Eminem and Jack White Rock Detroit Lions Halftime
Two of Detroit’s biggest musical icons made history at Ford Field on Thursday, Nov. 27, when Eminem joined Jack White for an unforgettable Thanksgiving Day halftime show during the Lions game. The sold-out crowd erupted as White introduced “Detroit’s own Eminem,” who appeared in a hoodie and Lions jacket, greeting fans with a cheerful, “Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!”
The duo delivered a powerful eight-minute medley, blending White’s White Stripes classic “Seven Nation Army” with Eminem’s motivational hit “’Till I Collapse.” White, wearing a leather jacket over a vintage Lions-themed T-shirt referencing the team’s 1980 “Another One Bites the Dust” moment, delivered his signature energy, with the entire stadium singing along and cheerleaders dancing to his rhythm. Eminem’s “’Till I Collapse,” a standout track from his 2002 album, has recently emerged as one of his most streamed and performed live songs, replacing “Lose Yourself” as his tour highlight. During the performance, it was seamlessly incorporated into White’s “Hello Operator,” which followed his 2024 solo track “That’s How I’m Feeling.”
This marked the first-ever collaboration on stage between White and Eminem, both of whom rose to prominence from Detroit at the turn of the century. Their hometown pride was evident from the start, as fans chanted along to the opening strains of “Seven Nation Army” and pumped themselves up to Eminem’s track before kickoff. Detroit-born gospel star CeCe Winans, despite battling a cold, delivered a stirring rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” earlier, setting the tone for a night celebrating local talent, according to Detroit Free Press.
The performance also continued the partnership between the Lions and Eminem’s manager, Paul Rosenberg, who will produce the nationally televised halftime shows through 2027. Eminem, who hasn’t headlined a full hometown concert since 2014 at Comerica Park, has regularly made cameo appearances at events in Detroit, including shows by Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, and last year’s Michigan Central Station opening concert with White.
For Jack White, performing at Ford Field added another prestigious venue to his three-decade career, and for both artists, Thursday’s collaboration joins Detroit’s list of memorable music moments, reminiscent of Kid Rock’s 2006 Super Bowl show with surprise guest Bob Seger. White closed the set with a heartfelt shoutout: “I love you, Detroit!” — a perfect tribute to their city and its enduring music legacy.
