In a bid to ensure an optimal experience for both in-person attendees and viewers at home, the NFL has revamped its Thanksgiving Day halftime show setup after last year’s controversy involving Bebe Rexha’s obscured performance. This year, Jack Harlow and Dolly Parton are set to dazzle fans from the center of their respective venues.
After NFL fans voiced their dissatisfaction with Bebe Rexha’s 2022 halftime show, held on a side-stage with limited visibility at Detroit’s Ford Field, the league has taken measures to avoid a repeat. Entertainment Weekly has learned that this year’s halftime acts will take the spotlight on the field itself.
Jack Harlow is slated to perform at Ford Field during the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers game, while Dolly Parton will grace the halftime stage at Dallas’ AT&T Stadium as the Dallas Cowboys face off against the Washington Commanders.
Insiders reveal that the placement of the stage is a result of careful consideration of creative and operational factors, with the goal of providing an ideal viewing experience for both live and remote audiences. The 2023 halftime shows are expected to strike a balance between artistic vision and logistical considerations.
Details about veteran DJ Steve Aoki’s halftime performance at Seattle’s Lumen Field remain pending, and EW has reached out to the NFL for further comments on the upcoming festivities.
Last year’s Thanksgiving Day halftime show sparked controversy as Bebe Rexha faced boos from the live audience in Detroit. Despite a front-row view for television viewers, Rexha’s performance on a small, inconspicuous stage in the corner of Ford Field left attendees frustrated. Social media buzzed with speculation about the audience’s negative reaction, only for a video to later confirm that Rexha’s stage placement was the root cause of the visibility issue.
As the stage is set for Jack Harlow and Dolly Parton to take the center stage this year, anticipation is high for a Thanksgiving halftime show that avoids the pitfalls of the past, ensuring an unforgettable experience for fans both in the stadium and at home.