WARNING! THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS ABOUT THE MASKED SINGER SEASON 12!The Masked Singerseason 12 contestants, the Buffalos, won the Golden Mask Trophy during the season finale, and they were revealed to be the legendary singing group Boyz II Men, whose members consist of Wanyá Morris, Nathan Morris, and Shawn Stockman.The Masked Singerseason 12 welcomed back host Nick Cannon, along with panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora. DuringThe Masked Singerseason 12 premiere, the panelists and fans were delighted to find out thatBuffalo was actually a group contestant, with three different singers.
The Masked Singerseason 12started off with Group A, which included Leaf Sheep (John Elway), Showbird (Yvette Nicole Brown), Woodpecker (Marsai Martin), Ship (Paula Cole), and the Buffalos. The Group B contestants consisted of runner-up 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 the clues that proved that the Buffalos were Boyz II Men.
The Masked Singer Season 12’s Buffalos' Identity Predictions
The Panelists All Agreed With Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg That The Buffalos Were Boyz II Men
The Masked Singerpanelists guessed a variety of singing groups for the Buffalos' identity. Jenny thought that they might beB2K, and Rita agreed. However, she then speculated that maybe they were more experienced performers, such asEarth, Wind, & Fire. Robin disagreed with Rita, and said that maybe the Buffalos could be from theJonas Brothersworld, or maybe their Masked Ambassador, Nick Lachey, sent the other three members of98 Degrees.
DuringFootlooseNight, Ken thought that the Buffalos wereBell Biv DeVoe, while Jenny thought that they might be112. She also mentionedBoyz II Men, but Robin didn’t think that any of the Buffalos sounded anything like them. Robin mentioned the Jonas Brothers again, but then changed his guess toBig Time Rush. Nick said that he thought he knew who the Buffalos were, and that everybody was really close.
During Soundtrack of My Life Night, Jenny again said that she thought that the Buffalos sounded a little bit like B2K, but she also mentioned Boyz II Men again. Ken disagreed and said that they wereBone Thugs-N-Harmony. However, the audience booed him. Rita thought that they might be theBlack-Eyed Peas, without Fergie, but Robin disagreed.
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DuringThe Masked Singerseason 12 quarterfinals, Robin guessed that the Buffalos might beThe Temptations. Ken thought that it was a great guess, but then he mentionedTony! Toni! Toné!. Rita then theorized that Buffalos could beBlackstreet.
During the semi-finals,after it was revealed that the Buffalos had a connection to Jenny, she again guessed that they were Boyz II Menbecause member Wanyá Morris went on a secret date with her and her future husband Donnie when they started courting. Ken said that 99% of him wanted the Buffalos to be Boyz II Men, but the other 1% was going to go withColor Me Badd. Nick said that he was wrong. Robin used the quarterfinals Babyface clue to guess that Buffalos wereAfter 7, but Jenny pointed out that she didn’t have a connection to them. Rita was sick and missed the semi-finals, so she wasn’t there to offer a guess.
DuringThe Masked Singerseason 12 finale, before the Buffalos were unmasked, the panelists offered their final guesses for their identities. Jenny took the lead because she guessed Boyz II Men from the beginning, and explained some of their clues.The panelists then stood up, and guessed Boyz II Men in unison in one of the most exciting moments inMasked Singerhistory.
Buffalos' Masked Ambassador Was Nick Lachey
Nick Revealed His Connection To The Buffalos
For the first-time ever,alums ofThe Masked Singerare serving as Masked Ambassadors, who share a connection with the newest contestants.The Masked Singerseason 5 winner Nick, who competed as Piglet, was the Buffalos' Masked Ambassador. He said that the Buffalos were really a national treasure, and always the center of attention at Nick’s epic Super Bowl parties. After the Buffalos' performance, Nick sent another clue, which was a crown.Boyz II Men have toured with Nick, and the crown referred to the fact that they’re R&B royalty.In addition, Shawn was a judge on the reality competition series,The Sing-Off, which Nick hosted.
The Buffalos' Masked Singer Season 12 Premiere Night Performance & Clues
Clues About Buffalos' Life & Career Were Revealed
During the Buffalos’Masked Singerseason 12 premiere night performance of"(I Just) Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew, they were revealed to be a trio. The three men sang together in perfect harmony. They also showcased some dance moves. One of the Buffalos had two playing cards with a three and a king on them in his cowboy hat.
