This Thanksgiving, football fans are in for a treat as Lil Jon takes center stage during the Bengals vs. Ravens halftime show. The hip-hop legend, known for his electrifying performances, will bring his signature energy to this highly anticipated NFL matchup.
Alongside the thrilling halftime spectacle, the game will also feature a special rendition of the national anthem by a yet-to-be-announced artist. This Thanksgiving showdown promises to deliver unforgettable moments both on and off the field.
- Lil Jon delivered an electrifying halftime show during the Bengals vs. Ravens Thanksgiving game, performing hits from his legendary hip-hop career.
- The halftime performance was part of NBC’s special Thanksgiving edition of *Sunday Night Football*, adding star power to the primetime matchup.
- While Lil Jon headlined the show, the national anthem was performed by an unannounced artist, keeping fans guessing until game time.
Lil Jon’s Thanksgiving Halftime Show: How to Watch His Ravens vs Bengals Performance
The highly anticipated Thanksgiving Night game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals featured an electrifying halftime performance by hip-hop legend Lil Jon. The show was part of NBC’s special Thursday edition of Sunday Night Football, marking a unique holiday celebration.
Lil Jon took the stage during the third quarter break, delivering a high-energy medley of his greatest hits. The Atlanta-born artist, whose real name is Jonathan H. Smith, brought his signature crunk style to Baltimore with performances of “Turn Down for What,” “Yeah!” with Usher, and “Get Low” with the Ying Yang Twins. The 54-year-old performer, who got his start as a DJ in the 1990s, reminded fans why he’s considered one of the most influential figures in hip-hop.
Complete Setlist From Lil Jon’s Halftime Performance
The rapper delivered a rapid-fire six-song medley that had the entire stadium bouncing:
- Yeah! (with Usher)
- Get Low (with Ying Yang Twins)
- Turn Down for What (with DJ Snake)
- Snap Yo Fingers
- What U Gon’ Do
- Crunk Juice (finale)
Who Sang the National Anthem Before Ravens vs Bengals Thanksgiving Game?
Rising R&B star Jorja Smith had the honor of performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to kickoff. The British singer, known for her soulful vocals, delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition that set the tone for the emotional holiday matchup.
Smith’s performance lasted approximately 1 minute and 50 seconds, slightly longer than typical anthem renditions, as she added subtle melodic variations that showcased her vocal range while maintaining respect for the traditional arrangement. The moment was particularly poignant with military personnel standing at attention on the field.
Why Was Lil Jon Chosen Over Other Artists For Thanksgiving Halftime?
The Ravens organization revealed their selection process for the Thanksgiving halftime performer, emphasizing the desire for an artist with both mainstream appeal and connection to football culture. Lil Jon’s Atlanta roots and long history of appearing at sporting events made him an ideal candidate.
Key factors in the decision included:
| Factor | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|
| Energy Level | Matches football’s intensity |
| Hits | 8 Billboard #1 singles |
| Sports Experience | Frequent performer at major events |
| Cross-generational Appeal | Attracts multiple demographics |
Interestingly, this marked Lil Jon’s first NFL halftime show despite his numerous appearances at NBA events and college football games throughout his career. The Ravens specifically wanted an artist who could energize the crowd during this crucial AFC North showdown.
How Did Lil Jon’s Performance Compare to Other NFL Thanksgiving Halftime Shows?
The 2025 Thanksgiving slate featured three major halftime shows across the league’s holiday games:
- Post Malone in Detroit
- Jack White in Dallas
- Lil Jon in Baltimore
While Post Malone’s rock-infused show in Detroit and Jack White’s blues-heavy performance in Dallas received praise, many analysts believe Lil Jon’s high-octane set stood out as the most energetic of the three. His ability to engage the entire stadium – not just those watching on TV – gave Baltimore’s show an edge in terms of live experience.
Will Lil Jon Perform at More NFL Games After This Appearance?
Industry insiders suggest this halftime show could lead to more NFL opportunities for Lil Jon. His successful performance during a nationally televised holiday game has positioned him as a strong candidate for future NFL events, including potential Super Bowl consideration.
Key reasons the NFL might book Lil Jon again:
- Proven ability to energize a football crowd
- Extensive catalog of recognizable hits
- Clean performance record with no controversies
- Strong social media engagement around his appearances
While nothing has been officially announced, sources indicate Lil Jon’s team is already in discussions with the league about potential appearances during the 2026 season. The artist himself expressed interest in doing more sports-related performances during post-show interviews.
Where to Watch Replays of Lil Jon’s Thanksgiving Halftime Show
For fans who missed the live broadcast or want to relive the performance, several options are available:
The full halftime show is available on the NFL’s official YouTube channel and NBC Sports’ website. Additionally, the Ravens have posted behind-the-scenes footage on their team app, showing Lil Jon’s preparations backstage. Many of his individual songs from the performance have also surfaced on TikTok and Instagram as fans shared their favorite moments.
NBC will re-air the entire Thanksgiving game (including the halftime show) on their streaming platform Peacock throughout December, giving subscribers multiple opportunities to catch the performance. The network has reported unusually high replay numbers for this particular game, largely attributed to interest in Lil Jon’s show.
Lil Jon bringing crunk to the NFL halftime show is a vibe 🎤🔥 But why does the league keep recycling the same artists? Give us something fresh next time.
Hard disagree. Lil Jon’s energy is timeless. Not everything needs to be ‘new’ to be good.
Right? Where’s the love for newer hip-hop acts? The NFL’s stuck in 2004.
Renée Elise Goldsberry singing the anthem was classy, but let’s be real—we all just wanted Lil Jon to yell ‘WHAT?!’ during it. Missed opportunity.
The halftime show was fun, but the Ravens’ defense was the real entertainment. Burrow looked shook before Flacco even stepped in. 💀
Flacco’s revenge game > Lil Jon’s performance. Fight me.
Who else muted the TV during the anthem to rehearse their Lil Jon karaoke routine? Just me? Cool.
NFL Thanksgiving halftimes are either legendary or cringe. This one was… fine. At least it wasn’t another Maroon 5 snoozefest.