This report details an exhilarating halftime show during the Detroit Lions' annual Thanksgiving Day football game, featuring a dynamic performance by Jack White and surprise guest Eminem. The event, held at Ford Field in Detroit, showcased a powerful musical collaboration that electrified the audience, even as the Lions found themselves trailing in the game. This high-profile spectacle is part of a broader initiative led by Eminem and his manager to shape the team's halftime entertainment for several years, reinforcing Detroit's rich musical heritage within the national sports arena.
On Thursday, November 27, 2025, the Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving Day Classic featured a memorable halftime show. Jack White, a proud son of Detroit, commanded the stage at Ford Field, delivering a high-energy performance for his hometown. The tradition, which inaugurates the NFL's Thanksgiving Day lineup of games, saw the Lions hosting the Green Bay Packers.
White's set commenced with a track titled 'That's How I'm Feeling,' extracted from his 2024 musical release, No Name. The excitement escalated when Detroit's own hip-hop icon, Eminem, made a surprise appearance, joining White for an intense, hard rock rendition of Eminem's popular song, '’Till I Collapse.' The performance reached its climax with White leading a crowd-pleasing delivery of the stadium anthem 'Seven Nation Army,' enhanced by the spirited participation of the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders.
Despite the electrifying musical interlude, the Lions' on-field performance during the initial half of the game was less stellar. At the end of two quarters, the Green Bay Packers held a narrow lead of 17-14. Fans of the Lions, buoyed by last year's victory—their first Thanksgiving faceoff win since 2016—remained hopeful for a similar outcome.
The entire halftime production was executive produced by Eminem and his long-standing manager, Paul Rosenberg. This partnership with the Detroit Lions organization is a multi-year agreement, extending through 2027. Under this arrangement, the duo is responsible for all facets of the team's halftime entertainment during the Thanksgiving Classic, including the selection of all performing artists.
Earlier in the year, Jack White, alongside Meg White, was honored with induction into the esteemed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as The White Stripes, further solidifying his legacy in music. This halftime spectacle not only celebrated Detroit's musical talent but also showcased the ongoing commitment of its artists to their community and its cherished traditions.
The annual Thanksgiving Day Classic hosted by the Detroit Lions offered a vibrant display of musical talent, with Jack White and Eminem uniting for an unforgettable halftime show. This collaboration, meticulously curated by Eminem and his manager, reinforced the deep connection between Detroit's music scene and its sports culture, creating a memorable experience for all in attendance.