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In the Buffalos' clue package, Nick, who appeared in a slot machine, revealed thatthe Buffalos were raised in the poorest grasslands, and said that they had it tough. He sharedthat theMasked Singerseason 12 contestantsslept in roach-filled beds at night and practiced at bus stops during the day.
One of the Buffalos was then shown stepping on roaches in a dance-like fashion, and then standing next to a sign with a kneeling football player at a bus stop. That Buffalo then shared that, thanks to a big break at a cattle call, it was game on.The kneeling football player referred to Boyz II Men’s hit song, “On Bended Knee,” as well as the fact that they once performed in the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
A slot machine then revealed pictures of Betty White and Vanna White.This clue referred to the fact that, although Wanyá and Nathan both have the last name Morris, they’re not related, just like Betty White and Vanna White. One Buffalo then held a filmstrip and said that, from there, it was traveling the world. They were on the Walk of Fame and starred in two of the biggest sitcoms of all-time. A Buffalo said that they hit the jackpot, and that they couldn’t have done it alone.
These clues referred to Boyz II Men for various reasons.Boyz II Men received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. The jackpot referred to theirLas Vegas residency. In addition,they had cameos inThe Fresh Prince of Bel-AirandHow I Met Your Mother, which are two of the biggest sitcoms of all-time.
The Buffalos' Footloose Night Performance & Clues
The Buffalos Revealed Even More Clues About Themselves
DuringThe Masked Singerseason 12FootlooseNight, the Buffalos sang a spectacular rendition of"Waiting for a Girl Like You" by Foreignerfrom the film. In their clue package, they explained how they related to the rebellious spirit ofFootloose.One of them began by asking,“You know how when someone tells you you may’t do something, you just wanna do it more?“That Buffalo then explained that, just like the kids inFootloosewho longed to dance, they’re each rebels in their own way, who somehow found each other along the trail.This last clue proved that they weren’t brothers.
The Buffalos were then shown playing poker with each other, which was another reference to their Las Vegas residency. One of them said that everyone told them that they couldn’t just do their thing, but they didn’t listen. Another Buffalo said that they’ve succeeded by"not giving a darn what people think. Think we’re corny? Who cares? We’re rich!“TheMasked Singerseason 12 contestantscontinued by saying,“And, if you think we take ourselves too seriously? Look at us. We’re out here dressed like some Wrestlemania buffalos about to sing a track from Footloose. We funny as hell.”
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The Buffalo continued,“So do you, and don’t let anybody tell you who or what to be.“At that point, the Buffalos were seen in bar, witha black bottle of poison on the table. Another Buffalo continued,“On that note, here’s a love song to show you just how corny and rich we are! Word!“The bottle of poison referred to Bell Biv DeVoe, who had a hit song called, “Poison,” because Michael Bivins managed and helped produce Boyz II Men when they got their start.
After the Buffalos' performance, another clue about their identities was revealed. One of the Men in Black drove up on a small tractor that said,“MO-TOWN,“on the front of it.One of the Buffalos explained,“Well, we’re a little tired right now because we are busy using this tractor to mow … lawns all around town.“Boyz II Men’s first record contract was with Motown Records, and one of their biggest hits is “Motownphilly.”
The Buffalos' Soundtrack Of My Life Night Performances & Clues
The Buffalos Revealed More About Their Personal Lives
OnThe Masked Singerseason 12 Soundtrack of My Life Night, which was also the Group A finals, the Buffalos, Ship, and Woodpecker opened the show with a spirited rendition of “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco.The Buffalos then performed “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve.
The Buffalos began their clue package by marveling that they made it to the Group A finals, and stating that they’d be"digging deep"and singing “Bittersweet Symphony.” One Buffalo said that they’ve learned that the hardest parts of life are when people are forced to be the most harmonious. One of the Buffalos then rang a bell.The bell represented the Liberty Bell, which is one of Philadelphia’s most important landmarks. Philadelphia is Boyz II Men’s hometown. The bell could also be another reference to Bell Biv DeVoe.
A Buffalo explained that, as they made it big, they had one cowboy who helped guide them and inspired them the most. Another said that he was everything to them, while another added,“He was a real MacGuyver too, always fixing stuff.“However,one of theBuffalos then revealed that they’d lost him suddenly. Another explained that they felt heartbroken, wondering,“How could God do this to us?“They didn’t feel like they could go on. A sign that said,“DEAD END,“was then shown.The dead end sign referred to Boyz II Men’s hit song, “End of the Road.”
