‘The Masked Singer’ Reveals the Identity of Eggplant: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume

The celebrity behind the Eggplant mask on Fox's "The Masked Singer" was revealed to be actor and singer Jack Wagner. This occurred during an "OzzFest Night" episode dedicated to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, where Wagner was eliminated after a battle round. His rendition of Osbourne's "Iron Man" was bested by the group performance from High Voltage, whom the judges chose to advance.

Panelists expressed surprise at the unveiling. Ken Jeong came closest by guessing fellow soap opera star Rick Springfield, while other incorrect speculations ranged from REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin (Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg) to actor Nathan Lane (Rita Ora) and singer Kenny Loggins (Robin Thicke). Guest judge Kelly Osbourne—who appeared to honor her father's legacy and previously competed as Ladybug in Season 2—thought the celebrity might be shock rocker Alice Cooper. The episode opened with a group performance of "Crazy Train" by contestants Pangolin, Eggplant, High Voltage, and Galaxy Girl.

In his pre-taped clue package, the 64-year-old Wagner hinted at a career spanning five decades. He notably referenced crashing the historic 1985 "We Are the World" recording session, an event organized to raise funds for African famine relief. Wagner gained entry through a personal invitation from producer Quincy Jones, placing him in the studio alongside legends like Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen. He also alluded to a past romantic rivalry with a musician, quipping about the risk of becoming "eggplant parmesan." Wagner successfully crossed over from daytime TV to the pop charts; his 1984 power ballad "All I Need" reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. As media analyst Dr. Lena Shaw notes, "This blend of acting and musical credibility makes performers like Wagner perfect for the show's format, which thrives on obscuring recognizable careers behind a costume."

With Eggplant's exit, seven contestants remain: High Voltage, Pangolin, Galaxy Girl, Stingray, Cat Witch, Pugcasso, and Crane. Wagner joins other celebrities unmasked this season, including Heidi Montag (Snow Cone), Billy Ray Cyrus (Owl), and Taraji P. Henson (Scarab). Hosted by Nick Cannon, Season 14 introduces "America's Insider," a role played by social media personality Kylie Cantrall as the Cat Witch character, who provides viewers with exclusive backstage content. The season has featured themed nights honoring franchises like "Star Trek" and "Clueless," with a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" episode still upcoming.

The initial roster of 18 celebrities this season represents substantial combined achievements, boasting 94 million records sold, 47 Teen Choice Award nominations, and 12 Emmy nods. Adapted from the South Korean hit "King of Mask Singer," the U.S. version has a history of unexpected victories, from inaugural winner T-Pain—an auto-tune pioneer—to last season's champion, country artist Gretchen Wilson. In a promotional crossover, the season will also include a "House of Fear Night" hosted by Johnny Knoxville, tying into Fox's revival of the stunt competition series "Fear Factor." This strategy of integrating other network properties is becoming a hallmark of the show's scheduling, designed to retain viewers across an entire evening's programming block.