Yet, despite a cast of equally musically inclined stars, fans never got aDawson’s Creekmusical episode.
There was not a dry eye in the house, especially Ken Jeong’s.
What was that moment like for you?
‘Dawson’s Creek’ stars Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson.Credit:Warner Bros./Getty
JAMES VAN DER BEEK:That was amazing.
I really did [the show] for my kids.
I was nervous to do it.
James Van Der Beek joined by wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six children, alongside ‘The Masked Singer’ host Nick Cannon.Michael Becker/FOX
I hadn’t sung in public in a very long time.
They had kind of been with me through the whole process.
They heard me warming up in the house.
James Van Der Beek as Griffin on ‘The Masked singer’ season 13.Michael Becker (2)
They watched me practice.
I said, “I don’t think I’m making it out of this round, babe.
These two singers are phenomenal.
Somehow she booked tickets, got the kids on a flight, got them out there.
And then when I was unmasked, I kept looking for them in the audience.
I wanted to wave to them, and I couldn’t see them.
So whenNick [Cannon]said, “Why don’t you tell them yourself?”
and they all ran out, I was just thrilled.
Michael Becker/FOX
Who knew you were such a great singer this whole time?
OnDawson’s Creek, Joey had a bigsong moment.
I grew up watchingHead of the Class, that sitcom with Brian Robbins.
I would’ve loved a musical episode of [Dawson’s Creek], but we never did one.
I think I recall singing drunk in one episode, but that’s about it.
Oh, I think I would’ve been too nervous.
I think I would’ve been too concerned, wondering if I could really sing or not.
It was a big thing for me to do [The Masked Singer].
I had this amazing vocal coach, Amy.
Paula Cole, who of course sang the iconicDawson’s Creektheme song, wasShip last season.
Have you talked to her aboutThe Masked Singer?
I didn’t even know she was on it.
I love Paula.Is there anotherDawson’salum you would recommend doing the show next?
I’m sureJosh [Jackson]can sing.
I’m sure he’d probably say he couldn’t, but he probably could.
That’s my guess.
You’ve been a public figure since you were young, but obviously this is a very personal matter.
Did you struggle with deciding how open you wanted to be about your health?
They’ve connected somehow to the journey; they’ve felt a little bit less alone.
It’s very preventable in that sense.
I venture to keep as many of the details to myself, especially when I’m mid-process.
I’m in a healing portal right now.
It’s a balance of how much do you share and how much do you keep to yourself.
You don’t want the expectation of having to share everything.
I’m not a reality star.
And that’s been refreshing.
Have you heard from former colleagues since you came out about it publicly?
I’ve had so many people reach out, and that’s been really great.
And I’ve reconnected with a lot of people I haven’t spoken to in years.
So a lot of beautiful things have come out of it.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Masked Singerairs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.
