Season 13, Episode 6 of “The Masked Singer” brought some emotional moments as James Van Der Beek, known for his role in “Dawson’s Creek,” was unmasked as Griffin. Van Der Beek’s performance of John Denver’s “Take Me Home (Country Roads)” was heartfelt, especially as he alluded to his recent colorectal cancer diagnosis. He shared how his family has been his rock during this challenging time.
Van Der Beek’s appearance on the show is not his first brush with raising awareness for cancer. Last year, he participated in Fox’s “The Real Full Monty” special to support prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.
During the episode, guest panelist Casey Wilson correctly guessed Van Der Beek’s identity, while Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, and Ken Jeong had different guesses.
Before being unmasked, Van Der Beek had previously sung “Rewrite the Stars” and “Disturbia” on the show. Ultimately, he was eliminated after a face-off with Boogie Woogie, who won the round and moved on to the “Lucky Six.”
The episode, themed “Grand Ole Opry Night,” featured performances from Pearl, Boogie Woogie, and Griffin, with Pearl moving on to the next round alongside other previous winners.
The panelists, including host Nick Cannon, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, Rita Ora, and Robin Thicke, were joined by a new mysterious masked character called “Detective Lucky Duck,” who provided clues throughout the episode.
New elements in Season 13 include the “Crack the Case” clue cases, which give more insight into the eliminated contestants. The season also features themed episodes paying tribute to franchises like “Shrek” and “Ghostbusters,” as well as the Grand Ole Opry in its 100th anniversary.
Other masked contestants in Season 13 include Honey Pot, Space Ranger, Cherry Blossom, Coral, Fuzzy Peas, Ant, Paparazzo, Griffin, Boogie Woogie, and Bat.
The performances in “Grand Ole Opry Night” included Pearl singing “Here You Come Again” by Dolly Parton, Griffin singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver, and Boogie Woogie performing “Something in the Water” by Carrie Underwood.
In the end, Boogie Woogie’s emotional backstory and powerful performance earned him a spot in the next round, while Van Der Beek bid farewell as Griffin. The episode showcased the talent and storytelling that “The Masked Singer” is known for, making it a memorable night for both the contestants and the audience.
