You won’t wanna wait to find out which Dawson’s Creek star was just eliminated on The Masked Singer.
A main castmember from the beloved ’90s/’00s WB drama was unmasked as Griffin during the Fox singing competition’s March 19 episode.
“You know, I have a big appreciation for country music, or at least I’m starting to,” the mystery actor teased fans in a video package during the Group B Finals’ Grand Ole Opry-themed night of performances. “See, after so many years in the spotlight, I moved my family to the country. A place where we could live quietly in nature. The kind of childhood I always dreamed of providing for my kids, and it’s been exactly what my family and I needed.”
The TV star then shared insight into his emotional health journey prior to joining the reality show.
“We got some news that changed everything,” Griffin continued. “It’s been a really tough year. But fortunately, we’ve been able to face this challenge together in our home. I would not have gotten through this without them. They make me smile on all the tough days and they’re strong for me when I sometimes can’t be.”
“They stood beside me through it all,” he concluded. “They’re my safe space, my home.”
Before performing a soulful cover of John Denver‘s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” Griffin shared one final clue in the form of the state of Texas. As he explained, “The Lone Star state played a very big role in making me a star.”
Unfortunately, Griffin landed in the bottom of the night with Boogie Woogie and the two faced off in a Battle Royale duet of “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen. Ultimately, Griffin was eliminated.
Before his unmasking, judge Robin Thicke declared Friday Night Lights‘ Kyle Chandler as his guess while Ken Jeong picked Josh Hartnett and Jenny McCarthy chose Chad Michael Murray.
But only guest judge Casey Wilson—who was filling in for Rita Ora—correctly guessed the celebrity behind the avian costume.
And while Griffin’s altered voice was clearly a man’s, that ruled out Dawson’s stars Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams as possibilities. So, was it James Van Der Beek or Joshua Jackson who was behind the Griffin mask? It was none other than Dawson himself Mr. Van Der Beek.
“I have always loved to sing,” the 48-year-old began. “I thought I would be a singer. I thought I would be on Broadway and virtually unknown outside of New York. And then, when I was 20, I accidentally became a teen idol.”
Explaining how “singing is the one thing I’ve never gotten to do,” James—who no lives in Texas—went on to credit his and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek‘s six kids Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3, for encouraging him to pursue this musical passions.
“Why don’t you tell them in person?” host Nick Cannon quipped as he intoduced James’ children to the stage. “This is such an incredible moment.”
Indeed, it was a momentous occasion the Van Der Beek clan. After all, James shared in November 2024 that he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer the year prior. Since revealing his private battle with the world, the actor has been on the road to recovery with the support of his family.
“I’m doing great,” James told E! News this past December. “Feeling good, feeling strong. In a good place.”
Keep reading to meet the season 13 cast and see which other stars have been unmasked so far.
The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox.
Honey Pot: Eliminated Week 1
The sticky and sweet character, who was revealed to be iconic comedian Cedric the Entertainer, was sent home on the season premiere.
Fuzzy Peas: Eliminated Week 2
The verdant vegetable was none other than boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya, who was eliminated during Shrek Night.
Ant: Eliminated Week 3
The songstress under the bug mask turned out to be former Danity Kane member Aubrey O’Day.
Bat: Eliminated Week 4
Bat was none other than Vanderpump Rules‘ one-hit wonder Scheana Shay.
Space Ranger: Eliminated Week 5
The hip-hop icon behind the other-worldly costume was Flavor Flav.
Griffin: Eliminated Week 6
The avian character was none other than Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who was eliminated during the Group B Finals.
Cherry Blossom: Eliminated Week 7
Full House alum Candace Cameron Bure was unmasked as the star behind the bloom after the Group C debut.
Stud Muffin: Eliminated Week 8
The studly snack was none other than hip-hop legend Method Man.
Yorkie: Eliminated Week 9
It’s “XXPEN$IVE” to be Yorkie! That’s because it was Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and pop music icon Erika Jayne behind the furry costume.
Paparazzo: Eliminated Week 10
Say “cheese!” The man behind the Paparazzo getup was former ’90s teen heartthrob and star of hits like Boy Meets World and Mrs. DoubtfireMatthew Lawrence.
Nessy: Eliminated Week 11
The creature from Loch Ness turned out to be singer Edwin McCain.
Lucky Duck: Surprise Twist
During the semi-finals on April 30, Lucky Duck shocked fans by interrupting the competition to announce none of the final four contestants were being eliminated and all would compete for the season 13 title.
As for who was behind the feathered frock? None other than Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi, who just so happens to be married to Masked Singer judge Rita Ora!
Boogie Woogie: Finalist
Boogie Woogie made it to the finale but didn’t take home the season 13 trophy.
Behind the groovy costume was singer Andy Grammer.
Coral: Finalist
Zombies actress Meg Donnelly was unmasked as season 13’s Coral.
Mad Scientist: Finalist
Former Florida Georgia Line band member Brian Kelley was revealed to be Mad Scientist.
Pearl: Winner
Say hello to The Masked Singer‘s season 13 winner.
Country star Gretchen Wilson came out on top during the May 7 finale.
