Anyone can recognize those pipes if they love the early 2000s. Wasp made his The Masked Singer debut on week four of the singing competition show and he wooed the judges from the start.
The celeb with the smooth vocals performed the Justin Timberlake hit “Rock Your Body” in front of the panel of judges. Robin Thicke lauded Wasp for his incredible dance moves, singing skills, and song choice. It’s definitely a tough act to beat, for sure! But who is this talented performer behind the mask?
Our best guess for Wasp is R&B singer Mario. From his celebrity ambassador to his more than fly moves, here are all the reasons it could be this recognizable singer.
This was an obvious clue from the start. Ne-Yo is Wasp’s celebrity ambassador and said he’s known the lad “since he was fresh on the scene and he gained huge success by taking my words of wisdom.” While also being the season 10 winner, Ne-Yo also wrote Mario’s breakout hit “Let Me Love You.”
Wasp said that he grew up in a “tough neighborhood.” Mario was raised in Baltimore by his grandmother.
Mario had the biggest rise to fame with his single “Let Me Love You.” His self-titled album sold over 700,000 copies.
In a Men’s Health interview in 2020, Mario said that his favorite form of training is boxing.
Wasp talked about how his dad wasn’t present in his early years. Mario’s father is Derryl Barrett Sr., a singer in a gospel group called Reformation, and he came back to his son’s life when he reached new heights.
Wasp brought out a pair of Barbie dolls that were performing on stage and Mario played Benny on Rent: Live.
Wasp picked up a silver stethoscope which could refer to his song, “Crying Out for Me,” which has the lyric, “I can hear your heart crying out for me.“
Wasp revealed that his mom was his true hero, but “started to see cracks in her armor, as she faced her darkest battle yet.” He revealed that his mother passed and that he would never recover from the sting. I Won’t Love You to Death: The Story of Mario and His Mom, was an MTV special aired in 2007 about his mother Shawntia Hardaway’s heroin addiction.
A model of a DNA is seen in the background, and it refers to Mario’s album D.N.A. which was released in 2009.
An ATM was brought out and Wasp said, “Well, just like this bill, I’ve also hit a million” Two of Mario’s albums are certified platinum, D.N.A and Turning Point.
Wasp revealed that he had someone beside him. Mario is in a relationship with someone who hasn’t been named.
A motorcycle and road were offered as clues and might be a reference to his 2007 album Go.
IN a phone call from a loved one, his cousin went to say he’s a versatile performer. Mario starred in Rent: Live and competed on Dancing with the Stars.
Wasp revealed that he had entered a talent competition to get him out of the hood. He recalled industry mogul was there to sign him on the spot, which lines up with Mario’s story when Troy Patterson saw him sing “I’ll Make Love to You” at a talent show.
Wasp revealed that he had a connection with Robin Thicke when they painted the town red in Nashville.
All three contestants from the semi-finals gave this as their final clue. “From performing with you to attending your epic parties, all three of us have connections to you, the legendary Nick Cannon.” Mario opened up for Nick on the Scream Tour 3.
