FOX’s 14th season of “The Masked Singer” is underway, and the latest episode — featuring five new singing celebrities in head-to-toe disguises — got lots of Hallmark fans buzzing.
During the episode that aired on January 14, 2026, the reality competition’s judges couldn’t quite put their finger on who might be in the Eggplant costume, but in the days since, many Hallmark fans have said they’re convinced that it’s “When Calls The Heart” star Jack Wagner.
‘The Masked Singer’ Judges Didn’t Guess Eggplant Was Jack Wagner Based on Clues Given
On the January 14 episode, Eggplant was the fifth and final celeb contestant to perform for judges Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Rita Ora, and Robin Thicke. Before singing Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” the giant purple vegetable starred in a fake campaign ad, giving clues about himself along the way.
“Fellow Americans, don’t fear — Eggplant is here, and I’m running for winner of ‘The Masked Singer,'” the man inside the costume said, but with a voice modulator to throw everyone off. “Here’s why I’m a perfect candidate. I have five decades worth of experience in many fields. I stand up for the people: I represent the rock stars, ship captains, and a whole lot of lovers.”
“When it comes to connections,” he continued, “I’ve schmoozed with everybody — Jason Bateman, Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood. They all endorse me. So cast your ballot and join me — shoot for the stars!”
Several other clues were given, including footage of a pair of red shorts or swim trunks — leading McCarthy Wahlberg to wonder whether the star was on “Baywatch.” In addition, Eggplant’s biggest fear was cheekily said to be “thirst traps,” and the final clue given was “Broadway.”
Thicke said the Broadway clue and the short shorts made him sure the Eggplant was comedy legend Martin Short, but Ora thought it was Short’s “Murders in the Building” co-star Nathan Lane. Nobody guessed Wagner — except for countless fans on social media.
Why Are Fans So Sure Jack Wagner is the Eggplant?
HallmarkOnce FOX posted video of Eggplant’s performance on “The Masked Singer” online, fans flooded social media with their guesses. The vast majority pointed to Wagner, who has not only played a Mountie on WCTH since 2014, but was a pop star in the 80s and 90s and a soap opera stud, playing Frisco Jones on “General Hospital” and Dr. Peter Burns on “Melrose Place.” And yes, he starred in “Jekyl & Hyde” on Broadway in 2000.
“Jack Wagner without a doubt,” one person wrote on YouTube. “I know that awesome voice anywhere!”
Another theorized that the red shorts signify the first time on “General Hospital” when Frisco met Felicia (played by Wagner’s real-life ex-wife Kristina Wagner). The fan wrote, “Ah, first time Frisco meets Felicia, he is wearing red shorts! Found the episode! Okay, all in on Jack Wagner!”
The hosts of the Hallmark-focused “Suspenders Unbuttoned” podcast posted a side-by-side comparison of Eggplant singing and Wagner singing at the 2025 Hallmark Christmas Experience, insisting they sound the same.
One fan let them know, “I saw him perform that song in concert. I was in his fan club back then. 👏👏👏” and another fan asserted, “There’s no way it’s not him! Hearties know their stuff!”
Perhaps the biggest clue is that Wagner himself liked “The Masked Singer” Instagram post of Eggplant’s performance. He wouldn’t be the first Hallmark star to compete on the show. Tamera Mowry-Housley appeared on season 5 as the Seashell, Hallmark alum Alicia Witt appeared on season 9 as Dandelion, Holly Robinson Peete was Fairy during that same season, and Janel Parrish took third place on season 10 as Gazelle.
The next episode of “The Masked Singer” is slated to air on January 22 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
