The Masked Singer season 12 has set a new benchmark in the franchise’s history for several compelling reasons, making it arguably the best installment of the popular celebrity singing competition. This season saw the return of the beloved host Nick Cannon, accompanied by familiar panelists including Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora. Rita was back in lieu of Nicole Scherzinger, who was busy starring as Norma Desmond in Broadway’s Sunset Boulevard.
Season 12 introduced three dynamic groups of contestants, each showcasing their talents across various entertaining theme nights. Moreover, the much-celebrated “Ding Dong Keep It On Bell”made a comeback, allowing the judges to save Kobie Turner’s Goo from elimination. The finale featured an exhilarating quarterfinal, semifinal, and final round where the two finalists—runner-up Mario’s Wasp and winners Boyz II Men’s Buffalos—battled for the coveted Golden Mask Trophy. Here’s a closer look at why this season conquered all previous ones.
Every Contestant in Season 12 Showcased Remarkable Talent
A Season Without Weak Links
A standout feature of season 12 was the exceptionally high caliber of talent among the contestants. Unlike previous seasons, this year featured no weak singers. A dazzling array of stars was unveiled throughout the competition, with performers like Group A’s John Elway (Leaf Sheep), Yvette Nicole Brown (Showbird), Marsai Martin (Woodpecker), Paula Cole (Ship), and the iconic Boyz II Men (the Buffalos). Group B included notable names such as Andy Richter (Dust Bunny), Laverne Cox (Chess Piece), Natalie Imbruglia (Bluebell), Kobie Turner (Goo), and Mario (Wasp).
Group C brought even more excitement with talents like Bethany Hamilton (Macaron), Drake Bell (Ice King), Jana Kramer (Royal Knight), Bronson Arroyo (Sherlock Hound), and AJ Michalka (Strawberry Shortcake). While several contestants were seasoned superstars, others like Kobie and Bronson unveiled hidden talents, adding an element of surprise. Every episode felt like a thrilling finale, thanks to the contestants’ remarkable skills, enhancing the unpredictability of the outcomes.
Spectacular Theme Nights Elevated the Experience
Highlighting Contestant Talents
The introduction of themed nights in season 8 has proven to be a masterstroke, and season 12 fully capitalized on this concept. Themed nights such as Footloose, Soundtrack of My Life, Sports, Barbie, ’60s, Who Are You Fest, Miley Cyrus, and Thanksgiving’s Peanuts Night provided vibrant backdrops and outstanding musical performances. These themed evenings contributed to an exceptionally entertaining atmosphere, showcasing not only the contestants but also providing beloved guest appearances and engaging performances from the panelists.
Innovative Elements: Masked Ambassadors & Smack Royale
Looking Ahead: A Call for Continuity
As The Masked Singer has continued to evolve, it introduced several captivating new features this season. The debut of Masked Ambassadors, featuring past contestants with special connections to the new talents, added depth and delight. Seeing these familiar faces return not only paid homage to the show’s legacy but also offered crucial hints about the identities of the contestants.
Additionally, the inaugural Smack Royale featured in the semifinals combined elements from the Battle Royale and Smackdown formats. In an exceptional moment, AJ Michalka’s Strawberry Shortcake and Boyz II Men’s Buffalos competed for a place in the finale by performing a duet of “Counting Stars”by OneRepublic. This thrilling moment exemplified the season’s excitement and should be retained in subsequent seasons.
Unmasking Legends: Season 12’s Star Power
A Historic Victory for Boyz II Men
Season 12 stands out not just for the talent but for the presence of numerous A-list celebrities behind the masks. Featuring performers like Paula Cole, Natalie Imbruglia, and AJ Michalka, this season was a true fan’s dream. The grand finale, showcasing the competition between Mario and Boyz II Men for the Golden Mask Trophy, was a highlight.
Fans had long wished to see Boyz II Men participate, and their appearance became historic as they emerged as the first group ever to win the show. The moment when they performed their classic hit “Motownphilly”post-unmasking was unforgettable. The Buffalos, representing Boyz II Men, can surely be considered the most outstanding winners in the show’s history.
While The Masked Singer has delivered many incredible seasons, season 12 undeniably took the crown. It has set a high bar for season 13, which is set to premiere in February 2025. Each season only seems to improve, promising even more excitement and engaging entertainment.
The Masked Singer season 13 is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 8 p.m. EST on FOX.
Sources: The Masked Singer/YouTube, The Masked Singer/YouTube, The Masked Singer/YouTube
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