For many, Thanksgiving is a day spent eating, spending time with family and, of course, watching football. The NFL had three games scheduled for Turkey Day and each game has had a popular musical act during halftime.
Detroit-native Jack White was the halftime performer at Ford Field in the first game of the day when the Packers defeated the Lions, 31-24. White had a special guest, another Detroit legend, Eminem, join him on stage. The rapper was also one of the executive producers of the show.
In Texas, lifelong Dallas fan Post Malone took the stage in the middle of the Chiefs-Cowboys matchup at Jerry World and honored his country roots with his song choices. He kicked things off by singing, “Wrong Ones” and also performed “I Had Some Help.” Malone wore a “94” pin and after the performance said, “We love you 94,” honoring Marshawn Kneeland, the Cowboys defensive end whose death shocked the football community earlier this month.
To end the night, we have a second divisional matchup at M&T Bank Stadium between the 6-5 Baltimore Ravens and 3-8 Cincinnati Bengals at 8:20 p.m. The Ravens struggled with quarterback Lamar Jackson sidelined, but have been climbing their way back up the standings in recent weeks. And the Bengals should get a boost since it was announced that quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to be available for the game. He has be out since Week 2 with a turf toe injury.
Here’s a more detailed look at what we’ve seen thus far, and what’s still to come Thanksgiving night.
Jack White in Detroit
White began hit set with his song, “That’s How I’m Feeling,” before he introduced Eminem, who performed his hit, “Till I Collapse.” White also sang his hit song, “Seven Nation Army.”
White is a singer, songwriter and producer, who was a member of multiple bands, including The White Stripes. He plays multiple instruments and has hits like “We’re Going to Be Friends” and “Blue Orchid.” His album “No Name” was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Album in 2025. He’s won multiple Grammys, including for Best Rock Performance for “Lazaretto.”
Eminem’s longtime manager and president of Shady Records, Paul Rosenberg, and Jesse Collins Entertainment served as co-EPs. Eminem and Rosenberg will consult the team on their halftime production through 2027.
Gospel musician CeCe Winans performed the national anthem before kickoff.
Post Malone in Dallas
Post Malone, never shy about his football fandom, wore Cowboys’ cowboy boots and called them the greatest team in the world, pumping up the Dallas crowd.
He has performed at NFL events and games before, including last Christmas when he joined Beyoncé for her halftime show in Houston.
“I’m from Texas. I grew up a Cowboys fan and have been watching this halftime show for years,” Post Malone said. “It’s a real honor to be part of the Red Kettle Kickoff with The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys and help bring hope to so many people.”
Post Malone has 18 Grammy nominations, 11 Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards and six MTV Video Music Awards. The “Sunflower” singer has explored many genres in his career, from rap to country to rock.
Post Malone joined some elite company as Cowboys Thanksgiving Day performers, dating back to Reba McEntire taking the stage in 1997. Randy Travis, Destiny’s Child, Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Enrique Inglesias, Selena Gomez and the Jonas Brothers are some other performers in the exclusive group.
Lil Jon in Baltimore
Rapper, producer and DJ Lil Jon will be hyping up the crowd during halftime of the night game. Some of Lil Jon’s hits include “Yeah!,” “Turn Down for What,” “Get Low” and “Snap Yo Fingers.” We will likely hear lots of “WHATs,” “YEAHs” and “OKAYs” during the performance, all being signatures of the rapper.
Lil Jon has multiple Grammy nominations and won Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Yeah!” with Usher and Ludacris. He also has hardware from the MTV Video Music Awards and the American Music Awards.
Before kickoff, Renée Elise Goldsberry, who won a Tony award for her role as Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway musical “Hamilton,” will sing the national anthem.