The person who Boyz II Men lost was their tour manager, Roderick “Khalil” Roundtree, who was murdered in Chicago in 1992. They dedicated their song, “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” to him.
The Masked Singer: Woodpecker Identity & Clues
The Masked Singer season 12 contestant Woodpecker was unmasked during the Group A finals. Here are the clues that helped proved her true identity.
A Buffalo said that they sang as they put him to rest, thinking it would be their last time, but they knew that he would’ve wanted them to keep the herd together. So that’s what they did. A Buffalo then opened a camouflage-printed umbrella. One said that, while there was a"MacGuyver-shaped hole in our hearts,“everything they do is for him, including that performance, and, hopefully, he’d see them make it to the quarterfinals, wherever he was watching from that night.
After their performance, one of the Buffalos revealed thatthey’d been in the industry for a very long time, and they’ve gained a lot, and they’ve lost a lot. He said that the beautiful thing was that they were there sharing their story that night. Then, another clue was revealed about their identities in the form of a time capsule, which was a worn-out t-shirt that said,“Halftime Show.”
A Buffalo explained that the Halftime Show t-shirt has aged over time like them, but they can tell everyone that this performance was in front of one of the biggest audiences in the world.Boyz II Men performed at Super Bowl XXXII’s Halftime Show in 1998, as part of a celebration of Motown’s 40-year anniversary.
After Woodpecker was unmasked and revealed to be singer and actress Marsai Martin, the Buffalos and Ship went head-to-head in the Battle Royale, during whichthey both sang their own versions of “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac. The panelists then voted Buffalos into the quarterfinals, while Ship was unmasked and revealed to be singer Paula Cole because they opted not to use the Ding Dong Keep It On Bell.
The Buffalos' Masked Singer Season 12 Quarterfinals Performance & Clues
The Buffalos Shared Their Trials & Tribulations
DuringThe Masked Singerseason 12 quarterfinals,Buffalos sang a chill-inducing version of “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain, which once again showcased their mind-blowing harmonies. They began their clue package with one of the Buffalos stating that they’ve been on a journey like no other three friends have ever been on. However, he said that that journey took a new turn when they arrived onThe Masked Singer.
The second Buffalo then stated that, when they first put on their Buffalo masks, it didn’t hide them, but it opened them up to who they really are. The third Buffalo added,“more than friends, more than brothers, a bond beyond words.“However, the first Buffalo then said that something happened years ago to one of them that"ruined the delicate blend we created.“He explained that everything that they did together was called off. They thought that it was the end.In 2003, original Boyz II Men member Michael McCary, who was the bass singer, left the group due to health issues which were diagnosed as multiple sclerosis.
Another Buffalo said that,“through a miracle and God’s grace,“they overcame it and became even stronger. The first Buffalo added that they do everything they do, not for themselves, but for the next generation. Another Buffalo stated that they now know that, without family,“we are nothing.“He said that, after all this, these two Buffalos are still the ones he wants by his side. The Buffalo concluded by saying that, if they get the chance to share a moment in the semi-finals, that would be something that they would never forget.
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After the Buffalos' performance, another clue was given about their identity. It was a phone call from a loved one.The call was from singer Babyface. He said,“So you guys are just killin' it. I’ve never seen you look better, or more ridiculous [laughs]. So keep it up. Bring home the trophy.“A Buffalo explained that they’d always wanted to work with Babyface, and they finally got the chance to, and it changed their lives.Babyface wrote and produced Boyz II Men’s hit song, “I’ll Make Love to You,” and he also co-wrote and produced, “End of the Road.”
After the vote,theBuffalos moved on toThe Masked Singerseason 12 semi-finalsalong with Wasp, while Strawberry Shortcake and Goo battled it out in the Smackdown. Goo sang an amazing version of “Hold On, I’m Comin'” by Sam & Dave, and Strawberry Shortcake sang a touching version of “Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara, but only one could advance. Strawberry Shortcake made it to the semi-finals, while Goo was unmasked and revealed to be NFL player, Kobie Turner.
