The greatest NFL Thanksgiving halftime performances, ordered from Creed to Dolly Parton

Music has long found a home at NFL grounds.

The NFL appears to favor the idea of prominent, unique, and occasionally harsh audio elements accompanying its games, evident from Sam Spence's evocative NFL Films music to Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance featuring synths and 808s.

Even regular-season games aren't spared this approach. The NFL, in reality, has poured significant financial resources into creating musical performances during its holiday events, especially on Thanksgiving Day.

Over the years, both platinum-selling instrumentalists and critically acclaimed singers have enjoyed the Turkey Day spotlight at various NFL stadiums. However, which artist shone the brightest? 

Here’s an exhaustive look at the 10 best musical performances in Thanksgiving Day history.

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Meghan Trainor in Dallas 2018

• Final score:  Cowboys 31, Commanders 23
• Setlist: "All About That Bass", "No Excuses", "Me Too"

Dressed in a shimmering blue jersey suitable for a Cowboys match, Meghan Trainor embodied the essence of a pop star as she graced the AT&T Stadium platform on Thanksgiving Day in 2018.

Trainor achieved significant success with her songs, with the most prominent being "All About That Bass.". It's no surprise that this track was the highlight of her 2018 performance.

All told, the Grammy-winning artist put forth a display that teemed with vigor. 

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9. Big Sean, Detroit, 2021

• Final score:  Bears 16, Lions 14
• Setlist: "Bigger Than Me", "Bounce Back", "What a Life", "I Don't F— With You"

Big Sean's musical performances have often been striking, though not always in a positive way. The track “Dance (A$$)” is demonstrably subpar, and certain lyrical choices he's made have been questionable.

Ultimately, he’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Some adore him; others can’t stand him. His polarizing nature was evident in his Thanksgiving Day showcase in 2021. Big Sean played “Bounce Back” and “I Don’t F— With You,” major hits that haven’t aged very gracefully.

The hometown kid got his chance to shine on the big stage in the Motor City. It didn’t quite deliver, though.

MORE: Why do the Lions play on Thanksgiving every year?

Carrie Underwood, Dallas, 2006

• Final score:  Cowboys 38, Buccaneers 10
• Setlist: "We're Young and Beautiful", "Before He Cheats"

Carrie Underwood was the talk of the town in 2006, parlaying her "American Idol" exploits into a high-profile professional career. Her meteoric rise came to a head with her performance during the Cowboys-Buccaneers Thanksgiving game in 2006. Underwood served up her most famous tune, "Before He Cheats", putting on for all of those scorned by an unfaithful lover.

We're more than grateful for her offering.

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7. Kid Rock, Detroit, 2012

• Final score:  Texans 34, Lions 31
• Setlist: "Detroit, Michigan"

Despite Kid Rock's later career being perceived as a heel turn by some, he undeniably knows how to energize an audience. His 2012 Thanksgiving performance served as a tribute to his native Detroit, filled with nods to the city's extensive musical legacy. He was joined by spectral figures from The Motor City's history, such as the Supremes and Marvin Gaye, who famously auditioned for the Lions.

The show concluded with several costume changes and a surprise appearance from the "Godfather of Funk" himself, George Clinton.

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6. Sheryl Crow, Dallas, 2005

• Final score:  Broncos 24, Cowboys 21
• Setlist: "Good is Good", "If It Makes You Happy"

Sheryl Crow, a renowned live performer, captivated audiences with her skilled guitar playing and powerful vocals. She showcased both talents on the Texas Stadium field, delivering two of her most beloved songs to an enthusiastic Dallas fanbase.

"If It Makes You Happy" is widely regarded as one of the best songs of the 1990s. It's easy to see why Crow received such plaudits with her Thanksgiving exploits. Her command of tone and inflection was on full display during the intermission period.

MORE: Tony Romo's record on Thanksgiving

Jonas Brothers in Dallas, 2008

Thomas P. Costello

• Final score:  Cowboys 34, Seahawks 9
• Setlist: "Tonight", "Love Bug", "Burnin' Up"

The Jonas Brothers delivered such a monumental halftime performance on Thanksgiving Day in 2008 that the NFL sought their involvement approximately 15 years afterward.

