Wasp was R&B singer Mario on The Masked Singer Season 12. The show confirmed his identity in its December 18, 2024 finale, where he finished as runner-up. Before the reveal, a set of childhood, music and celebrity-connection clues made Mario a strong retrospective match—but the unmasking, not any single clue, proved it.
The Masked Singer uses costume details, song choices, clue packages and on-stage moments to invite guesses before revealing each celebrity. In Wasp’s case, the semifinals clues pointed in several directions. Taken together, they fit Mario’s career and biography; at the time, however, panelists still offered other names.
Eight clues behind the Wasp-Mario connection
1. Wasp said he was competitive as a child
In the semifinals, Wasp described himself as competitive when he was young. That was a biographical hint rather than a unique identifier: it could support a theory about an ambitious performer, but it did not single out Mario by itself. Just Jared’s semifinals recap recorded the clue.
2. The talent-show story pointed to an early break
Wasp recalled competing in a childhood talent show attended by an industry mogul, who signed him on the spot. The story suggested an early discovery in the entertainment business and became more useful when considered alongside Mario’s career. The recap reports the story; it is not independent proof of the identity.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
3. The message was about recovering after setbacks
Wasp’s package urged viewers to remember the power they had as children, keep dreaming and get back up after falling. It supplied a theme of persistence rather than a name or a specific career detail, so it works best as context for the other clues.
4. A “Nashville” bracelet connected Wasp to Robin Thicke
Wasp gave panelist Robin Thicke a friendship bracelet marked “Nashville” and recalled that they had “painted the town red” there. The exchange made a direct connection to Thicke and gave the panel something concrete to investigate. TheWrap’s semifinals preview also reported the bracelet and Nashville reference.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The clue prompted guesses including Anthony Ramos, Jason Derulo and Usher, illustrating why a celebrity connection could narrow the field without settling it. The same recap documents the competing guesses and clue details.
5. Ne-Yo’s ambassador role fit Mario’s music history
Ne-Yo served as Wasp’s celebrity ambassador. Just Jared’s recap connects that clue to Ne-Yo writing Mario’s hit “Let Me Love You.” That shared music history makes the clue a meaningful match for Mario, although an ambassador relationship alone would not establish who was under the costume.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
6. The DNA image echoed Mario’s album title
The clue recap interpreted a DNA visual as a reference to Mario’s 2009 album D.N.A. This is a symbolic clue, not a literal biographical statement. Its value comes from the specific overlap between the image and the album title.
7. Family and background clues added biographical context
The recap also discusses Wasp’s family clues alongside Mario’s reported background and family history. Those details support a retrospective reading, but they should not be stretched beyond what the recap establishes. The stronger case comes from combining this context with the more specific career and music references.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
8. The finale made the identification official
FOX Television Stations reported that Wasp was revealed as Mario on December 18, 2024. Mario is the R&B singer known for “Just a Friend 2002” and “Let Me Love You.” He placed second; the Buffalos won and were revealed as Boyz II Men. FOX’s finale report provides the decisive confirmation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the clues were persuasive—but not proof before the reveal
The childhood talent-show story, Ne-Yo connection and D.N.A. visual each offered a different kind of match: a reported career anecdote, a shared music credit and a symbolic reference. The Nashville bracelet added a personal connection to a panelist, while the childhood and family material provided broader context. The clues became persuasive as a set, not because any one of them uniquely identified Mario.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
That distinction matters: the semifinals coverage recorded several competing panel guesses. Mario’s identity became certain only when the show unmasked him in the finale.
Mario’s performance choices were part of the character
In a post-finale interview, Mario said he chose songs and staging to give Wasp different dimensions: sometimes dancing, sometimes moving viewers and sometimes telling a story. He also described the physical challenge of performing “Skyscraper” while the costume restricted his jaw. TV Insider’s post-finale interview offers his perspective on performing in the costume.
After the reveal, Mario told the audience, “I started at 15 years old in the industry, and before that, it was going from home to home,” according to FOX Television Stations’ finale report. That comment gives the childhood and perseverance clues a more personal frame without changing what they could establish before the unmasking.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
