WARNING! THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE MASKED SINGER SEASON 13!The Masked Singerseason 13’sGroup B featured Griffin as one of its contestants, and he was unmasked during the Group B finals on Grand Ole Opry Night and revealed to be actor James Van Der Beek.The Masked Singerseason 13 welcomed back panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora, along with host Nick Cannon. So far, the show has unmasked three Group A contestants, including Cedric the Entertainer (Honey Pot), Oscar De La Hoya (Fuzzy Peas), and Aubrey O’Day (Ant), while Paparazzo and Coral have advanced to the Lucky 6.
The Masked Singerseason 13’s Group B featured five more fantastic contestants,including Bat (Scheana Shay), Space Ranger (Flavor Flav), Pearl, Boogie Woogie, and Griffin. They made their debut on Voices of Olympus: Unmasking of the Gods Night. After Griffin was unmasked and revealed to be James, here are all of the clues that proved his true identity.
The Masked Singer Season 13’s Griffin Is James Van Der Beek
Only Guest Panelist Casey Wilson Guessed James Van Der Beek Correctly
DuringThe Masked Singerseason 13 Voices of Olympus: Unmasking of the Gods Night, the panelists had many great guesses for Griffin’s identity. Rita guessed two actors, whom she couldn’t decide between:Matthew LillardandFreddie Prinze Jr. Ken mentionedDavid Arquette, and Jenny agreed with him.
20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now
Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.
DuringGhostbustersNight, Rita stuck with her guess ofFreddie Prinze Jr.for Griffin, while Ken thought that he might beJason Segel. Jenny predicted that Griffin wasRobert Pattinson. During the Group B finals on Grand Ole Opry Night, the panelists gave their final guesses for Griffin’s identity, includingKyle Chandler (Robin), Chad Michael Murray (Jenny), and Josh Hartnett (Ken). Only guest panelist Casey Wilson, who was filling in for Rita, correctly guessed that he wasJames Van Der Beek.
Griffin’s Masked Singer Season 13 Voices Of Olympus: Unmasking Of The Gods Night Performance & Clues
Griffin Revealed That He Had A New Appreciation For Life
DuringThe Masked Singerseason 13Voices of Olympus: Unmasking of the Gods Night, Jenny thought that Griffin might be an athlete when he first came out on stage.Griffin sang an emotional and stunning version of “Rewrite the Stars” by Zac Efron and Zendaya fromThe Greatest Showman.He began his clue package by seeing his costume for the first time and saying,“Look at this. This is amazing. Ah, becoming the Griffin. Part eagle, part lion. And one heck of a mythical creature. I can relate to that.”
As Griffin flew through a golden, cloud-filled sky, he said,“When you become a star, you’re treated like a god. Everyone wants to get a piece.“He then held up a sheriff’s badge, which referred toJames' role as FBI agent Elijah Mundo onCSI: Cyber.
Griffin continued,“When I skyrocketed to overnight success, I wasn’t prepared for the fandom, the adoration. Little did I know that first hit would immortalize me.“Griffin was then hit in the head with a school bell that said,“School’s Out,“and it rang. He continued,“I mean, a lady even took dirt off my car and said she’d take it home to her children.“James skyrocketed to fame and became a legend when he starred as Dawson Leery on the hit high school drama,Dawson’s Creek,from 1998-2003. During that time, a woman really did take dirt off of his car to give to her children.
The Masked Singer Season 13’s Fuzzy Peas Talks Becoming His Character & Possibly Reviving His Music Career: “It Sparked Something In Me”
The Masked Singer season 13’s Fuzzy Peas opens up about his time on the show, and how it inspired him to possibly restart his music career.
Griffin went on to say,“But the truth is, I’m only human. And I was reminded of that recently.“On June 12, 2025, James was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, but he didn’t make his diagnosis public until November 2024. Griffin then held a VHS tape with a jack-o-lantern on it.This referred to James' appearance inScary Movie.Griffin shared,“The future I saw in the stars was all being rewritten. Now I know, man, this life is so precious. And I take every opportunity that comes my way, like this.”
As Griffin drove a staff into the stage, he said,“Tonight, I’m channeling the strength of Hercules because my resilience has gotten me through. And, from here on out, I’m writing my own story.“James has been very resilient throughout his battle with cancer.
After his performance, Nick spoke to Griffin about his new appreciation for life, which he’d mentioned in his clue package, and he asked him what it meant to be there that night onThe Masked Singer.Griffin replied,“Oh! The stage is my happy place! I love it here! I feel so lucky!“James has appeared in many theater productions, and he also placed fifth onDancing With The Starsseason 28, alongside his professional dance partner, Emma Slater.He also performed with his daughter, Olivia, on the mystery celebrity relative singing competition series,We Are Family.
Griffin’s Masked Singer Season 13 Ghostbusters Night Performance & Clues
Griffin Revealed His Love For Broadway
DuringThe Masked Singerseason 13GhostbustersNight,Griffin sang a haunting version of “Disturbia” by Rihanna, which showcased his extraordinary vocal range. Before Griffin’s clue package, Nick revealed that Griffin is a"monster Ghostbusters fan.“Griffin began his clue package by saying,“Making it to Ghostbusters Night feels like freaky fate because I played that soundtrack on repeat as a kid.”
As Griffin was shown singing at a microphone, he said,“Growing up, I loved to sing. And, believe it or not, there’s nothing I loved more than Broadway.“A Maskbill from the fictional production ofGriffin the Musicalwas then shown.James is a big Broadway fan, and he even played the role of Reuben in his middle school’s production ofJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
A picture ofThe Masked Singerseason 9’s Lamp, who was Melissa Joan Hart, was also seen.James' connection to Melissa is that he appeared on her TV show,Clarissa Explains It Allin the role of Paulie in 1993, which was his first TV role.
