Jack White & Eminem Thanksgiving Halftime Show: Detroit Music History at Lions Game 2025 - Complete Recap

Jack White and Eminem performing together at the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving halftime show at Ford Field, November 27, 2025

Jack White & Eminem Make Detroit Music History with Surprise Thanksgiving Halftime Show Performance

Jack White and Eminem, two of Detroit's most iconic musicians, made history on Thanksgiving Day 2025 with a surprise joint performance during the Detroit Lions' halftime show, creating an unforgettable moment for the sold-out crowd at Ford Field and millions watching nationwide.

Headliner Jack White brought out Eminem as a surprise guest for a powerhouse medley that included two of the most recognizable anthems of the 21st century: The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" and Eminem's "'Till I Collapse." The unprecedented collaboration marked the first time the two homegrown superstars have ever performed together on stage, delivering one of the most memorable Thanksgiving halftime shows in NFL history.

The performance was the first produced under a new partnership between the Detroit Lions and Eminem's management, promising a new era of high-profile halftime entertainment. If you're looking for a complete recap of the Jack White and Eminem performance—including the setlist, fan reactions, historical context, and what this means for Detroit music—this comprehensive review has everything you need to know.

Jack White & Eminem Halftime Show: Setlist, Performance Breakdown & Key Moments

Halftime Show Information at a Glance:

🎤 Artists: Jack White (Headliner) with surprise guest Eminem

🏈 Event: Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers Thanksgiving Day Game

📅 Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025

🏟️ Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, MI

📺 National Broadcast: Fox

The Full 8-Minute Setlist:

"That's How I'm Feeling" (Jack White solo song, 2024)
"Hello Operator" (The White Stripes song, from De Stijl)
"'Till I Collapse" (Eminem surprise performance, blended into "Hello Operator")
"Seven Nation Army" (The White Stripes song, from Elephant)

Performance Breakdown:

1. Jack White Takes the Stage

Jack White kicked off the 8-minute set with his 2024 solo track "That's How I'm Feeling," immediately setting a high-energy, rock-and-roll tone. Dressed in a leather jacket and a vintage Lions T-shirt that read "Another One Bites the Dust"—a nod to the team's 1980 anthem—White commanded the stage with his signature guitar riffs and raw vocal power.

He then transitioned into the bluesy White Stripes classic "Hello Operator," a fan favorite known for its gritty sound.

2. The Surprise: "Detroit's Own Eminem!"

The defining moment of the show came midway through "Hello Operator." As the song's riff paused, Jack White addressed the roaring crowd:

"Detroit, make some noise for Detroit's own Eminem!"

The sellout crowd at Ford Field erupted as Eminem emerged from the tunnel, clad in a hoodie and a Detroit Lions jacket. The transition was seamless as the band launched into the iconic opening of "'Till I Collapse."

3. Eminem's Performance: "'Till I Collapse"

Eminem delivered a blistering, high-energy rendition of his 2002 motivational anthem. Despite never being released as a single, "'Till I Collapse" has become one of his most-streamed and recognizable songs, a staple in sports stadiums and workout playlists worldwide.

His performance was intense and focused, feeding off the energy of the hometown crowd. He ended his cameo with a heartfelt message:

"Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!"

4. The Grand Finale: "Seven Nation Army"

Following Eminem's explosive cameo, Jack White and his band launched into the unmistakable riff of "Seven Nation Army." The White Stripes' 2003 hit has transcended rock music to become a global sports anthem, chanted at stadiums from Detroit to Milan.

The entire Ford Field crowd joined in, chanting the iconic "oh, oh-oh-oh ohhh, oh" melody as the Lions cheerleaders performed a choreographed routine. It was a unifying, powerful moment that perfectly captured the spirit of Detroit football and music. White ended the set with a simple, heartfelt shout:

"I love you, Detroit!"

Historical Significance: Why This Jack White & Eminem Performance Mattered

1. First-Ever Onstage Collaboration

Despite both emerging from the Detroit music scene in the late '90s and early 2000s and achieving global superstardom, Jack White and Eminem had never performed together live. This Thanksgiving show marked the first time two of the city's most influential modern artists shared a stage, creating a historic moment for Detroit music history.

