The Masked Singer: Wasp Identity & Clues

WARNING! THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS ABOUT THE MASKED SINGER SEASON 12!The Masked Singer season 12 contestant Wasp was one of the 15 mystery celebrity singers competing for the Golden Mask trophy, and he placed second to Boyz II Men's Buffalos, and was revealed to be singer Mario. The Masked Singer season 12 welcomed back host Nick Cannon, along with panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora. For the first time ever, every contestant has been introduced by a Masked Ambassador, an alum from the show who has a special connection to the singer.

The Masked Singer season 12 began with Group A, which included winners the 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 of the clues that helped to reveal that Wasp was actually Mario.

The Masked Singer Season 12's Wasp's Identity Predictions

Rita Ora Was The First To Guess Mario Correctly

During The Masked Singer season 12 Sports Night, the panelists offered many different guesses for Wasp's identity, including some superstar singers. Rita guessed that Wasp might be Taye Diggs, while Jenny noticed the Mars clue, and thought that he might be Bruno Mars. Robin theorized that Wasp could be Jason Derulo. During Barbie Night, Rita guessed that Wasp might be Miguel, which Jenny liked. However, she guessed Frank Ocean, which Ken said was a good guess. He then guessed that Wasp might be Daveed Diggs.

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On '60s Night, the Masked Singer panelists added even more guesses for Wasp's identity. Rita said that he had her confused, but she thought that he might be Mario. Robin said that he's toured with Mario, and Wasp's level of artistry was Mario's. However, he thought that Wasp might be Craig David because of his falsetto. He also guessed Eric Benét. Jenny went back to Robin's original guess of Jason Derulo.

During The Masked Singer season 12 quarterfinals, Rita continued to think that Wasp was Mario. However, Ken thought that he was Usher, while Jenny mentioned Maxwell. Robin agreed that Maxwell definitely had one of those types of vocals. During the semi-finals, Wasp's connection to Robin made him think that he could be Anthony Ramos. Jenny once again brought up Maxwell and Jason Derulo. Ken guessed Usher again. Rita was sick and missed the semi-finals, so she wasn't there to offer a guess.

During The Masked Singer season 12 finale, before Wasp was unmasked, the panelists gave their final guesses for his identity. They included Jason Derulo (Jenny) and Usher (Ken), but Rita stuck with her guess of Mario, with which Robin agreed. Rita was correct, and Wasp was revealed to be Mario.

Wasp's Masked Ambassador Was Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo Revealed His Connection To Wasp

The Masked Singer season 12 Group B contestant Wasp's Masked Ambassador was season 10 winner, singer Ne-Yo, who competed as Cow. Ne-Yo appeared in a comic book, after the word, "BOOM!," was shown, saying that he thought that it was about time for his boy, Wasp, to enter this game. He revealed that he's known Wasp since he was fresh on the scene. Ne-Yo wrote Mario's hit song "Let Me Love You." Mario also had a single called, "Boom."

A comic book with Wasp on the cover was then shown. It was Vol. 2 and titled, "The Wasp: Back in Action." Ne-Yo shared that Wasp gained huge success by taking his words of wisdom. A light bulb then appeared above Ne-Yo's head as he said that he thought that Wasp had what it took to snag the Golden Mask trophy, just like he did in season 10.

Wasp's Masked Singer Season 12 Sports Night Performance & Clues

Clues About Wasp's Life & Career Were Revealed

On The Masked Singer season 12 Sports Night, Wasp first came out on stage holding a football. He performed a phenomenal version of "Rock Your Body" by Justin Timberlake, including incredible dance moves. In his clue package, Wasp shared that he grew up in a tough neighborhood. The word, "Buzzzzz!," then flashed on the screen in front of the planet Mars. Wasp said that there was no reason that he should've made it out, but he learned to dig deep and fight. Mario's 2020 EP is titled Closer to Mars, and it includes a single called, "Mars."

Wasp was then shown wearing boxing gloves as the word "POW!" appeared on the screen. Wasp said that his career turned into a hive of activity, including the biggest screens and stages in the world. Mario has appeared in the films, Step Up and Freedom Writers, and starred as Benny in Rent: Live. He's also had many TV appearances, including roles on Empire and All the Queen's Men. As Wasp made a heart shape with his hands, heart-shaped balloons then appeared on the screen. One of them popped, and the word, "POP!" appeared on the screen.

