“Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry” infused Nashville with festive cheer through performances by both legendary artists and emerging talents.

This renowned country music group, celebrated for songs such as “Girl Crush” and “Boondocks,” united a roster of artists including Dan + Shay, Sheryl Crow, and Kate Hudson for the enchanting holiday performance that aired on NBC Monday night. Yet, one artist stood out in particular, a masked crooner, prompting many to question: who is he?

Orville Peck, known for his distinctive style, appeared wearing a mask while performing “Christmas All Over Again.” Here’s a closer look at the South African country star and the story behind his signature disguise.

Who is Orville Peck?

Peck, whose actual name is Daniel Pitout, hails from Johannesburg, South Africa. He initially made his mark as a drummer in the Canadian punk band Nü Sensae, a fact that tend to surprise even his close friends.

At 36 years old and openly gay, he has become a prominent supporter of the LGBTQ+ community within the country music industry, collaborating with acclaimed artists like Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, Noah Cyrus, and Beck. However, his journey has faced challenges.

“People laughed at me, saying that being an openly gay man in country music would never succeed,” he shared with People magazine in 2023. “I’ve encountered very discouraging moments in my career. But I kept my head up and refused to let anyone tell me what I could or couldn’t achieve,” he emphasized.

In addition to his advocacy, he has been dedicated to elevating new talent through his annual Rodeo, which travels to various cities to showcase up-and-coming artists.

Peck has also inspired some of the biggest names in today’s music scene.

“I saw him perform, and it completely changed my life. It transformed how I approach my own shows,” Chappell Roan stated during an interview with Nardwuar the Human Serviette. “He performed at the Troubadour in West Hollywood and featured local drag queens as his opening act. Meatball was among them. From that moment, I promised myself that if I ever headlined my own shows, I would have local drag queens open for me too. He pretty much changed my life, and now we’re friends,” Roan shared with the host.

Who is the masked country singer?

Although his mask has evolved and become less prominent over time, Peck has maintained his anonymity. This choice hasn’t hindered his ability to fully express himself on stage.

“People often think it’s just a character or that I’m creating a persona. But I grew up cherishing country music that blends theatricality with authentic songwriting. Dolly Parton is a perfect example of this — the big hair, the outlandish outfits, yet she remains authentic. I was fascinated by the Lone Ranger and cowboys who concealed their identities, so that’s what I aimed for,” Peck explained to People.

Who took the stage during ‘Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry’ special?

“We invited some of our closest friends to join us on stage, and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the holiday magic at this amazing venue,” the band expressed in a statement prior to the performance.

• Little Big Town
• Dan + Shay
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Sheryl Crow
• Kirk Franklin
• Josh Groban
• Kate Hudson
• Orville Peck