Their careers, while parallel, occupied different spheres of the music world—White in garage rock and blues, Eminem in hip-hop. This collaboration was a symbolic merging of those worlds, celebrating the diversity and power of Detroit's musical legacy.

2. A New Era for the Lions Halftime Show

This performance was the first under a new multi-year deal where Eminem and his manager, Paul Rosenberg, will produce the Lions' nationally televised Thanksgiving halftime show through 2027.

What this means:

Higher Profile Acts: Expect more major artists like Jack White in the coming years.
Detroit-Centric Focus: The partnership aims to spotlight Detroit's rich musical talent.
Improved Production Value: The show's quality and star power are set to rival that of the Super Bowl.

Booking Jack White and securing a surprise Eminem appearance in the first year sends a clear message: the Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving show is now a premier musical event on the NFL calendar.

3. Jack White's Hometown Triumvirate

For Jack White, the performance marked a significant personal milestone. By playing at Ford Field, he completed a trifecta of performances at Detroit's major sports venues:

✅ Comerica Park (Home of the Detroit Tigers)
✅ Little Caesars Arena (Home of the Detroit Red Wings & Pistons)
✅ Ford Field (Home of the Detroit Lions)

This cements his status as a hometown hero who has conquered every major stage the city has to offer.

4. Eminem's Continued Embrace of Detroit

While Eminem hasn't played a full concert in Detroit since 2014, he has remained a highly visible and passionate ambassador for the city. His recent appearances include:

Cameos at Ed Sheeran and Jelly Roll concerts at Ford Field.
Starring in the Michigan Central train station opening concert in 2024 (also produced by his team).
Regularly attending Lions games as a die-hard fan.

This halftime performance was another powerful display of his commitment to his hometown, using his global platform to celebrate Detroit.

The Songs: An Analysis of "Seven Nation Army" and "'Till I Collapse"

"Seven Nation Army" - The Global Sports Anthem

Artist: The White Stripes (Jack White and Meg White)
Album: Elephant (2003)
Legacy:

Won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2004.
The iconic seven-note riff (played on a semi-acoustic guitar with a pitch-shifting pedal to sound like a bass) is one of the most recognizable in modern music.
Became an unofficial anthem for Italy's 2006 FIFA World Cup victory and has since been adopted by sports teams and fans worldwide.

Its simple, powerful, and chant-able melody makes it the perfect stadium anthem. Hearing it performed live by Jack White in a packed football stadium is an electrifying experience.

"'Till I Collapse" - The Ultimate Motivational Track

Artist: Eminem (feat. Nate Dogg)
Album: The Eminem Show (2002)
Legacy:

Never released as an official single, its popularity grew organically.
It has become one of the most-streamed songs of the 21st century, surpassing many of Eminem's official hits.
The song's themes of perseverance, resilience, and pushing through pain have made it a go-to anthem for athletes and anyone needing motivation.

Its inclusion in the halftime show was a perfect fit for the high-stakes, competitive atmosphere of an NFL game. It has arguably replaced "Lose Yourself" as Eminem's signature live performance track.

Fan & Media Reactions: "An All-Time Halftime Show"

The surprise performance was met with universal acclaim from fans in the stadium, viewers at home, and the media.

Social Media Eruption:

The hashtag #LionsHalftimeShow trended nationally on X (formerly Twitter) within minutes.
Fans praised the "authentically Detroit" feel of the show.
Many called it the "best Thanksgiving halftime show ever," comparing its energy and star power to a Super Bowl performance.

Media Praise:

Detroit Free Press: "Eminem, Jack White make Detroit music history at Lions game... one of the most impressive Ford Field halftime performances in memory."
Rolling Stone: "A pairing of Detroit titans... a fiery medley that celebrated the city's rock and rap legacies."
Billboard: "The two homegrown stars partnered on a hot medley that included two of the most eminent anthems of the 2000s."

The consensus was that the performance was a massive success, perfectly blending musical artistry with hometown pride.