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Ne-Yo then reappeared stating that Wasp had that charisma and swag, and the ladies swarmed. Mario was definitely a hearthrob when he first appeared on the music scene, and he still is. Ne-Yo said that now it was time for Wasp to go out and do what he does best. Ne-Yo stated that he thought that The Masked Singer season 12 contestant could be the "buzzer to beat."

After Wasp's performance, another clue about his identity was revealed. Every Group B contestant brought a different pair of athletic shoes that best represented their life. Wasp's shoes were beehive-decorated basketball sneakers. Wasp explained, "Fresh kicks helps me to stay on my game."

Wasp's Masked Singer Season 12 Barbie Night Performance & Clues

Wasp Spoke About His Relationship With His Dad

During The Masked Singer season 12 Barbie Night, Wasp sang a powerful, moving, and absolutely stunning version of "Skyscraper" by Demi Lovato. Before his clue package began, Nick stated that Wasp's upbringing was far from a dream. Wasp then said that Barbie may have her own dreamhouse, and he did too, but it took him a while to realize it. He shared that he lived with over a dozen family members, "all of them hustlers." A crowded living room with several Wasps was then shown.

As Wasp picked up a red crab, which represented Mario's hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, he said that there was so much noise in the house and love, but there was one thing missing: his dad. He then looked at a picture frame that said "#1 Dad," as a picture of a Wasp father disappeared. Mario's father is Derryl Barrett Sr., a singer in 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.

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However, Wasp said that he finally made it big, and he came back home, and his whole family was there, including, much to his surprise, his dad. He went back into the living room and there was a sign that said, "Starring Wasp," with a ladder under it. Wasp then picked up the photograph of his dad, saying that when he talked to him one-on-one, he told him that he was proud of him.

Wasp said that, for the first time, he felt like he had "limitless potential." He added that, for every hard memory in 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 dreamhouse after all."

After Wasp's performance, another clue was given about his identity. Every Group B contestant brought a toy that represented them. Wasp's was a pair of Barbie dolls on a stage. "Well, every minute I'm out there, I take my live performances to new heights." In 2019, Mario played Benny in the TV production of Rent: Live. He's also toured in support of his own music.

Wasp's Masked Singer Season 12 '60s Night Performance & Clues

Wasp Shared The Story Of His Beloved Mother

The Masked Singer season 12 '60s Night began with a delightful performance of "Fun, Fun, Fun" by The Beach Boys from the final three Group B finalists: Wasp, Goo, and Bluebell. They sang sensational harmonies together. Wasp's competition song was a spectacular rendition of "Ain't No Way" by Aretha Franklin, featuring his signature falsetto.

Wasp began his clue package by saying that getting to the Group B finals made him feel like a superhero underneath his Wasp armor. He said that, through his life, there was one hero that he admired most: his mother. At that point, a picture of an older, female Wasp was shown. Wasp shared that she was creative, and she loved Halloween. He said that she loved costumes more than anything. Wasp then picked up a silver stethoscope. This could refer to Mario's song, "Crying Out for Me," which has the lyric, "I can hear your heart crying out for me."

Wasp went on to say that his mother was his protector, fighting off invisible monsters until his bed, and neighborhood kids who tried to steal his bike. He then unfolded a treasure map and looked at it. Wasp confessed that, as he got older, he "started to see cracks in her armor, as she faced her darkest battle yet."

Wasp shared that he tried everything that he could to save her, but no amount of money or love could mend her broken wings. He looked into a vanity mirror with light bulbs around it as he said this. Wasp added that, when she passed, he thought he'd never recover from the sting. In 2007, MTV aired a special called, I Won't Love You to Death: The Story of Mario and His Mom, which was about his mother Shawntia Hardaway's heroin addiction, and how Mario tried to help her.

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Wasp said that he still feels the sting of the loss of his mom, but he thinks about her all the time. A lava lamp was then shown in the background of the scene, along with a model of DNA. The DNA referred to Mario's 2009 album, D.N.A. Wasp said that him being on The Masked Singer would've brought so much joy to her. He added that she'd probably try to steal his costume and wear it herself.

Wasp concluded by saying that his mother would be so proud of him, and 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 machine. As million-dollar bills with Robin's face came out of the machine, Wasp explained, "Well, just like this bill, I've also hit a million." Mario's albums, D.N.A. and Turning Point, are platinum-certified, which means that they've sold at least a million copies.

