwhich was about his mother Shawntia Hardaway's heroin addiction and how Mario tried to help her.
Wasp said she still feels the pain of losing her mother, but thinks about her all the time. A lava lamp was then shown in the background of the scene, along with a DNA model. DNA referred to Mario's 2009 album, DNA. Wasp said he was on The masked singer It would have brought her so much joy. He added that she would probably try to steal his costume and wear it herself.
Wasp concluded by saying that his mother would be very proud of him and that she wouldn't want him to stop there. He said: “So tonight, this is for her: my Queen Bee.” Mario had a recurring role in All the Queen's Men season 4.
After Wasp's performance, another clue was revealed about his identity, which was an invention from the 1960s. It was an ATM. As million-dollar bills with Robin's face came out of the machine, Wasp explained: “Well, just like this account, I also reached a million.” Mario's albums, DNA and Turning pointare certified platinum, meaning they have sold at least one million copies.
After public voting, Bluebell was unmasked and revealed to be singer Natalie Imbruglia. Next, Wasp and Goo faced off in Battle Royale to determine which of them would advance to the quarterfinals. They each sang their own excellent version of Marvin Gaye's “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Wasp won the battle, but the panelists decided to save Goo with the Ding Dong Keep It On Bellthen the two advanced to the quarterfinals.
Wasp's Masked Singer Season 12 Quarterfinal Performance and Clues
Wasp shared details about her love life
During The masked singer quarter-finals of season 12, Wasp sang a phenomenal version of Jungkook's “Standing Next to You”, during which he did some mind-blowing choreography. He started his tips package by saying that getting this far in the competition really made him feel the love. He shared this feeling that sent him on his life's journey.
Wasp was then shown riding a motorcycle on a highway. Vespa explained that, 'growing up without a consistent definition of what true love looked like' he had to rely on the stories and music that surrounded him, like romantic comedies and happily ever afters. He shared that he “Lived life in the fast lane,“ thinking that this would be his destiny.
However, Wasp then said that “love is different in real life.” He shared that he fell more than a few times, making a few wrong turns, facing many dead ends, and even making a few U-turns. He laughed at that “Those should have been illegal.” Wasp admitted that he used to think that even though he was “stung by the love bug”, he didn't even know if he would see the signs. However, right now, he has someone by his side, so he will see what the future holds. Wasp added that perhaps he is on the right track. Mario is currently in a relationship.
Wasp concluded by saying that right now, he is focused on another path ahead of him: hopefully, the one that takes him to the end. He added that he would make a quick pit stop to win some hearts tonight because it would mean everything to him to still be in the semi-finals. The motorcycle and road tracks may be a reference to Mario's 2007 album, Go.
After Wasp's performance, another clue was given about her identity, which was a phone call from a loved one. Wasp's phone call was from his best friend and cousin. He told him, “You never cease to amaze me. You're capable of so many things, it's ridiculous. From releasing hits, to doing live theater, to starring in one of the biggest shows of the decade. You're a true star. I know you've got what it takes to beat this thing.”
As his cousin said, Mario is a versatile artist, who has done so many different things in the world of entertainment. Mario is a singer, starred Rent: Live as Benny, and starred as Devon in Empirewhich was one of the biggest shows of the decade. Mario also performed live Dancing with the stars Season 6, with his partner, Karina Smirnoff. They placed fifth in the competition.
An emotional wasp said: “I love you!” and added, “I'm so shocked right now! How did you guys get this guy on the phone?! I love you. I love you, cousin. That was amazing. That's one of my closest family members. Wow.” After the public and panelists voted, Wasp progressed to the semi-finals, during which they competed against the Buffalos and Strawberry Shortcake. Goo was unmasked and revealed to be NFL player Kobie Turner after competing on Smackdown with Strawberry Shortcake.
Wasp's Masked Singer Season 12 Semi-Finals Performances and Clues
Wasp shared how he was discovered
The masked singer The season 12 semi-finals kicked off with the final 3 contestants – Wasp, the Buffalos, and Strawberry Shortcake – singing an electrifying rendition of “Some Nights” for fun. Later, Wasp sang a moving rendition of Benson Boone's “Beautiful Things”.
Wasp began his clue package by saying that he had never felt more powerful than when he became Wasp. He shared that this brought to light “this super competitive advantage” in him that he hadn't felt since he was a child. Wasp said his mother knew there would be so many opportunities for him to get out of the neighborhood, so when she saw a poster for a talent show, she signed up on the spot.
Wasp admitted he was “shook,” but he harnessed the fire within him and won it all. Wasp added that an industry mogul was there to hire him on the spot, which was a turning point for him. Mario was discovered at age 11, when he was hired by producer Troy Patterson. Troy saw him sing “I'll Make Love to You” at a Coppin State College talent show.
Wasp said to be on The masked singer brought him back to when he was hungry for a win, and it was a “beautiful thing.“ He said he knew he would face stiff competition in the semi-finals and confessed he was “terrified” miss the chance to win it all in the final. Wasp concluded by saying: “This golden mask is coming to The Golden Mask.”
After the Wasp performance, Nick said he had come a long way under the mask and asked what he would like to say to these young Wasps who were watching and admiring him now. Vespa replied: “I want you to remember your power. As you grow older, never forget that child you once were. Always keep dreaming. And believe in yourself to the fullest, no matter what happens, how dark it gets, how many times you fall. You can always get up and fly again. I love you.”