Nick, Kevin and Joe have been prolific performers at sporting events, serving up displays at the Grey Cup and, most recently, the World Series. This is where it all started, though; the-then youngsters attracted a younger audience with their showcase. Nearly 20 years later, the effects of the event are still being felt.

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Destiny's Child in Dallas, 2004

• Final score:  Cowboys 21, Bears 7
• Setlist: "Lose My Breath", "Soldier"

During the Cowboys' 2004 Thanksgiving Day game against the Bears, Dallas audiences were treated to a performance by one of Texas' most celebrated musical ensembles. Destiny's Child headlined the halftime entertainment, demonstrating precisely why the trio is recognized as a pivotal force in contemporary music.

The Beyonce-Kelly Rowland-Michelle Williams trident was arguably at the peak of its powers, having just released its wildly successful final studio album, "Destiny Fulfilled." Beyonce was a global superstar — so much so that some questioned why she would continue to perform with the group she co-founded.

However, NFL enthusiasts got to see the final performance of one of the most unforgettable groups from the late 1990s and early 2000s. This fact alone justifies its place on this roster.

MORE: What teams always play on Thanksgiving?

3. Dolly Parton, Dallas, 2023

• Final score:  Cowboys 45, Commanders 10
• Setlist: "Jolene", "9 to 5", "We Are the Champions", "We Will Rock You"

What could be superior to Dolly Parton? Consider Dolly Parton performing not only her well-known songs such as "Jolene" and "9 to 5", but also two of Queen's most recognizable tunes — "We Are the Champions" and "We Will Rock You"?

Parton is the "Queen of Country." Yet, she stands out as one of the genre's most adaptable artists. Her skill was evident in 2023, as she demonstrated her command of her art through various songs. This all culminates in one of the most remarkable performances ever seen on Thanksgiving Day.

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Mariah Carey, Detroit '05

• Final score:  Falcons 27, Lions 7
• Setlist: "Shake It Off", "Don't Forget About Us"

In a game that featured superstars like Michael Vick, Joey Harrington and Dan Orlovsky, the biggest name to offer her services in the Lions and Falcons’ 2005 duel was the “Songbird Supreme” herself, Mariah Carey.

While Carey possesses superior tracks to those she delivered at Ford Field that memorable afternoon, including the classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (though unsuitable for Thanksgiving) and “Say Somethin’” with its lively N.E.R.D. Production and Snoop Dogg's effortless flow, it's uncommon to have a global headliner grace a game. This is particularly significant for The Lions, who were enduring a prolonged playoff absence when Carey made her appearance.

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1. Creed, Dallas, 2001

• Final score:  Broncos 26, Cowboys 24
• Setlist: "Higher", "My Sacrifice", "Don't Stop Dancing"

Sporting raspy singing and intense musical arrangements, Creed left its impression during the Cowboys and Broncos' Thanksgiving game in 2001.

The trio's release was complemented by a visual display featuring aerial performers ascending into the fall atmosphere.

Scott Stapp, the lead singer, was impeccably dressed, wearing a Dallas jersey numbered 11 with his name prominently displayed on the back. With a performance lasting only seven minutes, Creed had limited opportunity to create awe. Nevertheless, they succeeded, delivering a show that will be remembered in Thanksgiving Day history.

The halftime show that'll be remembered forever. Creed's performance was incredibly powerful. Performances like this aren't made anymore pic.twitter.com/GIiNN4UZU5

— Rob Gucci (@heatdaddy69420) January 10, 2021

Her: he’s probably thinking about other girls

Me: thinking about Creed’s 2001 Thanksgiving halftime performance at the cowboys game pic.twitter.com/UWESEZ7kMx

— Jeff McDevitt (@JeffMcDev) July 12, 2020

MORE: Revisiting Creed's epic 2001 Thanksgiving halftime show