Who is performing at the halftime show of the Packers vs Lions game on Thanksgiving?
For nearly a century, Thanksgiving in Detroit has meant two things: family gatherings and Lions football. The team began hosting its annual Thanksgiving Day Classic in 1934, a tradition launched by then-owner George A. Richards as a way to spotlight the young team on a national stage. Aside from a brief break during World War II, the Lions have played every Thanksgiving since, making the game one of the NFL’s most enduring holiday rituals and a fixture of American sports culture.
While the Thanksgiving Day matchup has existed for decades, the modern, star-powered halftime show became a regular feature beginning in the mid-1990s. What started as simple on-field performances evolved significantly once the Lions moved into Ford Field and the event grew into a nationally televised entertainment platform. Over the years, the halftime show has showcased a mix of genres but has often highlighted Detroit’s own musical heritage, with performers such as Motown artists, Kid Rock, Big Sean, and now a lineup shaped by Detroit icons Eminem and Paul Rosenberg, who serve as Executive Producers through 2027.
The emphasis on hometown talent isn’t accidental; the Lions frequently lean into the city’s rich musical legacy, making local artists a recurring centerpiece of the Thanksgiving celebration.
Jack White to headline Lions–Packers Thanksgiving halftime show
Continuing that tradition, the Lions announced that Detroit rock legend Jack White will headline the 2025 Thanksgiving Halftime Show powered by Verizon when Detroit hosts the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, November 27.
White, a 12-time Grammy winner, first rose to global fame with The White Stripes, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month. His groundbreaking guitar work and genre-blending projects with The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather have cemented him as one of the most inventive artists of his generation, and a quintessential Detroit musical ambassador.
White is one of Detroit’s most influential musical figures. Born and raised on the city’s southwest side, White built his early career in Detroit’s underground rock scene, cutting his teeth in local clubs long before The White Stripes became a global phenomenon. His long-standing commitment to the city includes supporting local venues, opening Third Man Records’ Detroit location, and frequently collaborating with hometown artists. Bringing him back to Ford Field for Thanksgiving is a celebration of Detroit’s own musical legacy.
National Anthem by CeCe Winans
The game will open with another hometown star: CeCe Winans, the most awarded female gospel artist of all time. With 17 Grammys and 33 Dove Awards, Winans will bring a powerful rendition of the national anthem to Ford Field.
The selection of White and Winans reflects the creative direction of Eminem and Paul Rosenberg, who began overseeing the Lions’ Thanksgiving halftime programming in partnership with Jesse Collins Entertainment. Their multi-year role focuses on elevating talent from Detroit while shaping the overall production and cultural identity of the show.
A Thanksgiving game with purpose
This year, the Lions are also partnering with Feeding America to encourage viewers across the country to help fight food insecurity. Fans watching at home will be able to donate at FeedingAmerica.org/tackle, with the goal of providing 5 million meals during the holiday season.
Verizon, the halftime show’s presenting sponsor, will activate a hunger-relief challenge outside Ford Field where fans can pack donation bags before kickoff, turning the festive atmosphere into meaningful community support.
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