Jack White Surprises Fans by Bringing Out Eminem at NFL Thanksgiving Halftime Show

An unforgettable NFL halftime moment unfolded as Jack White and Eminem rocked the stage together in Detroit.

A Thanksgiving Halftime Show for the Ages

There’s something magical about those halftime shows, isn’t there? This year, during the NFL Thanksgiving showdown between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers, music history was made right at Ford Field. Jack White, Detroit's rock legend, took the stage and added a jaw-dropping twist by bringing out none other than Eminem, the city’s rap royalty.

Eminem and Jack White electrify the stage with a powerful collaboration.

White kicked off the performance with "That’s How I’m Feeling," a track from his 2024 album No Name. Then, the crowd erupted when he announced, “Ladies and Gentleman, Detroit’s own, Eminem,” introducing the rapper for an unforgettable duet on the 2002 classic “’Till I Collapse,” with White shredding the guitar. This unexpected pairing perfectly captured the gritty, authentic spirit of Detroit’s music scene.

Bringing the White Stripes Vibe Back

The show didn’t stop there. Jack White wrapped up his set with a thunderous rendition of The White Stripes' anthem “Seven Nation Army,” sharing the stage with the Detroit Lions’ Cheerleaders, adding a splash of hometown pride and cheer to the already electric atmosphere.

Check out the full halftime performance here:

Eminem’s Role Beyond the Stage

This wasn’t just a spontaneous guest appearance. Eminem, alongside his manager Paul Rosenberg, executive-produced the halftime event. Their involvement marks a multi-year partnership with the Lions, committing to executive-produce the team’s Thanksgiving halftime shows from 2025 through 2027. It’s clear that Detroit’s hip-hop icon is deeply invested in bringing high-caliber performances to his hometown’s NFL traditions.

Halftime Shows Across the NFL

While Detroit witnessed this epic collaboration, other NFL cities are gearing up for their own star-studded halftime moments. Post Malone is set to headline the Texas halftime show with the Dallas Cowboys facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium. As a lifelong Cowboys fan, Malone expressed his excitement, stating, “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."

Meanwhile, Lil Jon will light up the halftime stage when the Baltimore Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Adding more star power, Hamilton star Renée Elise Goldsberry will perform the national anthem for the game.

Jack White’s Love for Sports is Legendary

Jack White’s bond with sports, especially baseball, is no secret. This year marked the completion of a personal mission for White — watching a game at every Major League Baseball stadium. His passion has been well-documented. Earlier this year, he attended a Cubs vs. Dodgers game alongside actor Bill Murray, rocking a jersey gifted by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder in Japan.

Jack White enjoying America's pastime alongside Bill Murray.

In 2022, White even performed the US national anthem before a Detroit Tigers game and had thrown a ceremonial first pitch at Comerica Park. He also invested in a baseball bat company, proving his dedication goes beyond just fandom.

Jack White once donated $170,000 to help restore a Detroit baseball park he played in during his youth. He’s also participated in celebrity baseball matches and even appeared on a set of Topps baseball cards, blending his music and sports interests seamlessly.

Pre-show Rituals With a Baseball Bat

One of the more memorable stories from White’s pre-performance routines is his quirky ritual of working himself into a frenzy backstage — literally breaking things with a baseball bat before going onstage. That’s some serious rockstar energy! And if that’s not enough, he also released a song at a Detroit Tigers baseball game, merging his two passions perfectly.

Final Reflections

Isn’t it amazing to see artists like Jack White and Eminem collaborating live, especially on such a grand stage as the NFL Thanksgiving halftime? Their Detroit roots and love for their city shine through every note. It’s a reminder of how music can unite sports fans and music lovers alike, creating memories we’ll talk about for years.

What was your favorite moment from this iconic halftime show? Did Jack White and Eminem’s collaboration hit all the right notes for you?

FAQ

• Who performed at the 2025 NFL Thanksgiving halftime show in Detroit?
  Jack White headlined and brought out Eminem for a special duet during the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers game.
• What songs did Jack White and Eminem perform together?
  They performed Jack White’s “That’s How I’m Feeling” and Eminem’s hit “’Till I Collapse,” followed by White’s rendition of “Seven Nation Army.”
• Did Eminem have any role behind the scenes?
  Yes, Eminem co-executive-produced the halftime event with his manager Paul Rosenberg and will continue producing with the Lions through 2027.
• Which other artists are featured in NFL Thanksgiving halftime shows?
  Post Malone will perform for the Dallas Cowboys, and Lil Jon will perform during the Baltimore Ravens’ game.
• What is Jack White’s connection to sports outside music?
  White is a huge baseball fan who has visited every Major League stadium, performed at games, participated in ceremonial first pitches, and even donated to restore a baseball park in Detroit.

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