5 Jaw-Dropping Moments From Lainey Wilson’s Halftime Show That Sparked Super Bowl Rumors

Country music superstar Lainey Wilson has cemented her status as a mainstream phenomenon, and her recent, high-octane performance at the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show has only amplified the buzz. The show, which took place on Thursday, November 28, 2025, was not just a concert; it was a cultural moment that blended the grit of "Bell Bottom Country" with the grand stage of the NFL, leaving fans and critics alike clamoring for her to headline the biggest stage in sports: the Super Bowl. This deep dive uncovers the freshest details from her unforgettable appearance and the five key reasons why the conversation about an all-country Super Bowl halftime show is reaching a fever pitch.

The annual Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff performance is a coveted spot, but Wilson transformed it from a traditional holiday show into an electrifying spectacle, performing a medley of her chart-topping hits at AT&T Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Her powerful stage presence and a surprise collaboration turned a regular NFL game intermission into a must-see event, driving massive engagement across social media and fueling the most persistent rumor in country music: is Lainey Wilson the next Super Bowl headliner?

Lainey Wilson: Complete Biography and Career Milestones

Born Lainey Denay Wilson, the Louisiana native has had one of the most meteoric rises in modern country music history, transitioning from a struggling songwriter living in a camper trailer to a multi-award-winning global artist. Her unique blend of traditional country storytelling, rock-and-roll attitude, and signature bell-bottom style has resonated with millions, earning her accolades that few artists achieve in their career.

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• Full Name: Lainey Denay Wilson
• Born: May 19, 1992
• Hometown: Baskin, Louisiana
• Genre: Country, Country Rock, Southern Rock
• Debut Album: Lainey Wilson (2014)
• Breakthrough Song: "Things a Man Oughta Know" (2020)
• Signature Style: Bell-bottom jeans, fedora hats, and a fierce, authentic stage presence.

Major Awards and Accolades:

Lainey Wilson’s awards shelf is quickly overflowing, demonstrating her dominance in the industry. She has consistently been recognized for her songwriting, vocal talent, and overall impact.

• Grammy Award Winner: Won Best Country Album for Bell Bottom Country.
• CMA Entertainer of the Year: Won the prestigious award in both 2023 and 2024.
• ACM Entertainer of the Year: Claimed the title for the second consecutive time in 2025.
• Most Awarded Artist: She was the most awarded artist at the 2023 CMA Awards.
• Acting Role: Appeared as a musician named Abby in the hit television series Yellowstone.

The November 28, 2025 Halftime Show: A Deep Dive into the Performance

The Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants game on Thanksgiving Day is a cornerstone of the NFL season, and the halftime show is a major television event, often drawing tens of millions of viewers. Lainey Wilson’s performance as the headliner for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff was designed to be memorable, and it delivered on all fronts.

1. The Surprise Guest: Jelly Roll Duet

The biggest shock of the afternoon came midway through Wilson’s set when fellow country-rock star and collaborator Jelly Roll burst onto the stage. The duo performed their powerful hit, "Save Me," electrifying the crowd at AT&T Stadium. This unexpected country music collaboration was a strategic move that broadened the performance's appeal beyond traditional country fans, pulling in the massive crossover audience Jelly Roll commands. The energy between the two artists was palpable, making it an instant viral moment that dominated social media feeds. This move alone demonstrated Wilson's ability to orchestrate a massive, high-production spectacle—a key requirement for the Super Bowl stage.

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2. The Song Medley and Setlist

Wilson’s setlist was a powerhouse medley designed to showcase her range and biggest hits. She opened with a high-energy track, likely a song from her Grammy-winning album Bell Bottom Country, before transitioning into her breakthrough hit, "Things a Man Oughta Know." The inclusion of her current radio single, "4x4xU," ensured the performance was timely and promoted her newest work to the massive NFL audience. The seamless transitions between the songs kept the energy high, proving her versatility as a live performer.

3. The Iconic Bell-Bottom Country Style

Lainey Wilson’s fashion is as much a part of her brand as her music. For the Thanksgiving Halftime Show, she donned a custom outfit that perfectly embodied her "Bell Bottom Country" aesthetic. Her signature wide-leg pants and western-inspired top were a distinct visual element against the backdrop of the football field. This memorable stagewear is a crucial factor in building a recognizable global brand, which is essential for a Super Bowl performance. Her look was both a tribute to country roots and a modern, powerful fashion statement, further solidifying her unique topical authority in the music and fashion world.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show Rumors: Why Fans Are Demanding a Country Headliner

The conversation about Lainey Wilson headlining a Super Bowl Halftime Show has intensified dramatically following her Thanksgiving performance. For years, country music fans have felt marginalized by the NFL's choice of pop, rock, and hip-hop acts for the main event. The last true country headliner was over two decades ago, making the demand for a change louder than ever.

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4. The "All-Country Super Bowl" Movement

Fans and critics are now actively campaigning for an "All-Country Super Bowl Halftime Show"—and Lainey Wilson is the undisputed frontrunner. Her recent sweep of the major awards (CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year) and her proven ability to handle a massive stadium crowd make her the most qualified candidate. The success of her Thanksgiving performance, which was a major television event in its own right, serves as a powerful audition tape, proving a country act can deliver the necessary spectacle and ratings.

5. The 2026 Boycott Rumor and Fan Scrutiny

In a surprising twist, rumors have surfaced suggesting that some country artists, including potentially Lainey Wilson, might be boycotting or expressing discontent over the selection of other artists for future Super Bowl slots, such as the widely speculated choice of Bad Bunny for the 2026 Super Bowl. While the "boycott" is largely social media speculation, it highlights the deep-seated desire among the country music community for their genre to be represented. This controversy inadvertently keeps Lainey Wilson at the center of the Super Bowl discussion, with fans arguing that her all-American, crossover appeal is exactly what the NFL needs for a unifying halftime performance. Her strong connection to the sport, including her relationship with former NFL player Devlin "Duck" Hodges, further adds to the narrative of her being a perfect fit for the league's biggest night.

Whether it's the 2027 Super Bowl Halftime Show or a major college football event like the CFP National Championship, the momentum behind Lainey Wilson is undeniable. Her recent performance with Jelly Roll at the Red Kettle Kickoff proved she has the star power, the hits, and the stage presence to command the world's attention. The question is no longer *if* a country artist will headline the Super Bowl, but *when* Lainey Wilson will finally get the call.