[Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for The Masked Singer Season 12 finale.]
As The Masked Singer Season 12 finale approached, only two contestants remained in the running: Buffalos and Wasp.
Both contestants gave two final performances for the panelists before a winner was selected. The title went to Buffalos, while Wasp secured an impressive second place. Under the Wasp mask was none other than R&B singer Mario.
Below, Mario reflects on his experience in the competition. (Read our interview with Buffalos here.)
What made you decide to participate in The Masked Singer? Did you have any reservations?
No, I didn’t have any reservations about participating. They actually reached out to me a few years ago, but the timing wasn’t right then. So, when the opportunity came around again, it felt like a full-circle moment. Once I saw the Wasp costume, I was all in. I knew it would be fun, and I was excited to bring the Wasp to life.
What factors influenced your song choices, particularly in the semifinals and finals?
Selecting the songs was a very deliberate process. I also considered the performance order, as the show often changed who would perform first, middle, or last. This influenced our song choices and the reasons behind them. I aimed to give the Wasp a lot of dimension, avoiding only slow songs. Sometimes I wanted to dance, other times I wanted to evoke emotions or tell a story. So yes, every decision was very intentional.
You delivered some outstanding performances throughout the season. Which one stood out to you the most?
I would say “Skyscraper” was particularly challenging due to the intention behind the song and the difficulty of performing it while wearing the mask, which severely restricted my jaw movement. It required me to find new ways to hit the notes without cracking or going off-key. Despite the challenge, I chose not to change the song because of its powerful message. I felt it was important for people to hear it, as it emphasizes trusting and believing in oneself regardless of circumstances. This message resonated with both me and the Wasp, allowing us to connect deeply with the song.
“Rock Your Body” was memorable as well, as it marked one of the initial performances that set the tone for my journey.
I love performing “Beautiful Things” because it allows me to engage directly with the audience. Walking through the crowd on my way to the stage creates a special moment of connection. My goal was for the Wasp to make people feel truly involved. I didn’t want to perform from the same spot every show; I wanted each performance to align with the song’s intention.
Our team did an exceptional job, from production to choreographers and camera operators, in bringing the Wasp closer to both the audience and the judges. We were very deliberate about starting performances right next to the judges, making them feel part of the moment, and perhaps giving them a subtle hint about the Wasp’s identity. Overall, a lot of thought went into ensuring it was a great experience for everyone involved.
Let’s discuss the panelists’ guesses. Rita Ora managed to identify you. Did you anticipate anyone recognizing you?
I expected Robin Thicke to figure it out since we’ve toured together and have known each other for a long time. It makes sense that Rita would recognize me because, as a singer, she listens in a unique way. I tried to make it challenging by changing up the songs and altering my movements to throw them off. However, being both a panelist and a singer gives an advantage because they have an understanding of voice and tone. So, I had to keep trying to mislead them.
What will you take away from this entire experience?
The power of imagination is one of the greatest gifts we have as humans. It can lead us to places that doubt and fear cannot reach.
What surprised you the most about being on the show?
I was amazed by the size of some of the costumes and wondered how people managed to move around in them. It’s one thing to not be able to see your feet, but to not even be able to move your head at all? For example, Goo’s costume was enormous. It was astonishing; I didn’t expect to see costumes that large. On the other hand, the Buffaloes’ costumes were big too, but they were really cool and suited their personalities perfectly. It’s impressive how the costumes are chosen to match everyone’s personalities and voices so well.
Are there any songs you wish you had performed at any point?
I really wanted to perform “Lose Control,” but Goo had already selected that song. It was on the list, and when I chose it, they informed me that Goo had already picked it. He did a great job with it, but I feel like I could have added something extra. I just love that record, and it would have been one of my favorite songs to sing.