What This Means for Jack White's Career

Capping a Milestone Month

The Thanksgiving performance was the culmination of a huge month for Jack White. On November 8, 2025, The White Stripes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This halftime show served as a victory lap, celebrating his legacy in front of his hometown.

Continued Relevance and Influence

At 50 years old, Jack White continues to be one of rock's most vital and respected artists. This performance demonstrated his ability to:

Command a massive stadium audience.
Collaborate with artists from different genres.
Remain culturally relevant, with his music now part of the global sports lexicon.

For an artist who has always prioritized artistic integrity, this mainstream moment felt earned and authentic, further cementing his status as a rock icon.

What This Means for Eminem's Career

The Elder Statesman of Hip-Hop

At 53, Eminem has transitioned from a controversial provocateur to a revered elder statesman of hip-hop. This performance highlighted his:

Enduring stage presence and technical skill.
Deep connection with his hometown.
Legacy of creating timeless, motivational anthems.

His role as a producer for the halftime show also signals a new chapter in his career, where he is using his influence to shape cultural events and mentor a new generation of artists.

The Detroit Connection: A City of Music and Resilience

This performance was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of Detroit. Both Jack White and Eminem's music is deeply intertwined with the city's identity—its grit, its resilience, and its rich artistic history.

Jack White's music is rooted in the raw, industrial blues and garage rock that defined Detroit's sound.
Eminem's lyrics often tell stories of struggle and triumph, mirroring the city's own narrative.

Bringing these two artists together on a national stage was a powerful statement about Detroit's enduring cultural significance. The pre-game and in-game music choices, including CeCe Winans' phenomenal national anthem and the use of "Don't Stop Believin'" (a song adopted by Detroit sports teams), further amplified this hometown pride.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Jack White & Eminem Halftime Show

Q: When did Jack White and Eminem perform together?

A: Jack White and Eminem performed together during the Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving Day halftime show on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit.

Q: Was Eminem's performance a surprise?

A: Yes, Eminem was an unannounced surprise guest. Jack White was the official headliner, and he brought Eminem out midway through his set.

Q: What songs did Jack White and Eminem perform?

A: They performed a medley that included Jack White's "That's How I'm Feeling," The White Stripes' "Hello Operator" and "Seven Nation Army," and Eminem's "'Till I Collapse."

Q: Have Jack White and Eminem ever performed together before?

A: No, this was the first time the two Detroit music legends have ever shared a stage for a live performance, making it a historic event.

Q: Who produced the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving halftime show?

A: The show was produced by Eminem and his manager, Paul Rosenberg, as part of a new multi-year deal with the Detroit Lions to produce the event through 2027.

Q: What was Jack White wearing during the performance?

A: Jack White wore a leather jacket over a vintage Detroit Lions T-shirt that read "Another One Bites the Dust," a reference to a customized version of the Queen song the team used in 1980.

Q: What did Eminem wear during his surprise cameo?

A: Eminem wore a black hoodie and a Detroit Lions jacket, embracing his role as a hometown fan.

Q: Why is "Seven Nation Army" so popular at sports events?

A: The song's simple, powerful, and repetitive seven-note riff is easy for large crowds to chant in unison, creating a unifying and intimidating atmosphere. It became a global phenomenon after being adopted by Italian soccer fans during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Q: Is "'Till I Collapse" one of Eminem's biggest hits?

A: While it was never released as a single, "'Till I Collapse" has become one of Eminem's most popular and streamed songs through organic growth. Its motivational themes have made it a cultural staple, especially in sports.

Q: What was the reaction to the halftime show?

A: The performance was met with widespread critical and fan acclaim. Many called it one of the best Thanksgiving halftime shows in recent memory, praising its energy, star power, and authentic Detroit spirit.

Q: Were The White Stripes inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?

A: Yes, The White Stripes (Jack White and Meg White) were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 8, 2025, just a few weeks before this performance.

Q: Does Eminem still live in Detroit?

A: Yes, Eminem has famously continued to reside in the Detroit area throughout his career and is a passionate supporter of the city and its sports teams.

Sources:

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