Okay 90s kids get ready to feel some serious nostalgia! This week's episode of The Masked Singer had a reveal that's sure to hit you right in the feels. Remember teen heartthrob James Van Der Beek? Yep Pacey Witter himself just took off the Griffin mask and the internet is buzzing!
From Teen Idol to Masked Singer: James Van Der Beek's Emotional Journey as Griffin
The theme of the night was Grand Ole Opry and things got emotional fast. Griffin who had been charming everyone with his performances finally had to unmask after landing in the bottom group with Boogie Woogie and Pearl. It was a tough night with all three finalists bringing their A-game but only two could move on.
Throughout the season Griffin dropped clues hinting at his identity. We learned about his love for theater his move to the country and some personal struggles he'd been facing. One clue even mentioned Texas playing a big role in making him a star. Sound familiar?
Judges Stumped But Guest Panelist Nailed It: The Guess That Revealed Dawson Himself!
The judges panel including Robin Thicke Jenny McCarthy and Ken Jeong were throwing out names left and right. Guesses ranged from country stars like Kyle Chandler and Josh Hartnett to even Chad Michael Murray. But it was guest judge Casey Wilson who totally nailed it.
Casey pointed to the Texas clue and Griffin's breakout role in Varsity Blues which came around the same time he blew up on teen TV with Dawson's Creek. Boom! She guessed James Van Der Beek and she was right! Even the panel was impressed with her super sleuth skills.
"I Accidentally Became a Teen Idol": James Van Der Beek on Life Beyond Dawson's Creek and Finding Music Again
When he took off the mask it was indeed James Van Der Beek. He shared that he's always loved singing and actually thought Broadway was his path. But life took a different turn. As he put it "and then I was 20 I accidentally became a teen idol so that plan went out the window." Dawson's Creek changed everything for him.
But The Masked Singer was a chance to reconnect with that musical dream. James mentioned that his kids were the ones who actually encouraged him to do the show which is adorable. He also got real about some "health stuff" he has been dealing with publicly – his recent colorectal cancer diagnosis. For him being on stage in the Griffin costume was about connecting with an audience in a new way through song and finding joy during a challenging time.
Emotional Family Reunion: Van Der Beek's Kids Surprise Him on Stage After Unmasking
The reveal got even more heartwarming when host Nick Cannon surprised James by bringing out his wife Kimberly and their six kids! His kids ran out on stage and it was pure love and pride. James was clearly moved saying "I feel like I'm in a dream right now." It was a truly sweet family moment and a perfect ending to Griffin's Masked Singer journey.
Griffin's Masked Singer Performances: A Look Back at His Country Crooning and Heartfelt Ballads
Throughout his time as Griffin James Van Der Beek showed off some serious vocal chops. Here’s a reminder of the songs he performed:
- "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" by Big & Rich
- "Here You Come Again" by Dolly Parton
- "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver
- "I Had Some Help" (Battle Royale Duet) by Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen
He embraced the country theme of the episode and delivered heartfelt performances each week. While he might not be a professional singer by trade James proved he has some serious talent and stage presence. He may have started as a teen idol but he showed a whole new side of himself as Griffin.
More Than Just a Mask: James Van Der Beek's Vulnerable and Inspiring Turn on The Masked Singer
James Van Der Beek's time on The Masked Singer was more than just a celebrity singing competition. It was a chance for him to revisit a past dream connect with his family and share a vulnerable and inspiring part of himself with the world. From Dawson's Creek to the Masked Singer stage James Van Der Beek continues to surprise and charm us all. And who knows maybe this is just the beginning of a new musical chapter for him!