After the audience vote, Bluebell was unmasked and revealed to be singer Natalie Imbruglia. Then Wasp and Goo went head-to-head in the Battle Royale in order to determine which of them would move on to the quarterfinals. They each sang their own superb version of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye. Wasp won the battle, but the panelists decided to save Goo with the Ding Dong Keep It On Bell, so they both moved on to the quarterfinals.

Wasp's Masked Singer Season 12 Quarterfinals Performance & Clues

Wasp Shared Details About His Love Life

During The Masked Singer season 12 quarterfinals, Wasp sang a phenomenal version of "Standing Next to You" by Jungkook, during which he did a mind-blowing dance routine. He began his clue package by saying that making it this far in the competition really made him feel the love. He shared that feeling it sent him on the ride of a lifetime.

Wasp was then shown riding a motorcycle on a highway. Wasp explained that, "growing up without a consistent definition of what true love looked like," he was left to rely on the stories and the songs surrounding him, such as the rom-coms and the happily-ever-afters. He shared that he "lived life in the fastlane," thinking that that'd be his destination.

However, Wasp then said that "love is different in real life." He shared that he fell more than a few times, taking a couple of wrong turns, facing a lot dead-ends, and even making a few U-turns. He laughed that "those should've been illegal." Wasp admitted that he used to think that, even if he was "stung by the love bug," he didn't even know if he'd see the signs. However, in this moment, he has someone right alongside him, so he'll see what the future holds. Wasp added that maybe he's on the right track. Mario is currently in a relationship.

Wasp concluded by saying that, right now, he's focused on another road ahead of him: hopefully, the one that leads him to the finale. He added that he was going to take a quick pit stop to win over a few hearts tonight because it would mean everything to him to still be standing in the semi-finals. The motorcycle and road clues could be a reference to Mario's 2007 album, Go.

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After Wasp's performance, another clue was given about his 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 putting out hits, to live theater, to starring in one of the biggest shows of the decade. You are a true star. I know you've got what it takes to win this thing."

As his cousin said, Mario is a versatile performer, who's done so many different things in the entertainment world. Mario is a singer, starred in Rent: Live as Benny, and starred as Devon in Empire, which was one of the biggest shows of the decade. Mario also performed live on 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 y'all get this guy on on the phone?! I love you. I love you, Cuz. That was amazing. That's one of my closest family members. Wow." After the audience and panelists voted, Wasp moved on to the semi-finals, during which he competed against the Buffalos and Strawberry Shortcake. Goo was unmasked and revealed to be NFL player, Kobie Turner, after competing in the Smackdown with Strawberry Shortcake.

Wasp's Masked Singer Season 12 Semi-Finals Performances & Clues

Wasp Shared How He Was Discovered

The Masked Singer season 12 semi-finals began with the Final 3 contestants--Wasp, the Buffalos, and Strawberry Shortcake--singing an electrifying version of "Some Nights" by fun. Later, Wasp sang a soul-stirring version of "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone.

Wasp began his clue package by saying that he never felt so powerful as when he became the Wasp. He shared that it brought out "this super-competitive edge" in him that he hadn't felt since he was a kid. Wasp said that his mom knew that there would only be so many opportunities for him to get out of the hood, so, when she saw a poster for a talent show, she signed him up on the spot.

Wasp admitted that he was "shook," but he tapped into a fire inside of him, and he won the whole thing. Wasp added that an industry mogul was there to sign him on the spot, which was a turning point for him. Mario was discovered at age 11, when he was signed by producer Troy Patterson. Troy saw him sing "I'll Make Love to You" at a Coppin State College talent show.

Wasp said that being on The Masked Singer had brought him back to when he was hungry for a win, and it was a "beautiful thing." He said that he knew that he was up against some steep competition in the semi-finals, and he confessed that he was "terrified" to lose out on a chance to win it all in the finale. Wasp concluded by saying, "This golden mask is coming for THE Golden Mask."

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After Wasp's performance, Nick said that he'd come a long way under the mask, and asked what he'd like to say to these young Wasps watching him and looking up to him right now. Wasp replied, "I want you to remember your power. As you get older, never forget that child you once were. Always keep dreaming. And believe in yourself to the fullest, no matter what, how dark it gets, how many times you fall. You can always get up and fly again. I love you."

Then, another clue was given about Wasp's identity, which was a friendship bracelet gifted to one of the panelists with whom she shared a connection: Robin. The bracelet had beads that spelled out, "Nashville." Wasp told Robin that they had a blast while they painted the town red in Nashville, and they had such a good time. During the finale, Robin revealed that he, Mario, and Ne-Yo all went on a tour together.

