The holiday season brings exciting moments, and this year, The Masked Singer gives us an epic finale filled with talented contestants, special performances, and a lot of Christmas cheer. The stage is set for an exciting showdown between two powerful contestants: Wasp and Buffaloes.
These two contestants have shown that when you’re incredibly talented, you can rise above the competition and shine, even in a silly celebrity reality competition series.
The show is packed with holiday spirit, as several alumni from The Masked Singer return to join in the festivities. Nick Lachey, who is a Masked Ambassador, is here to perform some beloved holiday classics. The panel of judges also has family members in the audience.
Robin Thicke’s mom is there, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg’s son is in the crowd, and Rita Ora’s husband, Taika Waititi, makes a surprise appearance in disguise. It’s all about fun and festive moments as we move closer to crowning the Season 12 champion.
Wasp and Buffaloes will both perform two spectacular numbers to impress the audience and panel. Only one contestant can take home the most coveted prize of all: the Golden Mask Trophy. It’s a battle between Wasp and Buffaloes, and the competition is fierce.
Wasp Keeps It Smooth
Wasp starts off by sharing his experience on The Masked Singer and what this finale means to him. He says that making it to the final round is more important to him than he can express. Wasp feels that this competition was made for him, as it finally gives him the recognition he has long desired.
For a long time in the music industry, he has felt overlooked and underrated. Wasp started his career at a young age, dominating the Billboard charts and collaborating with major artists such as Lil Wayne, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ne-Yo, his Masked Ambassador.
Despite his success, Wasp shares that the industry hasn’t fully recognized the extent of his talents. He believes many people still see him as the “cute little kid with that song” instead of appreciating his full range of abilities.
On The Masked Singer, Wasp feels he has finally been given the chance to showcase the depth of his talents. He describes the show as a space where he can be both powerful and vulnerable, and he is grateful for the support he’s received. For his final two performances, Wasp feels the presence of his mother in spirit, believing she is giving him the wings to keep going.
Wasp’s first performance is of “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars. His voice is smooth, and the performance highlights his impressive vocal range. It’s a heartfelt moment that touches the audience, even though the dancing sunflowers might be a bit strange.
The panel is excited and shares their thoughts about Wasp’s identity. Ken Jeong had initially guessed Wasp could be Daveed Diggs or Usher. Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg suggests the possibility of artists like Frank Ocean, Jason Derulo, or Bruno Mars himself.
Rita Ora proposes guesses like Taye Diggs, Miguel, or Mario. Robin Thicke’s guess is Mario or Anthony Ramos, but the panel decides to hold off on making their final guess until Wasp’s second performance.
For Wasp’s final performance, he sings “I’m Your Baby Tonight” by Whitney Houston. Instead of trying to match Whitney’s vocal strength, Wasp puts his own spin on the song, showcasing his vocal stamina and falsetto. He makes the song his own while still capturing the essence of Whitney’s original track.
His performance is a true display of his talent, and the addition of lady wasps dancing around him adds a fun element to the show. Host Nick Cannon, dressed as a Shirtless Santa, asks Wasp what advice he would give to his younger self. Wasp responds that his wings represent his intuition, and he encourages everyone to trust theirs.
Buffaloes Bring Out Their Legendary Harmonies
Buffaloes have been a powerful force all season long. They have stomped on the competition and made it to the finale, sharing how much this opportunity means to them. Buffaloes talk about how their career has been full of changes and challenges.
They’ve had to adapt to new situations, including the loss of a member and the passing of someone important in their lives. Despite these challenges, Buffaloes have kept going, fighting for their fans and their families. They thank their Masked Ambassador, Nick Lachey, for his support.
Buffaloes proudly declare that they are “somebodies” who have been around for years and will continue to be recognized for decades to come. Though there are no new clues this time, the hint that Buffaloes used to be a quartet gives fans a clear idea of who they might be.
To kick off their finale performance, Buffaloes sing Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know.” Their harmonies and powerful tones bring a new twist to the song. The crowd is attracted by their ability to command the stage and connect with the audience.
The panel shares their thoughts on who Buffaloes might be. Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg guesses that they could be Boyz II Men or B2K. Robin Thicke suggests the Jonas Brothers, the remaining members of 98 Degrees, or Big Time Rush.
Ken Jeong’s guesses are somewhat embarrassing, as he throws out names like Bell Biv DeVoe, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Tony! Toni! Toné! Rita Ora suggests Earth, Wind & Fire, the Black Eyed Peas without Fergie, or Blackstreet.
For their final performance, Buffaloes slow things down with Sam Smith’s “Too Good At Goodbyes.” This song allows Buffaloes to showcase their signature 90s harmonies, which are a true highlight of their career. The performance is so attractive that it silences the entire room.
The acapella harmony is a beautiful moment that reminds everyone of Buffaloes’ legendary status in the music industry.
Host Nick Cannon asks Buffaloes how freeing it was to perform as a group, and they admit that being Buffaloes has allowed them to be themselves and do whatever they want. The emotional performance brings tears to the eyes of many, as Buffaloes share how meaningful this journey has been.
