On Wednesday night, March 19, 2025, Season 13 of The Masked Singer featured the highly anticipated Group B Finals, where contestants Pearl, Boogie Woogie, and Griffin took to the stage on Grand Ole Opry Night. The excitement of the night culminated in Griffin being unmasked as none other than actor James Van Der Beek, known for his role in the iconic television series Dawson's Creek.
The evening opened with the three finalists performing a group number, singing “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” by the country duo Big & Rich. The lively performance set the tone, but each contestant was eager to showcase their unique talents to secure a spot in the upcoming “Lucky Six.”
Pearl was the first to perform individually, delivering a heartfelt rendition of Dolly Parton’s classic, “Here You Come Again.” Her performance impressed the judges, who included special guest panelist Casey Wilson. The panel's guesses about Pearl's identity included possibilities like fellow musicians Trisha Yearwood, Kellie Pickler, and even Carrie Underwood.
Following Pearl was Boogie Woogie, who chose to honor his late mother with an emotional performance of Carrie Underwood’s song, “Something in the Water.” As the crowd resonated with his tribute, the panel suggested potential identities, such as Josh Groban, Gavin DeGraw, and Ryan Tedder.
At the end of the episode, Pearl's powerful performance earned her the coveted place in the “Lucky Six,” alongside Group A contestants Coral and Paparazzo. In a dramatic showdown, Griffin faced off against Boogie Woogie in a Battle Royale for the second spot, both performing “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen.
Griffin’s performance of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver was solid but ultimately fell short, resulting in his unmasking; however, it was his prior fight for the stage that held the audience's attention. The panel had offered guesses about his identity, speculating everything from Kyle Chandler to Josh Hartnett, but it was Casey Wilson who correctly identified him as James Van Der Beek.
After the unmasking, an emotional moment unfolded as Van Der Beek acknowledged his challenges, alluding to his recent cancer diagnosis. He mentioned during the show that he would not have gotten through all of it without the support of his family.
In a heartwarming twist, his wife and children surprised him on stage, marking a poignant conclusion to his journey on The Masked Singer.
This episode not only showcased the talent of its contestants but also highlighted the personal stories that connect them, making the journey on the show richer and more meaningful.