Next, another clue was given to Wasp's identity, which was a friendship bracelet given to one of the panelists she shared a bond with: Robin. The bracelet had beads that spelled out, “Nashville.” Wasp told Robin that they had a great time while painting the town red in Nashville, and that they had a great time. During the ending, Robin revealed that he, Mario and Ne-Yo went on tour together.
Before voting, one final clue was given by all semi-finalists to Nick, which was a friendship bracelet with charms representing the three contestants. He said, “From performing with you to attending your epic parties, the three of us have connections to you, the legendary Nick Cannon.” Mario was the opening band for Scream Tour 3which featured Nick as one of the headliners.
After voting, Wasp advanced to the final with the closest margin to The masked singer already had: 1%. The Buffalos and Strawberry Shortcake competed in the first Smack Royale, performing the same song in an epic duet. After singing OneRepublic's “Counting Stars”, the Buffalos advanced to the season finale, while Strawberry Shortcake was unmasked and revealed to be singer and actress AJ Michalka.
Wasp Masked Singer Season 12 Finale Performances and Clues
Wasp shared what being a Masked Singer contestant means to him
During The masked singer season 12 finale, Wasp capped off her beautiful run on the show with two excellent performances. He began with a soulful version of Bruno Mars' “When I Was Your Man” and followed with a stunning version of Whitney Houston's “I'm Your Baby Tonight.”.
Wasp began his clue package by stating that reaching the end meant more to him than he could express. He said his Masked Singer the experience felt like it was made for him and like he was finally getting the recognition he so desperately wanted. Wasp shared that for a long time in the industry, he felt undervalued. He revealed that he started building his empire at a young age. This was another reference to the show Empirein which Mario starred, and also his early start in the music industry.
Wasp went on to say that he dominated the Billboard charts and collaborated with “the best in the business” including a lot of Masked Singer alumni like Lil' Wayne (Season 3's Robot), Vanessa Hudgens (Season 11's winning Goldfish), and his Masked Ambassador Ne-Yo (Season 10's winning Cow), who he said was “asking for advice all the time.” In addition to his previously mentioned connection with his Masked Ambassador Ne-Yo Mario collaborated with Lil' Wayne on his song, “Crying Out For Me (Remix)”, to which Lil' Wayne added a verse. He also starred with Vanessa in Rent: Live when he played Benny and she played Maureen.
However, Wasp went on to say that he still felt the industry didn't know how “big” his talent is. He admitted that he felt like he was “constantly being forgotten at times”, and as if people still saw him as “that cute little boy with that song.” Wasp declared that he did not know the “depths of my talent.” Mario signed a contract with J Records at the age of 14 in 2000, after which he released his self-titled debut album in 2002, which included the song “Just a Friend 2002”.
Wasp kept saying this, being in the The masked singerhe felt the opposite. He explained that he “I felt appreciated, validated, celebrated, and all anonymously, which is amazing.” He said that somehow it made it seem more real. Wasp added that it was something he would take with him after the Masked Singer end. He shared that, like Wasp, he is “I was able to expose everything that I am: my power, my vulnerability. I'm giving it all to you. And the fact that you noticed makes me feel like I can soar.”
Wasp concluded by saying: “You know, I feel my mom here with me tonight in spirit, and she's giving me wings for these last two performances. I hope she's proud. And if I can take home that trophy, let's be real, it would mean the world to show that your baby could be the winner tonight.” In what he called the biggest track of the season, Wasp then spoke in her real, unaltered voice, saying: “I love you, mom.”
After his performance of “I'm Your Baby Tonight”, Nick asked Wasp what he would say to the young Wasp. He said: “Wow. You know, your wings are like your intuition. Trust them. Trust your intuition. Believe in yourself. When you feel like you don't have the answers, trust your intuition. They are your wings.“
After the studio audience and panelists voted, Nick announced that he was “very, very, very close” and the winner of season 12 was the Buffalos, who were revealed to be Boyz II Men. Wasp was runner-up and revealed to be Mario. The Buffalos made history as the first group to win The masked singer.
When Mario was unmasked, he said: “still smells like victory.” Mario shared that he did The masked singer why, “I have a wild imagination. I've always liked, you know, just sitcoms and cartoons since I was a kid. I just think that as we get older, sometimes we lose that secret of imagination. So it gave me a chance to really connect with that kid who didn’t get the chance to be a kid.”
Mário also said that he started in the industry at 15 years old and, before that, he was “going from house to house. I was adopted when I was 13, so it made me feel like that kid again. So thank you. Thank you. I appreciate that.” Mário concluded by saying: “I must say this was an amazing experience for everyone,“ and he said he thought he knew who the Buffalos were. He said: “But you guys are amazing. Shout out to the Buffalos, man.” Mario stated, “I'm so happy to be here to share this energy with you. Thank you. Yes.”
Mario finished his Masked Singer run with a thrilling maskless performance of her own iconic hit, “Let Me Love You”, who showed off his beautiful falsetto. He later sang along with Boyz II Men when they performed their joyfully unmasked version of “Motownphilly.”
As The masked singer Season 12 contestant Wasp Mario has put in some truly buzzworthy performances. He flew to the finish with ease. With his incredible vocal range and stage presence, he has star quality and was a strong contender for the Golden Mask Trophy. Mario is one of the greatest artists to ever appear The masked singer stage, and he will always be remembered for his stunning performances.
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