Before the vote, one final clue was given from all of the semi-finalists to Nick, which was a friendship bracelet with charms representing all three contestants. It said, "From performing with you to attending your epic parties, all three of us have connections to you, the legendary Nick Cannon." Mario was the opening act on the Scream Tour 3, which featured Nick as one of the headliners.

After the vote, Wasp advanced to the finale with the closest margin that The Masked Singer has ever had: 1%. The Buffalos and Strawberry Shortcake then competed in the first-ever Smack Royale, performing the same song back-and-forth in an epic duet. After they sang "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic, the Buffalos advanced to the season finale, while Strawberry Shortcake was unmasked and revealed to be singer and actress AJ Michalka.

Wasp's Masked Singer Season 12 Finale Performances & Clues

Wasp Shared What Being A Masked Singer Contestant Has Meant To Him

During The Masked Singer season 12 finale, Wasp culminated his beautiful journey on the show with two excellent performances. He began with a tear-jerking rendition of "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars, and followed that with a showstopping version of "I'm Your Baby Tonight" by Whitney Houston.

Wasp began his clue package by stating that making it to the finale meant more to him than he could express. He said that his Masked Singer experience felt like it was made for him, and like he was finally getting the recognition that he'd been craving. Wasp shared that, for a long time in the industry, he felt underrated. He revealed that he started building his empire at a young age. This was another reference to the show Empire, on 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 bunch of Masked Singer alums such as Lil' Wayne (season 3's Robot), Vanessa Hudgens (season 11 winner Goldfish), and his Masked Ambassador Ne-Yo (season 10 winner Cow), who he said he's been "hitting up for advice this whole time." In addition to his previously mentioned connection to his Masked Ambassador Ne-Yo, Mario collaborated with Lil' Wayne on his song, "Crying Out For Me (Remix)," in 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 like the industry hasn't known how "vast" his talent is. He admitted that he felt like he was "constantly being overlooked at times," and like people still saw him as "that cute little kid with that song." Wasp declared that they didn't know the "depths of my talent." Mario signed a record deal with J Records at age 14 in 2000, after which he released his self-titled debut album in 2002, which included the song "Just a Friend 2002."

Wasp went on to say that, being on The Masked Singer, he felt the opposite. He explained that he "felt appreciated, validated, celebrated, and all anonymously, which is wild." He said that it somehow made it feel more real. Wasp added that it was something that he'd take with him after the Masked Singer finale. He shared that, as the Wasp, he's "gotten to expose all I am: my power, my vulnerability. I'm giving you everything. And the fact that y'all have 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 just be real, it'd mean the world to show her baby can be the winner tonight." In what he called the biggest clue of the season, Wasp then spoke in his real, unaltered voice, saying, "I love you, Ma."

After his performance of "I'm Your Baby Tonight," Nick asked Wasp what he would say to 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 it was "very, very, very close," and the season 12 winner was the Buffalos, who were revealed to be Boyz II Men. Wasp was the runner-up, and revealed to be Mario. The Buffalos made history as the first group ever to win The Masked Singer.

When Mario was unmasked, he said, "it smells like victory still." Mario shared that he did The Masked Singer because, "I have a wild imagination. I've always been into, 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 this gave me a chance to really tap back into that kid that didn't get a chance to be a kid."

Mario went on to say that he started at 15 years old in the industry, and, before that, it was "going from home to home. I got adopted when I was 13, so this just, like, tapped me back into that child me again. So thank you. Thank you. Appreciate that." Mario concluded by saying, "I have to say, this has been an incredible experience with everybody," and he said that he thought he knew who the Buffalos were. He said, "But y'all are amazing. Shout-out to the Buffalos, man." Mario stated, "I'm just happy to be here to share that energy with y'all. Thank you. Yes."

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Mario ended his Masked Singer run with an exciting unmasked performance of his own iconic hit song, "Let Me Love You," which showcased his beautiful falsetto. He later sang along with Boyz II Men when they performed their joyous unmasked version of "Motownphilly."

As The Masked Singer season 12 contestant Wasp, Mario had some truly buzz-worthy performances. He flew into the finale with ease. With his incredible vocal range and stage presence, he has star quality, and he was a strong contender for the Golden Mask Trophy. Mario is one of the greatest performers to ever grace The Masked Singer stage, and he'll always be remembered for his stunning performances.

The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on FOX.

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