The Detroit Lions announced Thursday that Eminem and country legend Reba McEntire will headline the team’s 2025 Thanksgiving halftime show, creating one of the most unexpected—and instantly talked-about—pairings in the event’s history. The Lions, who host the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on November 27, confirmed the two artists have been quietly rehearsing a joint set that blends their most recognizable songs, including what insiders describe as a “surprisingly smooth” version of Lose Yourself with McEntire handling parts of the hook. Sources also say Eminem is slated to jump in on a verse during Fancy, a detail that has already sent Michigan fans into a mixture of curiosity, disbelief, and cautious excitement. Team officials aren’t revealing much else, but hinted at “a few Detroit-specific surprises” planned for the broadcast. Reaction across the region has been immediate, with one Macomb fan saying, “I wasn’t sure what to think at first, but now I can’t stop trying to imagine Reba singing over a Shady beat.” For a franchise known for Thanksgiving unpredictability, the Lions may have found a halftime show to match.

Detroit legend Marshall Mathers (AKA Eminem) will be involved in the team’s Thanksgiving Day halftime show for the next three years.

While we await who will be named the 2025 Detroit Lions Thanksgiving halftime show performer, the team announced on Thursday a partnership with local rap artist Eminem (AKA Marshall Mathers) that will go through the 2027 season. Per the agreement, Eminem and his long-time manager, Paul Rosenberg, will produce the Thanksgiving halftime show for the next three years.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Marshall and Paul, who are two of the most accomplished and respected names in the music industry, not to mention longtime Lions fans,” Detroit Lions president & CEO Rod Wood said via a written statement. “Their reputation in the business will attract top-tier talent and help us solidify this annual performance as one of the most anticipated cultural moments on the NFL calendar.”

Eminem grew up in the Detroit area and has been a local icon since his career blew up in the late 1990s. He remains a big Detroit Lions fan and often shows up at games at Ford Field. He was at the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit and has even served as a ceremonial captain for a Lions coin toss. Now he’ll have a direct relationship with the team to produce their biggest halftime show of the year.

“It’s an honor for us to team up with the Lions and be a part of the greatest tradition in Detroit sports,” said Rosenberg. “We look forward to putting together unforgettable shows featuring world-class artists for the fans at Ford Field and the tens of millions watching around the country.”

Previous halftime artists for the Thanksgiving show include: Shaboozey, Jack Harlow, Bebe Rexha, Big Sean, Kid Rock, Nickelback, Goo Goo Dolls, and Mariah Carey.