On November 27, 2025 — Thanksgiving Day — during the NFL game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field, music fans got more than just football. The halftime show, officially headlined by guitar legend Jack White, turned into a historic Detroit-style musical moment when hometown rap icon Eminem made a surprise on-stage appearance.
Jack White began the performance with his 2024 song “That’s How I’m Feeling,” backed by his band. Midway through the set, the crowd erupted as Eminem rose dramatically from a stage platform, smoke and pyrotechnics framing his arrival.
Then came one of the loudest moments of the day: Eminem launching into his 2002 hit “‘Till I Collapse,” while Jack White shredded guitar in a gritty rock-rap mashup.
The show closed with White performing his band’s anthem Seven Nation Army — the whole stadium chanting along, Detroit pride roaring through the crowd.
What made it special
Homecoming for two Detroit legends: Both Eminem and Jack White were born and rose to fame in Detroit. The show felt like a tribute to the city — a rare blending of rap and rock under one roof.
Eminem as creative force: This wasn’t just a guest appearance. Eminem — along with his longtime manager Paul Rosenberg — is now an executive producer for the Lions’ Thanksgiving halftime shows through 2027. So he helped shape the entire vibe.
A mash-up between genres: The contrast between Eminem’s raw rap energy and White’s gritty rock guitar made the performance dynamic, unexpected, and electric. A rare crossover that felt organic and powerful.
The bigger picture
For many fans — whether they came just for the football or love live music — this halftime show felt bigger than a usual mid-game set. It was more like a mini-concert, or even a full-blown hometown celebration for Detroit.
The spectacle also highlights how sports and music increasingly overlap. What once was just halftime jingles is now becoming big shows — complete with top-tier artists, hype, and homecoming-vibes. With Eminem at the creative helm for the next few years, fans can expect more surprises and genre-blending performances.
Why fans will remember it
Because it wasn’t just about a game. It was about home, music, roots, and surprise.
For Detroit — a city with deep musical history — this moment captured the spirit of two icons coming together: one raised the bar for rap, another reshaped rock. And for a few minutes on Thanksgiving, the crowd at Ford Field didn’t care who was winning or losing. They were just there for the music — loud, raw, and unforgettable.