The halftime show Thanksgiving 2025 lineup delivered everything fans could ask for — star power, memorable performances, and the unmistakable energy that defines one of America’s favorite holidays.
Thanksgiving Day football has long been more than just touchdowns and tackles. It’s a celebration of music, community, and national spirit, and this year’s halftime performers made sure that tradition continued in spectacular fashion. From Detroit’s high-octane rap set to Dallas’ country glamour and Green Bay’s frosty pop magic, each performance captured the essence of the season.
Detroit Lights Up with Big Sean and Jelly Roll
The day kicked off at Ford Field in Detroit, where the Lions faced off against the Chicago Bears in the early matchup. But before fans could even finish their pumpkin pie, the stadium turned into a live concert venue featuring Detroit’s own Big Sean as the headline act.
Returning to his hometown stage, Big Sean opened the show with explosive energy, performing hits like “Bounce Back” and “Moves.” Dressed in a blue and silver jacket representing the Lions’ team colors, he hyped up the crowd with a message of pride and resilience, calling Detroit “the city that made him.”
Halfway through his set, fans got a surprise guest — Jelly Roll, the Tennessee-born singer-songwriter who’s become one of the most popular crossover acts in country and rock. Together, they performed a live remix of “Save Me,” blending rap verses with Jelly Roll’s soulful chorus.
The collaboration was one of the day’s most talked-about moments, symbolizing unity between genres and fans alike. Pyrotechnics lit up the field as the two artists hugged at the end, celebrating both the performance and Detroit’s comeback season.
Carrie Underwood Brings Country Power to Dallas
The second halftime performance took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where the Dallas Cowboys hosted the Miami Dolphins. The Cowboys’ annual holiday game has long been associated with grand musical moments, and this year’s show, presented in partnership with the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign, was no exception.
Carrie Underwood took center stage in a glittering gold outfit that matched the spectacle around her. Backed by a full band and dozens of dancers, she opened with “Before He Cheats” — a song that never fails to ignite the crowd. The energy only climbed higher as she moved into “Blown Away” and “Denim & Rhinestones.”
The stage, shaped like a red Salvation Army kettle, transformed with each song, featuring digital firework graphics, rotating lights, and aerial performers suspended above the field. As Underwood belted out her finale, “Crazy Angels,” the roof of AT&T Stadium glowed with fireworks while red confetti showered fans below.
Her performance also marked the official kickoff of the Salvation Army’s annual fundraising campaign, which has raised billions to support families during the holidays. The mix of powerful vocals and purposeful messaging made this set both a musical and emotional highlight of the day.
Green Bay Gets Festive with the Jonas Brothers
The final halftime performance of the night came from Lambeau Field in Wisconsin, where the Green Bay Packers hosted the San Francisco 49ers under snow-dusted skies.
Despite temperatures hovering below freezing, the crowd’s enthusiasm never dipped as the Jonas Brothers took the stage bundled in Packers-themed jackets. Performing on a stage designed to resemble an icy winter wonderland, the trio brought the heat with a string of upbeat hits.
Their setlist included “Waffle House,” “Sucker,” and “Wings,” each performed with sharp choreography and tight harmonies that reminded everyone why the brothers remain a staple in pop music.
Midway through their performance, light snow began to fall — turning the concert into a cinematic moment that instantly went viral online. As the brothers closed with “What a Man Gotta Do,” fans cheered and danced through the snow, creating one of the most picturesque Thanksgiving scenes in recent memory.
A Day That Blended Sports, Music, and Holiday Magic
Thanksgiving football has always been about more than the games themselves. It’s a day when sports meet spectacle — and 2025’s triple-header halftime lineup reflected the full range of American music.
- Big Sean represented hometown pride and resilience.
- Carrie Underwood brought faith, power, and tradition.
- The Jonas Brothers offered nostalgia and joyful energy.
Each performance catered to different audiences but shared a common theme: gratitude and togetherness.
