Miranda Lambert will headline the Dallas Cowboys’ 30th annual Thanksgiving halftime show, performing during the Red Kettle Kickoff, dallascowboys.com reported.
The Milestone Dallas Halftime Tradition
- Miranda Lambert takes the Thanksgiving stage for the Cowboys’ 30th consecutive Red Kettle Kickoff halftime show.
- The nationally televised performance coincides with The Salvation Army’s 136th Red Kettle Campaign.
- The partnership between the Cowboys and The Salvation Army has raised over $3.4 billion since its 1997 launch.
“There’s something special about how music brings people together, especially when it’s to spread joy and hope to families who need it most,” Lambert stated regarding the upcoming holiday appearance.
The tradition dates back to 1997 when Reba McEntire headlined the inaugural Thanksgiving halftime performance. Charlotte Jones, chief brand officer and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys, originally envisioned the partnership after a challenge from team Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones to connect fans with off-the-field community impact.
“For 30 years, incredible artists have taken our halftime stage to help The Salvation Army bring hope to millions of people in need,” Jones explained. “We’re grateful to Miranda Lambert for joining that legacy and helping us continue this meaningful tradition.”
Three Decades of Holiday Headliners
The Thanksgiving halftime stage has hosted a diverse roster of genre-spanning performers over the last three decades. The performance history documents a steady expansion from country staples to pop and rock acts.
| Year | Headlining Artist |
|---|---|
| 1997 | Reba McEntire |
| 2004 | Destiny’s Child |
| 2006 | Carrie Underwood |
| 2013 | Selena Gomez |
| 2023 | Dolly Parton |
| 2024 | Lainey Wilson |
| 2025 | Post Malone |
| 2026 | Miranda Lambert |
Post Malone handled the halftime duties in 2025, while Lainey Wilson performed during the 2024 holiday matchup. Other notable past acts include Dolly Parton in 2023, the Jonas Brothers in both 2008 and 2022, and Enrique Iglesias in 2011.
NEW: The Cowboys announced Grammy-winning country music star Miranda Lambert will be this year's Thanksgiving halftime show🎶🏈She'll perform live at AT&T Stadium as the 30th edition of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff show.Read more here:https://t.co/Se7L8P8ZRs
The Red Kettle Campaign Impact
The annual halftime show serves as the official launch point for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. The joint fundraising effort between the organization and the NFL franchise has accumulated more than $3.4 billion over the past three decades to support community assistance programs.
“The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys have built an incredible tradition with the Red Kettle Kickoff, and I can’t wait to be back home in Texas this Thanksgiving to help carry it forward,” Lambert said.
JUST ANNOUNCED: @mirandalambert will take the stage for The Salvation Army's 30th Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show at our Thanksgiving Day game on FOX ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/W9jlR9czWn
The campaign operates year-round across local communities, utilizing the national television audience of the Thanksgiving game to drive awareness and donations. The upcoming 136th Red Kettle Campaign will kick off during the game broadcast, featuring Lambert’s live performance.
Which team the Cowboys will host on the field for this 30th anniversary Thanksgiving matchup remains to be announced.
