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The Shocking Identity Behind Wasp On The Masked Singer: 5 Clues That Blew The Judges’ Minds

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The Wasp on *The Masked Singer* Season 12 delivered one of the most consistently impressive vocal performances of the entire season, soaring to the finale and ultimately claiming the runner-up spot. This buzzing insect captivated the audience and panelists alike with a voice that was clearly the work of a seasoned professional, leading to wild guesses that included everyone from Taye Diggs to Jason Derulo. The celebrity behind the mask was finally unmasked in the finale on Wednesday, December 18, revealing a Grammy-nominated R&B icon whose career spans music, acting, and production. The reveal confirmed the suspicions of many loyal fans who recognized the signature vocal runs and stage presence.

The quest to discover "Who is Wasp on *The Masked Singer*?" has finally been answered, and the celebrity is none other than the "Let Me Love You" hitmaker, Mario. His journey on the show was a masterclass in vocal control and stage charisma, proving why his voice has dominated the R&B charts for over two decades. Here is a deep dive into the life and career of the star who brought the Wasp costume to life, along with the detailed clues that pointed directly to his illustrious career.

Mario Dewar Barrett: A Full Biography of the R&B Icon

The man behind the Wasp mask is Mario Dewar Barrett, known mononymously as Mario. He is a highly successful American R&B singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, record producer, and model. His impressive career trajectory and personal details were woven into the Wasp's clue packages throughout Season 12.

  • Full Name: Mario Dewar Barrett
  • Born: August 27, 1986
  • Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland
  • Genre: R&B, Pop, Soul
  • Career Start: Mario began singing at the age of four and was discovered at a young age. He signed a record deal with J Records when he was just fourteen.
  • Breakthrough Hits: His major breakthrough came with the chart-topping single "Just a Friend 2002," followed by the massive global hit "Let Me Love You" in 2004, which earned him a Grammy Award nomination.
  • Acting Career: Beyond music, Mario has an extensive acting resume, including roles in films like *Step Up* (2006), *Freedom Writers* (2007), and the FOX live musical production of *Rent: Live* in 2019.
  • Recent Work: He continues to release new music, including his 2024 album, *Glad You Came*, and the November 2025 EP, *Mood Swings*.

The Wasp Clues Explained: How They Pointed Directly to Mario

The clue packages for the Wasp were rich with references to Mario’s life, music, and acting career, creating a clear path for anyone familiar with his work. The show’s producers expertly disguised these biographical details, but the connections were undeniable once the mask came off.

1. The Ne-Yo Connection and "Let Me Love You"

One of the most significant clues came when fellow R&B star Ne-Yo appeared as the Wasp’s Ambassador. Ne-Yo shared that he had known Wasp since he was "fresh on the scene" and that Wasp gained huge success by taking his words of wisdom. This is a direct reference to Mario's career, as Ne-Yo is the co-writer of Mario's biggest hit, "Let Me Love You." This single is widely considered the song that cemented Mario's status as a global R&B superstar.

2. The "BOOM!" Comic Book Clue

During the Sports Night clue package, a comic book was shown with the word "BOOM!" emblazoned across it. This visual clue was a subtle nod to Mario's music catalog. "Boom" is the title of a single he released, demonstrating the deep dive the show takes into a celebrity's discography to provide clues. The comic book format also hinted at his connection to the acting world and perhaps the superhero-like nature of the Wasp costume itself.

3. The FOX Live Musical and Phone Call

A phone call clue mentioned a connection to a live musical production on FOX. This was a critical piece of the puzzle for the panelists. Mario starred as Benny in the 2019 television special *Rent: Live* on the FOX network. This specific acting role tied Mario directly to the network hosting *The Masked Singer*, a detail that often proves crucial in the final stages of the competition.

4. The "Fresh Kicks" and Fashion Clue

The Wasp mentioned that "fresh kicks help me stay on my game," a clue related to sneakers and fashion. Mario has a strong presence in the fashion world, having worked as a model and being known for his personal style. This clue subtly highlighted his modeling career and his overall image as a stylish R&B figure, a different facet of his public persona beyond just his singing.

5. The Performance Song Choices

Wasp's song choices throughout the season were a showcase of his vocal versatility, but they also hinted at his R&B and pop roots. His first performance of "Rock Your Body" by Justin Timberlake and his finale performance of "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars are both tracks that require significant vocal range and emotional depth, skills Mario has honed over his career. His ability to deliver these songs flawlessly was the biggest clue of all: only a true, professional vocalist could be under the mask.

What Mario is Doing Now: Fresh Projects and Future Collaborations

Mario's participation on *The Masked Singer* Season 12 was a fantastic opportunity for him to remind the world of his incredible talent. Since his unmasking, he has remained incredibly active, proving that the R&B icon is in a new, highly productive phase of his career. His recent projects ensure that the Wasp's identity remains relevant and current.

In late 2024, Mario released his first album in six years, titled *Glad You Came*. The album was eagerly anticipated by fans and marked a significant return to form for the artist. This project, along with his new EP, *Mood Swings*, released in November 2025, shows his commitment to consistently delivering fresh R&B music to his audience. The *Mood Swings* EP, executive produced by Dre Moon and featuring Ty Dolla $ign, is a testament to his evolving sound and collaborative spirit.

Beyond music, Mario has also expanded his work in film production and acting. He recently starred in and produced the BET+ film *Style Me for Christmas*, demonstrating his growing influence behind the camera as well as in front of it. Looking ahead, Mario has revealed an exciting collaboration in the works with fellow R&B powerhouse Ciara. Furthermore, he has expressed a strong desire to collaborate with other major artists in the industry, specifically mentioning Muni Long and the one and only Beyoncé. His goals for 2025 are clearly focused on continued growth, high-profile collaborations, and cementing his legacy as a multi-talented entertainer.

The Shocking Identity Behind Wasp on The Masked Singer: 5 Clues That Blew the Judges’ Minds
who is wasp on masked singer
who is wasp on masked singer

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