The National Football League has announced an impressive roster of musical talent for its Thanksgiving Day celebrations later this month, with three major artists set to perform during the holiday's American football games.
Detroit's Rock Anthem Takes Centre Stage
Jack White, the renowned guitarist from The White Stripes, will headline the first game of the day when his hometown team Detroit Lions face the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. This performance comes just days after White's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Los Angeles.
Eminem, another Detroit native, will serve as executive producer for this halftime show, though his involvement primarily relates to booking White rather than influencing the musical direction. White, 50, is expected to deliver a rock-heavy performance, showcasing why he's widely considered one of music history's finest guitarists.
Post Malone's Chiefs Connection
The second game features the Dallas Cowboys against Kansas City Chiefs, with Post Malone taking the halftime spotlight at AT&T Stadium in Texas. The rapper and singer, whose real name is Richard Post, has strong ties to the Chiefs organisation.
In an unusual display of loyalty, Post Malone has tattoos of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce's signatures on his arm after losing a beer pong bet against the Kansas City duo. This occurred before one of his shows shortly after the Chiefs won the Super Bowl in 2020.
Kelce recalled the incident on his New Heights podcast, expressing respect for Malone keeping his word. More recently, Malone appeared alongside Kelce's fiancée Taylor Swift in the music video for her song 'Fortnight' from 'The Tortured Poets Department' album.
Lil Jon Completes Thanksgiving Trilogy
The final game of Thanksgiving Day will see Lil Jon perform during halftime when the Baltimore Ravens meet the Cincinnati Bengals. Lil Jon brings previous NFL halftime experience, having joined Usher during the Super Bowl performance in the 2024 game between the Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
These high-profile bookings come against the backdrop of controversy surrounding Bad Bunny's appointment as this season's Super Bowl halftime performer. The Puerto Rican rapper has been vocal about his political stance, previously vowing not to perform in the United States due to concerns about ICE raids.
The NFL partners with Jay-Z's Roc Nation to select its halftime performers, a decision that has drawn criticism from some quarters including former President Donald Trump, who called the choice 'absolutely ridiculous'.
Last year's Cowboys Thanksgiving game featured Lainey Wilson, who received widespread praise from both fans and critics for her halftime performance.
