The NFL Thanksgiving traditions continue in the late afternoon as the Dallas Cowboys kick off on the big day, as they have since 1966. After a decisive 45-10 win a year ago against the Commanders, Dallas hopes to win its 34th Thanksgiving Day game against the New York Giants. But who performs at halftime of the NFC East battle?
Grammy-winning country artist Lainey Wilson and a special guest will take the stage in the middle of AT&T Stadium, following up Dolly Parton’s performance from 2023. Here’s how to watch the Giants and Cowboys game today and more about Wilson.
Who Is Lainey Wilson?
The secret’s out! The iconic @laineywilson and a special guest will ring in The @SalvationArmyUS’s famous #RedKettleKickoff at the Dallas Cowboys halftime show this Thanksgiving on @NFLonFOX. Are you ready for this “Whirlwind” of a night? pic.twitter.com/CJwVQp3stF
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 13, 2024
Lainey was born to Brian and Michelle Wilson in Baskin, Louisiana. After graduating high school, she moved to Nashville in 2011 to pursue her dream of becoming a country music singer.
Wilson released her first self-titled album in 2014, followed by another album, “Tougher,” in 2016. Her second album created buzz, earning her a spot on the Billboard Top County Albums chart. She released a self-titled EP in 2018, which led to a publishing and management deal with Sony/ATV.
She signed her first major-label recording contract with BBR Music Group in the same year leading to her first major-label release in 2019, an EP titled “Redneck Hollywood.”
Wilson released her next single to the radio in 2020, “Things a Man Oughta Know,” which was a hit, eventually becoming her breakout single. That was followed by her third album, “Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’.”
Wilson released a solo single in 2022, “Heart Like a Truck,” and then came her fourth album, “Bell Bottom Country.” The album swept award shows, winning Album of the Year at the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards, CMA Awards, and Best Country Album at the 66th Grammys.
She has also won the CMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year three times in a row, dating back to 2022, and Entertainer of the Year in 2023. In 2023, she was nominated for nine CMA Awards and would take home five.
Wilson is not the only one heading into this performance with some success as the Cowboys head into Thanksgiving off a thrilling Week 12 victory.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
- Start time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: FOX
- Live stream options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FOX Now
Dallas saw a wide range of emotions last week before earning a dramatic victory over the Washington Commanders. In a game tied at three heading into halftime, both teams started the second half with a touchdown drive before a chaotic fourth quarter where a combined 41 points were scored, including two kick return touchdowns for Dallas.
After snapping their five-game win streak, the Cowboys look to take down an equally struggling Giants squad. QB Cooper Rush continues to look better with more snaps, and RB Rico Dowdle has been solid in his new role as Dallas’ lead back. The offense won’t be the same in Dak Prescott’s absence, but the defense has weathered most of the injuries. Back-to-back wins are undoubtedly attainable.
As for the Giants, the first week of the post-Daniel Jones era was just as bad as expected. New QB1 Tommy DeVito was sacked four times and could not provide the Giants’ offense much steam as they scored under double digits for the fourth time this season. With the franchise amid a six-game losing streak, New York might have to make another switch at QB.
The Giants cut Jones on Nov. 22, and with four days between the Giants’ Week 12 and 13 matchups, DeVito was still sore after being hit nine times in addition to the sacks. Should he not be ready to go, the Giants will turn to Drew Lock, who will make his first start for New York this season.