As Griffin looked out at a cityscape, he said,“I was a total theater geek, collecting Playbills long before it was cool. But the kids my age didn’t understand. They showed no mercy, teasing me relentlessly, saying, ‘Why are you doing that?'“The words,“GEEK,” “NERD,“and"LOSER,“appeared in the sky when he said this.
Griffin continued,“And dark thoughts started to creep in my mind, so I hid that part of myself. Literally.“A giant bat then appeared on the screen, with a bunch of others flying behind it.James provided the voice of Boris Hauntley on the Disney animated series,Vampirina, from 2017-2021.Griffin was then shown playing theGhostbusterssoundtrack, saying,“I built a fort with a record player, where I would sing my heart out. That’s where that Ghostbusters soundtrack came in.”
“It Was The Most Fun Secret I’ve Ever Kept”: The Masked Singer Season 13’s Scheana Shay Details The Ghostbusters Night Performance We Never Got To See & Previews Her New EP & Book
The Masked Singer season 13 contestant Scheana Shay discusses her journey as Bat, and teases her new book, My Good Side, and upcoming EP.
As Griffin began filming himself singing, he concluded by saying,“Being here has allowed me to tap back into that passion I was too embarrassed to show as a kid. And it’s liberating spreading my wings! So, tonight, here’s a dark pop anthem for all you kids being called freaks or geeks. Welcome to the club!“Griffin filming himself was a reference toJames’One Tree Hillrole as the eccentric film director Adam Reese.
After Griffin’s performance, another clue about his identity was revealed, which was a phone call from Mckenna Grace, who stars in theGhostbustersfranchise. She said,“Not only is he an incredible performer, but he’s an even better person. He’s like a dad on the set. I know this because I’ve co-starred with him.“Griffin explained,“Mckenna’s fantastic. She’s had a great career. And one of my kids thinks I’m very cool because I once worked with her.“Mckenna played James’ character Elijah Mundo’s daughter, Michelle, onCSI: Cyber.
Griffin’s Masked Singer Season 13 Grand Ole Opry Night Performance & Clues
Griffin Spoke About How His Family Supported Him Through A Tough Year
DuringThe Masked Singerseason 13 Group B finals on Grand Ole Opry Night, the three remaining contestants, Griffin, Pearl, and Boogie Woogie, opened the show with a rousing rendition of “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” by Big & Rich. Before his competition performance, Griffin said,“I am dedicating this one to my wife and kids. I love you with all my heart. I would not be here without you. This one’s for you.“Griffin then sang a beautiful rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver.
Griffin began his clue package by saying,“I can’t believe I’m landing on Grand Ole Opry Night. You know, I have a big appreciation for country music. Or at least I’ve started to.“A blue and white model of a rowboat was then shown.This was a reference to the rowboat fromDawson’s Creek.
Griffin continued,“See, after so many years in the spotlight, I moved my family to the country. A place where we could live quietly, in nature.“In 2020, James and his family moved from Los Angeles to a ranch in the Hill Country of Texas, in a rural area outside of Austin. Griffin was then shown holding a remote control with the number 23 on it. From 2012-2013,James played a fictionalized version of himself on the TV show,Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.
As a photograph of Griffin surrounded by his children was shown, he said,“The kind of childhood I’d always dreamed of providing for my kids. And it’s been exactly what my family and I needed.“James has six children, four daughters and two sons, with his wife, Kimberly Brook. Griffin went on to say,“Until, 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.“As Griffin said this, he held a red first aid kit.This was another reference to James' colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Griffin concluded his clue package by saying,“I would not have gotten through this without them. They make me smile on all the tough days, and are strong for me when I sometimes can’t be. They’ve stood beside me through it all, been my safe space, my home.“James' family has stood by him during his battle with cancer.
“I Felt Kind Of Cheated”: Flavor Flav Reveals Why He Thinks He Left The Masked Singer Season 13 Too Early & Why His Taylor Swift Song Meant So Much To Him
The Masked Singer S13’s Flavor Flav reveals why he wishes he lasted longer as Space Ranger, and what singing Taylor Swift’s song meant to him.
After Griffin’s performance, he addressed his family, saying,“I just want to thank them for being them. You guys, I love you unconditionally.“Then, another clue was given about his identity, which was a cowboy boot with a map of Texas on it. Griffin explained,“Well, the Lone Star state played a very big role in making me a star.“In 1999, James starred in the film,Varsity Blues, which took place in Texas.
After the audience and panelists voted, Pearl advanced directly to the Lucky 6, while Griffin and Boogie Woogie fought for the other Group B spot in the Battle Royale.They each sang their own unique versions of “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen.
Before the results were announced, Detective Lucky Duck returned to give an important clue about all three finalists. He said,“There is one singer from season 6 that all three Group B finalists have a connection to.“It was Katharine McPhee, who was Banana Split, along with her husband and legendary record producer, David Foster.James and Katharine both appeared on the TV showUgly Betty, although not in the same episode.
Boogie Woogie won the Battle Royale because the panelists voted for him, and he moved on to the Lucky 6, while Griffin was eliminated from the competition. Before he was unmasked, his Crack the Case Clue Case was opened, and it had a football inside of it as his final clue. Griffin explained,“Been a big part of my career.“This was another reference to James’Varsity Bluesrole as football player Jonathan “Mox” Moxon.
As Griffin inThe Masked Singerseason 13, James blew everyone away with his spectacular voice and incredible stage presence. It was beautiful to see him thriving on stage after his challenging year, and that his beloved wife and children joined him on stage. James concluded hisMasked Singerrun with a triumphant unmasked version of “Take Me Home, Country Roads.“AsGriffin, James was absolutely magical, and he’ll always be remembered as one of the bestMasked Singercontestants.
