Eminem surprised fans by joining Jack White for a powerful Detroit Lions halftime show, delivering a high-energy medley that lit up Ford Field on Thanksgiving.
Eminem and Jack White Deliver a Powerful Detroit Moment at Lions Thanksgiving Halftime Show
Detroit witnessed a rare, electrifying fusion of hometown legends on Thursday, Nov. 27, when Eminem made a surprise appearance during Jack White’s halftime performance at the Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Day game. In what many fans are already calling one of the greatest Ford Field halftime shows ever, the two global icons joined forces for a hard-hitting medley featuring two of the most unforgettable anthems of the 2000s: the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” and Eminem’s adrenaline-packed “’Till I Collapse.”
The energy inside Ford Field shifted the moment Jack White paused mid-performance and announced, “Detroit’s own Eminem.” As the rapper emerged in a hoodie and Lions jacket, the sold-out stadium erupted with deafening cheers. For a city built on musical legacy, this was more than a performance—it was a moment of shared pride.
Eminem, who rarely appears for live sets in his hometown, didn’t disappoint. “Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!” he shouted as he closed out his part of the medley, sending the crowd into another roar. The collaboration marked the first time White and Eminem had ever taken the stage together, despite both rising to international fame from Detroit in the early 2000s.
A Halftime Show Packed With Detroit Spirit
Jack White, dressed in a leather jacket and a T-shirt printed with a vintage Lions slogan—“Another One Bites the Dust”—set the tone early. The phrase was a nod to the franchise’s customized version of the Queen classic during Detroit’s hot 4-0 start in 1980. White kicked off the set with his 2024 solo track “That’s How I’m Feeling,” before transitioning into the White Stripes’ fan-favorite “Hello Operator.”
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Then came the moment fans didn’t see coming. Instead of keeping momentum with his own catalog, White shifted gears and introduced Eminem, seamlessly blending into “’Till I Collapse.” The 2002 track has become a modern-day motivational anthem and, in recent years, even surpassed “Lose Yourself” in streaming numbers—an impressive feat for a song that was never officially released as a single.
As Eminem delivered his rapid-fire bars, the entire stadium seemed to vibrate. Lions cheerleaders moved in sync with the beat, while thousands of fans joined the chant powering the performance. For many in attendance, it was the kind of spine-tingling moment only live music can create.
White closed the eight-minute performance with the stadium-shaking “Seven Nation Army,” a song that has become a global sports phenomenon. The crowd didn’t just watch—they participated, turning Ford Field into a choir of roaring voices. With fans chanting the iconic riff in unison and White delivering his signature intensity, the finale felt more like a rock concert than a football halftime show.
A New Era of Halftime Shows for Detroit
This performance was the first Thanksgiving halftime show produced under the Detroit Lions’ new partnership with Eminem and his longtime manager Paul Rosenberg. Under this multi-year deal, Rosenberg will help produce the nationally televised holiday shows through 2027. The decision already seems promising, as the collaboration delivered a level of hype and authenticity that NFL halftime shows sometimes lack.
Detroit has always taken pride in its musical roots, and this new partnership aims to showcase that legacy to a national audience. Thursday’s performance set a high bar—one that fans will undoubtedly compare future shows against.
A Night Filled With Hometown Highlights
The Detroit vibe wasn’t limited to White and Eminem. Earlier in the evening, gospel icon CeCe Winans delivered a stunning rendition of the national anthem, even while fighting a cold. Her flawless vocals brought a heartfelt start to the Thanksgiving tradition, reminding fans why she remains one of Detroit’s most celebrated voices.
Before kickoff, “’Till I Collapse” blasted through the arena as pump-up music, while fans broke into the familiar “Seven Nation Army” chant well before White even stepped on stage. The Thanksgiving game felt like a full-circle homage to the city’s musical heartbeat.
Two Legends With Deep Detroit Roots
Although Eminem hasn’t headlined a full hometown concert in more than a decade—the last was his 2014 Comerica Park show—he remains a constant presence at Lions games and a loyal supporter of Detroit. In recent years, he has popped up for surprise appearances at shows by Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, and others inside Ford Field.
White, meanwhile, continues to expand his legacy across Detroit’s iconic venues. From rock clubs to Comerica Park to the recently reopened Michigan Central train station, he has performed on some of the city’s most historic stages. Adding Ford Field to that list carries special significance, especially after the White Stripes’ induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month.
Thursday’s collaboration also stirred memories of classic Detroit music cameos, such as Bob Seger’s surprise guest moment during Kid Rock’s 2006 Super Bowl weekend show. For longtime fans, the performance felt like a continuation of the city’s tradition of unforgettable music moments.
A Thanksgiving to Remember
As Jack White wrapped up the night with a shout—“I love you, Detroit!”—the message resonated far beyond the stage. The halftime show was more than entertainment. It was a celebration of Detroit’s past, present, and future. It honored a city that has given the world some of the most influential musicians of the modern era.
For fans lucky enough to experience it in person, it was a Thanksgiving memory that won’t fade anytime soon. And for millions watching at home, it was a powerful reminder of Detroit’s unmatched musical fire.
