Jens Dendoncker: From Comedy Awards to Hosting The Masked Singer
Jens Dendoncker, born in Kortrijk, Belgium on July 26, 1990, has rapidly become a prominent figure in Flemish entertainment. Starting as a stand-up comedian, he has expanded his career into television presenting, showcasing a diverse range of talents and solidifying his position as a versatile entertainer.
Early Career and Comedy Success
Dendoncker first gained recognition in 2015, winning both the Lunatic Comedy Award and the Culture Comedy Award. He continued his success in 2016 by winning Humo’s Comedy Cup [1]. In 2017, he debuted his first full-length show, Bang van Dendoncker, and appeared on the popular television quiz De Slimste Mens ter Wereld (The Smartest Person in the World) [1].
Television Roles and Hosting Gigs
Since 2018, Dendoncker has been a team captain on the VTM program Beste Kijkers, alternating with Sven De Ridder [1]. He also served as a judge on De Slimste Mens ter Wereld in 2018 and made a guest appearance as a bartender in Studio Tarara in 2019. He temporarily replaced Niels Destadsbader as a judge on Belgium’s Got Talent in 2019, while Destadsbader recovered from a back injury [1].
Dendoncker’s profile rose further when he became a “speurder” (detective) on the first two seasons of The Masked Singer. In 2023, he took on the role of host for the show, a position he continues to hold [1]. During the 2025 Christmas concert of The Masked Singer, Koen Wauters was revealed to be performing as “Grote Jens,” a character based on Dendoncker [1].
Current Projects and Personal Interests
Currently, Dendoncker hosts the VTM program Wie zoekt die Wint (Who is looking for that wins), which has aired for two seasons [1]. He also participated in De Slimste Mens ter Wereld again in 2025 and appeared as an ally in season 4 of De Verraders (The Traitors) in 2025 [1].
Beyond his on-screen persona, Dendoncker describes himself as a stand-up comedian and presenter, but also as someone who lives with epilepsy, is an unsuccessful artist, struggles with anxiety, is a romantic, a former psychiatric patient, a Joy Division fan, and a stamp collector [2].