Lainey Wilson thrilled NFL fans with an electrifying Thanksgiving halftime performance during the Dallas Cowboys’ game on Thursday, delivering a memorable show that had social media buzzing. The country music star took center stage at AT&T Stadium as the Cowboys carried on their tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving Day divisional rivalry, this time against the New York Giants.
Wilson stunned the audience with an all-white ensemble, complete with a matching cowboy hat, as she performed alongside the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Wilson opened her performance with her hit single, “Heart Like A Truck,” confidently sauntering onto the field in Arlington, Texas. She then brought out Jelly Roll for a powerful rendition of their duet, “Save Me.” The star-studded performance quickly captured the attention of NFL fans across the country, with many expressing their excitement and calling for her to be featured at future marquee events, including the Super Bowl.
“Cancel the current Super Bowl halftime show, and book Lainey now!” one fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “Next stop? A Super Bowl!” Many fans were adamant that Wilson’s performance deserved a larger stage, with one user commenting, “Wow. @laineywilson just killed it at halftime. And oh my, @JellyRoll615—this is better than most Super Bowl shows. Don’t @ me.”
The enthusiasm for Wilson’s performance continued to pour in, with fans praising the chemistry between Wilson and Jelly Roll, as well as the energy of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. “This halftime show of the Cowboys and Giants game with Lainey Wilson is Super Bowl halftime-worthy. Great job with Jelly Roll!” another fan added.
Although the NFL has already announced that Kendrick Lamar will headline the halftime show for the Super Bowl in New Orleans this February, fans made it clear that Lainey Wilson should be considered for future Super Bowl performances. As rave reviews continued to roll in, one fan declared, “Lainey Wilson was the best Thanksgiving halftime show of this generation.”
Another fan offered a detailed review, applauding Wilson’s performance: “Lainey did a smashing job, with perfect timing alongside the cheerleaders, who had flawless choreography. Loved when Lainey threw her jacket off to add pizzazz to the song. Jelly Roll was great with Lainey as he always is, and it was like dessert to a wonderful entree.”
Social media was filled with similar praise. “I just gotta say @laineywilson f***ing COOKED that #Thanksgiving halftime show,” one enthusiastic viewer posted. Another fan chimed in, “After tonight, I am officially a Lainey Wilson fan,” while yet another wrote, “Well, that’s the first NFL halftime show that’s kept me entertained in years! Lainey Wilson.”
Some fans also took the opportunity to send a message to the league: “Dear @NFL, that’s how you do a halftime show!!! Classy and entertaining! Way to go @laineywilson!!!”
RELATED: Why the NFL Refuses to Schedule This Team on Thanksgiving
In addition to the positive feedback on Wilson’s performance, a few fans took the chance to comment on the Cowboys’ lackluster season. “Probably the best performance I’ve seen the Cowboys have in a while, to be honest,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “The Dallas Cowboys may not play football like Detroit, but the halftime show in Dallas was off the charts! Lainey Wilson brought down the house!”
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders also received praise for their partnership with Wilson. “Lainey Wilson and the Cowboys cheerleaders is exactly what America needed. #WeAreBack,” one fan wrote, while another added, “So @laineywilson and the @dallascowboys cheerleaders is the combo we never knew we needed.”
After Lainey Wilson’s show-stopping performance, the game resumed, and the Cowboys continued their dominance over the Giants. The Giants’ disastrous season reached a new low, as they became the first NFL team to be officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Brian Daboll’s squad was handed their seventh consecutive defeat, falling 27-20 to the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, further compounding the struggles of an already dismal season.
While the Giants’ woes continued on the field, Lainey Wilson’s halftime performance provided a bright spot for NFL fans, reminding everyone why music and sports are such a perfect pairing—especially on Thanksgiving.