The Buffalos' Masked Singer Season 12 Semi-Finals Performances & Clues
The Buffalos Revealed That They’re Performing For The Next Generation
The Masked Singerseason 12 semi-finalsbegan with the Final 3 contestants–the Buffalos, Wasp, and Strawberry Shortcake–singing an electrifying version of “Some Nights” by fun.Later, they sang an unbelievable version of “Africa” by Toto, which once again highlighted their sensational harmonies.
The Buffalos' clue package began with one of them saying that they worked hard to get to the semi-finals, but they’re no strangers to that. The Buffalo explained that, coming up, they had to work harder than anyone. They were constantly being told that they should be something else, something they were not, and that they would never make it. Another Buffalo stated that they didn’t listen, andstaying true to themselves was the main reason for their success.
One of the Buffalos went on to say that they now know that that was an important example to set for the next generation, and especially their children.Another Buffalo added that their kids love to sing, and they sound better than them. He said,“We’re like, ‘What have we done? What miracle have we created?'“A Buffalo said that, hearing their voices turns every day around, and gives them a real reason to keep going.Wanyá’s four sons are in an R&B boy band called WanMor. He also has two daughters. Shawn has three children, while Nathan has one.
Another Buffalo agreed thatevery decision that the Buffalos make together is with them in mind to make sure that their children have all that they need in this life. The third Buffalo said that they were"gonna get a real kick out of seeing their Pops up here doing their thing dressed as three inspirational Buffalos.“He said that, maybe one day, it’ll be their turn. The Buffalos concluded by saying,“Kids, we love you so much. This is for you. Everything is for you.”
The Masked Singer Season 12: 8 Clues That All But Prove Wasp Is This R&B Superstar Ahead Of The Semi-Finals
The Masked Singer season 12 contestant Wasp is about to compete in the semi-finals, and there are several clues that prove exactly who he is.
After the Buffalos’ performance, Nick said that they’ve spoken about how important their bond is, and he asked them what they wanted to say to each other under the masks. One Buffalo replied that first he would say that never in a million years would he ever think that he would even be in a Buffalo mask, buthe was glad that he was doing it with his brothers and the best friends he’s ever had. Two of the Buffalos then hugged.
Then, another clue was given about the Buffalos' identity, which was a friendship bracelet gifted to one of the panelists with whom she shared a connection: Jenny. Jenny’s friendship bracelet had beads that spelled out"Donnie.“Donnie referred to Jenny’s husband, Donnie Wahlberg.A Buffalo explained that they go way back with Donnie, and they also go way back with Jenny.
During theThe Masked Singerseason 12 semi-finals and finale,Jenny explained that Wanyá was there when she and Donnie began courting, and he even went on a secret date with them. She also reminded everyone that Boyz II Men, New Kids on the Block, and Nick Lachey’s group, 98 Degrees, also toured together on The Package Tour. The Package Tour was in 2013.
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.“Boyz II Men and Nick both headlined the BlogHer15 show in 2015.
After the vote, Wasp advanced to the finale with the closest margin thatThe Masked Singerhas 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.
The Buffalos' Masked Singer Season 12 Finale Performances & Clues
The Buffalos Shared What Being A Masked Singer Contestant Has Meant To Them
DuringThe Masked Singerseason 12 finale, the Buffalos proved why they deserved to win the Golden Mask Trophy with two earth-shattering performances.They began with a stunning version of “Somebody that I Used to Know” by Gotye, and concluded their run on the show with a performance of Sam Smith’s “Too Good at Goodbyes,” which finally showcased their signature a cappella harmonies.
The Buffalos began their clue package with one of them saying that they were feeling"kind of emotional"about making it to the finale. Another Buffalo agreed, stating thatThe Masked Singerhad been an opportunity for them to rediscover themselves and their bond"in a really cool way.“The third Buffalo stated that he felt that they had to adapt a lot in their career, but"adaptability has been the name of the game since jump.“Boyz II Men had to adapt when Michael left the group.
A Buffalo explained that they had to"fight our way out of the hood.“They also had to overcome the passing of one of the most important people in their lives. They even had to"change our entire sound when we lost a member.“A Buffalo continued by saying thatThe Masked Singerhas been for their fans, their kids, for everyone who stuck with them.These clues referred to their hometown of Philadelphia, the loss of their tour manager, and Michael leaving the group.
