Gay country singer with mask

"Little Big Town's Christmas at the Opry," infused the holiday spirit into Nashville, showcasing performances from both established figures and emerging artists.

The country music supergroup, celebrated for chart-toppers such as "Girl Crush" and "Boondocks," assembled singers like Dan + Shay, Sheryl Crow, and Kate Hudson for the holiday spectacular, which was broadcast on NBC on Monday night. But one performer in particular, a masked country vocalist, left numerous people pondering: who might that be?

Orville Peck, whose attire has now evolved into his trademark, wore a mask to sing "Christmas All Over Again." Here's an overview of the South African country musician and the reasons behind his constant disguise.

Who exactly is Orville Peck?

Peck, whose real name is Daniel Pitout, is a country music artist originally from Johannesburg, South Africa. According to multiple media outlets, formerly a drummer for the Canadian punk band Nü Sensae, his punk background often surprises even those closest to him.

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The thirty-six-year-old, who is openly gay, has been a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+ community within the country music scene, working with renowned artists like Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, Noah Cyrus, and Beck. Despite this, the journey hasn't consistently been effortless.

"I encountered many individuals practically laughing at me, informing me that being an openly gay man in country music would be an utter failure," he communicated to People magazine in two thousand twenty-three. "I've faced deeply disheartening moments in my career. However, I persevered, and I refused to allow anyone to dictate my limitations," he stated.

In addition to advocacy, he has also endeavored to introduce fresh talent to the scene with his annual Rodeo, which tours diverse cities to highlight emerging talent.

Peck has additionally acted as a source of inspiration for some of the most prominent names within the music industry currently.

"I attended his performance, and his show profoundly altered my perspective. It transformed how I approach shows," Chappell Roan mentioned during an interview on Nardwuar the Human Serviette. "He performed at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, and he included local drag queens as opening acts. Meatball was one of them. From that performance, I made a vow: 'If I ever headline my own shows, I'll also feature local drag queens as openers.' So, he revolutionized my life, and now we're friends," Roan conveyed to the show's host.

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Who is the masked country singer?

Although his mask has evolved and become smaller over time, Peck has persistently kept his face concealed from the public. Although it might seem like a constraint, it hasn't impeded his authenticity on stage.

"The misunderstanding is that it's a persona or that I'm fabricating a character or something similar. But I grew up admiring country music, where a nexus existed between theatricality and genuine songwriting. Dolly Parton's a prime example — the elaborate wigs, the extravagant attire, yet it's her. For me, I was captivated by the Lone Ranger, cowboys masking their faces, hence that's what I aimed to emulate," Peck explained to People.

Who performed at 'Little Big Town's Christmas at the Opry' special?

"We've welcomed some of our dearest companions to join us on stage, and we eagerly await everyone to experience the holiday enchantment at such an exceptional venue," the band stated in a declaration prior to the show.

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