Production teams across all three cities pulled off stunning transitions, assembling and dismantling massive stages in minutes. Behind the scenes, hundreds of crew members, musicians, and dancers worked seamlessly to deliver live entertainment to more than 40 million viewers across the country.
How the Halftime Shows Came Together
Every year, pulling off these halftime spectacles requires precision planning. The NFL works closely with each artist’s production team weeks in advance to choreograph stage setups, sound design, and lighting effects.
In Detroit, Big Sean’s creative director incorporated over 300 LED screens, designed to highlight Detroit’s cityscape and its blue-collar pride.
In Dallas, Underwood’s production involved over 150 backup performers, including the Salvation Army choir, and used nearly 1,000 pounds of biodegradable confetti.
Meanwhile, in Green Bay, the Jonas Brothers’ team built a modular stage equipped to handle snow and freezing temperatures. Despite the challenging weather, the crew completed setup in under 10 minutes between game quarters — an impressive feat even by NFL standards.
The end result was a flawless broadcast across CBS, FOX, and NBC, with fans online praising this year’s halftime shows as some of the most visually and emotionally engaging in recent memory.
Fan Reactions Across the Country
Social media platforms were flooded with excitement throughout Thanksgiving Day. Each performance trended on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok within minutes of airing.
Highlights included:
- Big Sean’s opening line — “Detroit, I’m home!” — which became one of the most shared clips of the day.
- Carrie Underwood’s powerhouse vocals trending under “#CarrieCowboys.”
- The Jonas Brothers’ snow-covered finale, which fans dubbed “the most Hallmark moment ever.”
Viewers praised the diversity of this year’s performers, celebrating how each act represented different corners of American culture — from hip-hop and country to pop and family entertainment.
NFL representatives confirmed record-breaking engagement, with over 12 million social media interactions and live broadcast ratings peaking during Underwood’s performance.
The Meaning Behind the Tradition
The Thanksgiving football halftime tradition dates back decades, evolving from marching bands and local performers into global-scale productions. Over time, it has become one of the most-watched live music events in the United States.
The performances serve as more than just entertainment — they’re cultural snapshots of the times. In 2025, that meant celebrating unity through music that bridges generations and genres. Halftime Show Thanksgiving 2025
Each artist brought a personal touch:
- Big Sean honored his Detroit roots.
- Carrie Underwood emphasized faith and charity.
- The Jonas Brothers celebrated nostalgia and connection.
Together, they turned Thanksgiving Day into a national celebration of gratitude through music.
A Look Back at Iconic Thanksgiving Performers
Thanksgiving halftime stages have hosted countless legendary names over the years. Artists like Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Jack Harlow, and Jon Bon Jovi have all created moments that fans still remember today.
The 2025 lineup will undoubtedly join that list. The combination of star power, emotion, and flawless execution ensured that this year’s shows stood out as some of the most impactful in recent history. Halftime Show Thanksgiving 2025
With the NFL continuing to expand its entertainment partnerships, expectations for future performances remain sky-high — but this year proved that when the right mix of artists and storytelling comes together, Thanksgiving Day magic is unstoppable.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While next year’s lineup has yet to be announced, fans are already speculating about who could headline future shows. Names like Luke Combs, Doja Cat, and The Weeknd have surfaced in online discussions, though no official confirmations exist.
What is certain, however, is that the Thanksgiving halftime tradition will continue to grow — not just as a musical highlight, but as an essential part of how America celebrates the holiday.
With technology advancing and live performance production reaching new heights, viewers can expect even more breathtaking visuals and innovative stage designs in the coming years.
From Big Sean’s homecoming to Carrie Underwood’s powerhouse vocals and the Jonas Brothers’ snow-kissed finale, the 2025 halftime performances gave fans a perfect mix of heart, spectacle, and holiday cheer. Which one was your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below and keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive through the music that brought millions together.