Another Buffalo then thanked their Masked Ambassador, Nick Lachey, who’d opened the show with a joyful version of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams.He thanked Nick for vouching for them as their Ambassador. He said that they hoped that they’d follow in his"winning footsteps"on finale night.
Another Buffalo concluded by saying,“We’re those somebodies you used to know, still know, and will always know. Maybe even for another three decades to come. And being as somebody is leaving with that Golden Mask, we’re hoping it’ll be us.“Boyz II Men skyrocketed to superstardom over thirty years ago. Then, in what they called the biggest clue of the season,the Buffalos spoke in their real, unaltered voices, saying,“Let’s go Buffalos!,“with each one of them saying one word of the phrase.
After the Buffalos' final performance of “Too Good at Goodbyes,” Nick stated that they were clearly legends in the industry, and he asked them how freeing it was to be the Buffalos. The Buffalo who was Shawn answered,“You know what? It’s so freeing. I’m crying right now,“as he got choked up. The Buffalos hugged, as Shawn laughed,“And I don’t even know why.“He continued,“This has made me feel that with these guys … we can do anything.”
After the studio audience and panelists voted, Nick announced that it was"very, very, very close,“andthe season 12 winner was the Buffalos, who was revealed to be Boyz II Men. Wasp was the runner-up, and revealed to be singer and actor Mario. The Buffalos made history as the first group ever to winThe Masked Singer.
After the Buffalos were unmasked and revealed to be the legendary Boyz II Men, the audience went wild and chanted their name. Nick then asked them what made them say that now was the time for them to be onThe Masked Singer. Nathan responded that they got excited because,“when you’re an artist for 30 some-odd years, people tend to try to put you in a hole of what you can do and what you can’t do.”
Nathan continued by explaining how the legendary group tricked the panelists so that they wouldn’t recognize their voices. He said,“So we actually huddled up as we always do, and said, ‘Listen, we gonna start these songs and slide this way and push ‘em that way.’ Try songs that they never heard us sing before. Switch parts around, have people doing stuff they don’t do. And then when the competition got stiff, we just had to turn the screws.”
Boyz II Men then gave credit to Mario for being such a worthy competitor. Mario told them,“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.“After Nick asked them for some last words as the winners ofThe Masked Singer.Wanyá said,“Well, we wanna say that we truly, truly appreciate each and every one of you for allowing us to show our personalities. We love to have fun and you guys allowed us the opportunity, the platform, to have fun.”
Wanyá then gestured toward Nathan and said,“We’re so grateful to see this man smile. He never smiles… So just to everyone here that shouted, ‘Buffalos!,’ to everybody out there in the world, the whole world watching this, this is the blessing that, you guys, God gave us. You. To be who we are. So thank you so very much.“Wanyá then called Jenny his"sister from another mister.”
The Masked Singer Should Have Rita Ora & Nicole Scherzinger Judge Together In The Future (They’d Make A Great Team)
The Masked Singer panelist Rita Ora has been filling in for Nicole Scherzinger, but it would be fantastic to see them judge a season together.
Boyz II Men concluded theirMasked Singerrun as Buffalos by singing a joyous rendition of their classic hit song “Motownphilly.“Nick, Robin, Jenny, Ken, and Rita joined them onstage, singing and dancing, along with Mario. It was so obvious how loved they are by everyone. The audience was cheering loudly and singing along, and it was the best ending to aMasked Singerseason in the show’s history.
The reveal that the Buffalo was actually a trio was the first big surprise ofThe Masked Singerseason 12, and it was very exciting. However, nothing could compare to the thrilling reveal that they were actually Boyz II Men. They’re phenomenal singers who formed a legendary group. Their harmonies are iconic. As the Buffalos, Boyz II Men stampeded their way through totheMasked Singerseason 12 finale, andthey took home the Golden Mask trophy in the most memorable, heartwarming, and deserved win in the history of the show. Boyz II Men were the bestMasked Singercontestants ever.
The Masked Singerairs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on FOX.
Sources:The Masked Singer/YouTube,The Masked Singer/YouTube,The Masked Singer/YouTube,The Masked Singer/YouTube,The Masked Singer/YouTube,The Masked Singer/YouTube,The Masked Singer/YouTube,The Masked Singer/YouTube
The Masked Singer
Cast
The Masked Singer is a reality singing competition where celebrities perform in elaborate costumes concealing their identities, with panelists and viewers trying to guess who is behind the mask based on clues provided throughout the show.
