Detroit’s biggest musical icons just joined forces—and it was electric. Jack White and Eminem, two legends who both call Detroit home, took over the stage during the Detroit Lions’ annual Thanksgiving halftime show, giving fans a performance that blended rock grit with rap intensity. It was a hometown moment that had everyone talking—but not even their star power could lift the Lions to victory this time.
The high-energy show began with Jack White performing his track “That’s How I’m Feeling” from his album No Name, released last year. Then, the crowd erupted when White invited Eminem to join him for an unexpected mashup. The two fused the White Stripes’ raw, garage-rock anthem “Hello Operator” with Eminem’s explosive “’Till I Collapse” from The Eminem Show. The collaboration perfectly captured Detroit’s creative spirit—fierce, unfiltered, and unapologetic.
As the halftime performance reached its crescendo, White closed with the undeniable crowd favorite “Seven Nation Army,” a song that has become an unofficial sports anthem worldwide. Clips of the show quickly spread online, with fans praising the seamless blend of styles. You can catch the full performance replay on YouTube for a dose of that Motor City magic.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Eminem’s appearance wasn’t just a surprise cameo. Along with his longtime manager and Shady Records co-founder, Paul Rosenberg, the rapper actually served as an executive producer of the halftime show, partnering with Jesse Collins Entertainment. The pair has committed to producing the Lions’ Thanksgiving halftime events through 2027—suggesting this is only the beginning of Detroit’s new musical tradition.
Despite the spectacle, the Lions once again came up short, losing to their long-time rivals, the Green Bay Packers. That Thanksgiving loss continues their frustrating streak on the holiday. Still, fans remember that last year’s game ended differently—the Lions clinched a satisfying win over the Chicago Bears, with country-rap artist Shaboozey providing the halftime entertainment. So, perhaps there’s still room for a musical lucky charm.
Here’s the question everyone’s asking: can Detroit’s artistic firepower ever inspire a change in the team’s Thanksgiving fate? And more importantly, do you think collaborations like this—mixing rock and hip-hop—are the future of live sports entertainment? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Detroit fans, this debate’s for you.