Jack White and Eminem turn Lions halftime show into Detroit moment

Detroit’s Thanksgiving tradition took an unexpected turn when Jack White, the only artist officially billed for the Detroit Lions’ halftime show, was joined on stage by hometown icon Eminem.

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White opened his set at Ford Field with a high-energy performance as the crowd roared along. Moments later, Eminem emerged in a custom Lions jacket and hoodie, launching into a surprise mash-up of “Till I Collapse” and The White Stripes’ “Hello Operator”. The unannounced cameo sent the stadium into a frenzy, turning the halftime show into a celebration of Detroit’s musical legacy.

The appearance was not entirely spontaneous. Earlier this year, Eminem and his longtime manager, Paul Rosenberg, were named executive producers for the Lions’ Thanksgiving halftime shows through 2027, giving them a role in shaping future performances.

White had already set the tone with his signature sound before closing the show with “Seven Nation Army”, a track long adopted as a stadium anthem. Thousands of fans joined in as the familiar chant echoed through Ford Field.

For a city known for both music and grit, the collaboration between the rock frontman and the rap legend turned a football tradition into a distinctly Detroit statement.