On March 19, 2025, the hit Fox competition series
The Masked Singer
celebrated its Country-themed episode dubbed “Grand Ole Opry Night” with a guest appearance from Casey Wilson substituting for Rita Ora on the judging panel. This episode was particularly monumental, commemorating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry.
Three Group B contestants took center stage: Pearl, Boogie Woogie, and Griffin. Each performed their own rendition of well-known country songs, but the night ultimately revealed a series of emotional personal stories that resonated with the audience.
Pearl kicked off the performances with a heartfelt rendition of Dolly Parton's classic “Here You Come Again.” Throughout her performance, she shared a narrative linked to her own experiences and the Opry's legacy. Dressed in a stunning outfit she received from Parton herself, Pearl reflected, “The biggest stars have performed at the Opry, but there’s one that shines brighter than the rest: Dolly Parton.” The clues during her performance included a strong arm depicted on her boots, symbolizing her desire to empower others, implying it being someone known for their strength. Ken Jeong guessed it was Sheryl Crow, while Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg suggested Trisha Yearwood, and Wilson picked Carrie Underwood.
Following Pearl's performance, Boogie Woogie took the stage, revealing a personal story about loss. He performed Carrie Underwood's “Something in the Water,” and his clues referenced Major League Baseball (MLB), hinting at a connection to the World Series where he claimed to have hit a “real homerun.” Robin Thicke guessed it was Ryan Tedder, while Jeong leaned towards Gavin DeGraw, and Wilson also speculated it might be Josh Groban.
The night culminated with Griffin, who revealed a deep and emotional journey as he performed John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” In his narrative, he stated, “Recently, we got some news that changed everything. It’s been a really tough year. But fortunately, we’ve been able to face this challenge together in our home.” The clue for Griffin surfaced as the state of Texas, indicating its vital role in his success as an actor. Guided by these clues, Wilson ultimately guessed correctly that Griffin was none other than James Van Der Beek.
This episode was particularly special, considering Van Der Beek’s recent battle with colorectal cancer, which he spoke openly about. “They make me smile through the tough days and are strong for me when I sometimes can’t be. They sit beside me through it all. They’re my safe space,” he conveyed about his family.
As the competition continued, Pearl secured her spot in the Lucky Six, but Griffin and Boogie Woogie had to face off in a Battle Royale, performing “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen. Despite a valiant effort, Griffin was ultimately unmasked as James Van Der Beek. He shared his journey from being a teen idol to the current phase of his career, noting, “I accidentally became a teen idol.”
After his reveal, Van Der Beek celebrated with his family on stage, who had supported him through his recovery journey. With an impressive performance, Griffin exited the competition gracefully as Boogie Woogie advanced.
As the show continues, fans await the next episode featuring the remaining contestants, including Pearl and Boogie Woogie, who hopes to follow in Griffin’s footsteps of revealing personal stories through music to inspire.
The Masked Singer
airs on Wednesdays at 8 PM on Fox, with all episodes available for streaming on Hulu.
