Eminem’s Thanksgiving Surprise Left Detroit Frozen — and One Tiny Fan Stealing the Moment
No one expected Eminem to step onto the field during the Lions vs. Packers Thanksgiving game — but he did, crashing Jack White’s halftime set while millions watched in shock. Even wilder? From the stands, his 8-month-old grandson was right there, cheering him on during the most unexpected family moment of the holiday.
What happened right after the performance — caught on camera — is what fans can’t stop talking about.
👇 Watch the moment everyone’s replaying in the comments
Eminem’s Grandson Cheers Him on During Surprise Performance at Lions-Packers Thanksgiving Game
Eminem surprised fans during the Thanksgiving Day NFL game between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers by joining Jack White’s halftime set as his 8-month-old grandson watched on.
Eminem is not afraid to rep his hometown.
The “Love the Way You Lie” rapper surprised the crowd at the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers’ Thanksgiving game by making an appearance during Jack White’s halftime performance in the Motor City Nov. 27.
Midway through the halftime show—which Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg executive produced—the rock star welcomed his fellow Detroit native to the stage for a rendition of the rapper’s 2002 song “Till I Collapse,” earning a sea of cheers from the audience.
During the set, Eminem (born Marshall Mathers III) also made sure it was clear which team he was rooting for, sporting a blue Lions varsity jacket over his signature hoodie and ball cap.
The Grammy winner’s unannounced performance was extra special as his 8-month-old grandson Elliot Marshall McClintock—whom his daughter Hailie Jade welcomed with husband Evan McClintock in March—watched on from the stands while wearing noise-cancelling ear muffs, as seen in a video on the Just a Little Shady podcast host’s Instagram page.
Of course, Eminem’s diehard loyalty to the Lions is well-documented. In 2024, he narrated an intro video for NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast as the Lions took on the Los Angeles Rams, sharing his impassioned take on the team’s legacy.
“For far too long, Detroit has been on the receiving end of losing seasons and bad punch lines,” he said in the video package. “You try to shut out the noise, but after a while, that starts to live in your head.”
Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
“Detroit don’t get a whole lot of Hollywood endings,” he continued, “but tonight, we have a shot. And we get our shot, well, you know what comes after that.”
Football certainly wasn’t the only TV staple on Turkey Day. Earlier in the day, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marked its 99th iteration in New York City, featuring performances from the likes of Cynthia Erivo, Ciara and Jewel.
The annual broadcast—hosted by Today’s Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and a returning Hoda Kotb—also had its own unexpected highlight. When Al gave a young spectator tickets to see the Radio City Rockettes live in concert, she hilariously responded, “I did that yesterday!”
But that’s not all that went down during the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. For more, keep reading.
(E!, NBC and Today are all part of the NBCUniversal family.)
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Cynthia Erivo
She’s feeling Wicked: For Good. The actress fuels up before a rendition of Nina Simone‘s “Feeling Good.”
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Macy’s
Michelle Buteau
The comedian sports a matching set perfect for the holiday occasion.
Kyle Stevens/Shutterstock
Darlene Love
A Christmas queen makes her apperance. The “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” singer spots a fan in the crowd.
by Taboola
Sponsored
UTS International
From Indonesia to Sydney, growing change
CNA
CNA Explains: Why Thailand and Cambodia are clashing
CNA
Do you wash your bath towel often? Experts in Singapore found germs ‘too numerous to count’
HPV Vietnam
Cùng Hari Won, chủ động bảo vệ mình khỏi HPV.
HPV Vietnam
Cùng Hari Won, chung tay phòng vệ HPV ngay!
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Teyana Taylor
One celebration after another. The All’s Fair star steps out in a unique look.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Macy’s
Russell Wilson & Family
A touchdown dad moment. The Patriots quarterback supports wife Ciara alongside their kids for her big performance.
Kyle Stevens/Shutterstock
Lil Jon
Turn down for this performance. The rapper appears to sing one of his most famous tracks on the Toys R Us float.
Kyle Stevens/Shutterstock
Jewel
You were meant for this moment. The singer-songwriter appears to perform her famous ballad.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Macy’s
Jessica Chastain
The Oscar winner shows up to take in the action.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Macy’s
Eric André and Hasan Minhaj
A funny moment. The comedians squeeze in for a photo in the VIP suite.
Kyle Stevens/Shutterstock
Deborah Gibson
The “Foolish Beat” singer sports her winter white during her performance.
Kyle Stevens/Shutterstock
Colbie Caillat
It’s impossible not to say ‘I do’ to this singer’s parade performance.
Kyle Stevens/Shutterstock
Busta Rhymes
The “Touch It” rapper puts his lyricism on display.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Macy’s
Dorinda Medley & Bowen Yang
Name a more iconic duo. The lifestyle personality and Saturday Night Live powerhouse pose in their peacoats.