And the Winner Is…
The moment everyone has been waiting for is here: the final vote. The audience and panel have cast their votes, and after much anticipation, we learn the winner of The Masked Singer Season 12. The votes are tallied, and the winner is revealed to be… Buffaloes! This marks the first time a group has won the American version of the show, making history. The Golden Mask Trophy is theirs!
Still from The Masked Singer (Credit: Hulu)
Before the identity of Buffaloes is revealed, we first learn who was behind the Wasp mask. The final guesses for Wasp include Jason Derulo from Jenny, Usher from Ken, Mario from Rita, and Mario again from Robin. In a thrilling twist, Wasp is revealed to be none other than Mario! The audience cheers as the final guess proves to be correct.
Now, it’s time to reveal the identity of Buffaloes. After much speculation, the panel finally gets it right. Buffaloes are none other than the legendary Boyz II Men! Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris are the stars behind the Buffaloes mask. The panel and audience applaud as they accept their Golden Mask Trophy, solidifying their place in music history.
This finale of The Masked Singer is one for the books, and it will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest finales in the show’s history. The Masked Singer is available to stream on Hulu.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are officially engaged! The exciting news broke on December 11, 2024, when the 32-year-old singer-actress shared a carousel of images on Instagram to celebrate the special moment.
The post included a close-up shot of her sparkling engagement ring, as well as a candid photo of her and Blanco hugging and laughing, clearly basking in the joy of their engagement.
She captioned the post, “forever begins now..,” expressing her happiness as she took this next step in her relationship.
Blanco, 36, quickly responded with a playful comment, saying, “hey wait… that’s my wife,” marking his excitement as well.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are officially engaged (Credit: Instagram)
In addition to the Instagram post, Gomez also shared a mirror selfie on her Instagram Stories, proudly displaying her new ring and giving her followers a closer look at the stunning piece.
The ring, which has garnered attention for its marquise diamond design, appears to be as unique and special as the couple’s relationship.
Gomez and Blanco’s love story is one that has evolved over time. Though they began dating in June 2023, the two had known each other for several years prior.
Their relationship began in a professional context when they collaborated on the hit song “I Can’t Get Enough” in 2019, alongside artists Tainy and J Balvin. It wasn’t until 2023 that their friendship turned romantic, and they have since been inseparable.
Blanco, a well-known music producer, had openly spoken about his feelings for Gomez even before they started dating. In a May 2024 appearance on The Howard Stern Show, he shared how he had always admired Gomez, saying,
“When I look at her … I’m always just like, I don’t know a world where it could be better than this.”
He even hinted that he could see marriage in his future with the Only Murders in the Building star.
In August 2023, Gomez released the Blanco-produced single “Single Soon,” and in December 2023, the couple confirmed their relationship when Gomez liked fan account posts featuring the pair together. She also commented on one of the posts, saying,
“He is my absolute everything in my heart.”
Their public displays of affection continued as they made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2024 Emmys, solidifying their status as one of Hollywood’s most adored couples.
Gomez, who has been open about her previous struggles with loneliness and her eventual acceptance of being single, also spoke about how her relationship with Blanco has brought her a sense of peace.
an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe in 2024, she discussed the importance of meeting someone who truly respects you, explaining that with Blanco, she feels “the safest that I feel” and that the relationship has only helped her grow as a person.
The couple’s love story has been nothing short of heartwarming. Before meeting Blanco, Gomez had admitted that she was content with her plans to adopt a child at the age of 35 if she hadn’t found the right partner.
Speaking to TIME in May 2024, she shared how she had spent five years alone, growing comfortable with her independence, and had even made a personal plan to adopt. However, she expressed how unexpectedly wonderful it was to meet someone like Blanco, saying,
“It just happens when you least expect it.”
Their engagement marks the next chapter in their relationship, and it’s clear that Gomez and Blanco are a perfect match. Gomez has often spoken about how well Blanco understands the world she lives in, offering a sense of safety and mutual respect.
The couple’s journey from close collaborators to engaged partners is a testament to their deep bond and the growth of their love.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco (Credit: YouTube)
The news of their engagement has been met with congratulations and excitement from their fans and friends alike, with many noting how well the two complement each other.
Selena has also received support from her inner circle, including her famous friends like Taylor Swift, who has expressed her happiness for the couple.
Blanco and Gomez have also shared intimate moments online, giving fans a glimpse into their affectionate and supportive relationship.
As they move forward in their relationship, the couple continues to inspire with their love and mutual respect.
Selena’s Instagram has become a celebration of their love story, with sweet posts showing their everyday moments, from cuddles and shared laughter to heartfelt declarations.
Blanco, who is often the subject of Gomez’s posts, is clearly someone who brings her immense joy, and now, with their engagement, it seems they are both looking forward to a lifetime of happiness together.
Their engagement is just the latest in a series of milestone moments for the couple, and fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for the pair.
Whether it’s collaborating on music or creating a life together, Gomez and Blanco seem ready for the next chapter of their journey, and it’s clear that their love is only growing stronger.
