Thanksgiving isn’t just about family meals and wall-to-wall football — music has become a major part of the holiday’s tradition as well.

Every year, the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions host their annual Thanksgiving matchups, a ritual that has become ingrained in NFL culture. A third game, featuring two additional teams, rounds out the holiday schedule. Each contest includes a special halftime performance, serving almost like a preview of the pageantry fans expect from the upcoming Super Bowl halftime extravaganza.

Over the years, both the Cowboys and Lions have brought big-name acts onto their stages. Dallas has welcomed artists such as Luke Combs, Selena Gomez, the Jonas Brothers, and Creed, while Detroit has featured performers like Jack Harlow, the Goo Goo Dolls, and hometown stars Big Sean and Mike Posner.

Below is a look at who will headline this year’s Thanksgiving Day halftime shows.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Halftime Performer: Post Malone

Post Malone’s genre-blending style — weaving together pop, rap, R&B, and even country — has made him one of modern music’s most versatile stars. His connection to the Cowboys runs deep; after his family relocated to Texas when he was nine, his father began working as the team’s concessions manager.

In a statement released by the team, Post Malone shared his excitement:
“I’m from Texas. I grew up a Cowboys fan and have been watching this halftime show for years. It’s an honor to be part of the Red Kettle Kickoff with The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys and help bring hope to so many people.”

The 18-time Grammy nominee now gets the chance to perform on the very stage he admired as a kid. The Cowboys’ annual Thanksgiving performance also highlights the Salvation Army’s nationwide charitable efforts.

Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers

Halftime Performer: Jack White

Music legend Jack White, a Detroit native, will headline the show at Ford Field. His selection comes under the guidance of another famous Detroiter — Eminem, who recently signed on as an executive producer for the Lions’ halftime performances through 2027. Along with longtime manager Paul Rosenberg, Eminem will help shape talent choices and production direction.

White, a 12-time Grammy Award winner, first rose to stardom as the singer and guitarist of The White Stripes, later continuing his success with a prolific solo career. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month, recognizing his influence on modern rock music.

This Thanksgiving, he returns to his hometown stage, adding to a legacy that already includes a memorable electric-guitar national anthem performance at a Detroit Tigers game.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Halftime Performer: Lil Jon

Lil Jon will bring his high-energy style to Baltimore for the prime-time Thanksgiving matchup between the Ravens and Bengals. The rapper, producer, and DJ earned a Grammy in 2005 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration with Usher and Ludacris for the massive hit “Yeah!”. He also claimed an American Music Award in 2003 as part of Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz.

More recently, Lil Jon appeared during the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show, performing “Turn Down for What” before reuniting with Usher and Ludacris for “Yeah!” as the Chiefs defeated the 49ers.

This holiday, the Atlanta native steps into the spotlight once again — this time on Thanksgiving night.