NFL

Who is performing at the halftime show of Bengals vs Ravens game on Thanksgiving?

A rising tradition in Baltimore is getting its biggest halftime jolt yet as the Ravens host the Bengals on Thanksgiving Day.

A rising tradition in Baltimore is getting its biggest halftime jolt yet as the Ravens host the Bengals on Thanksgiving Day.
PATRICK SMITH
Jennifer Bubel
Sports journalist who grew up in Dallas, TX. Lover of all things sports, she got her degree from Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘em Tech!) in 2011. Joined Diario AS USA in 2021 and now covers mostly American sports (primarily NFL, NBA, and MLB) as well as soccer from around the world.
Update:

The Baltimore Ravens may not have the decades-long Thanksgiving legacy of the Lions or Cowboys, but their holiday appearances have quickly become some of the NFL’s most memorable. Baltimore first played on Thanksgiving in 2011 and immediately set a tone for prime-time excitement, delivering one of the most-watched night games of the year. Since then, whenever the Ravens land on the holiday slate, M&T Bank Stadium becomes the backdrop for high-stakes, high-energy football, the perfect pairing for a national audience settling in after a long day of turkey and sides.

With the AFC North race tight every season, a Ravens Thanksgiving game has already evolved into must-see TV, and this year’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals marks their latest contribution to the holiday tradition.

While Baltimore’s Thanksgiving history is brief, the team has embraced the holiday spotlight by elevating its entertainment. In recent years, the Ravens have begun evolving the halftime experience into a full-scale production, mirroring the NFL’s established Thanksgiving hosts while giving it a uniquely Baltimore flavor.

The halftime shows often spotlight national talent, with some connected to the region, and others chosen for their energy and relevance, but the goal is always to transform the night game into a showpiece event. With the matchup airing in prime time under the lights at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens are once again rolling out a high-profile performer for one of their most visible regular-season moments.

This year, that performer is one of the biggest personalities in hip-hop.

Lil Jon to bring an electrifying halftime performance for Ravens-Bengals Thanksgiving

The Ravens announced that Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and cultural icon Lil Jon will headline the Thanksgiving halftime show during Baltimore’s showdown with the Bengals this Thursday.

Known for his explosive stage presence and unmistakable ad-libs, Lil Jon is one of the most influential artists of the 2000s and 2010s. His catalog includes No. 1 hits such as “Turn Down for What,” “Yeah!”, and “Get Low,” tracks that helped define an era of club, hip-hop, and pop culture.

While Lil Jon hails from Atlanta, his selection is a natural fit for Baltimore’s vibrant, high-energy football environment. His music has long been a staple at Ravens home games, frequently blasting through the stadium speakers during big moments. Ravens fans have embraced his sound (loud, rowdy, celebratory), which aligns perfectly with the Ravens’ identity and the primetime atmosphere of an AFC North rivalry.

Bringing him to M&T Bank Stadium for Thanksgiving night is a nod to the fan experience the franchise strives to deliver: fast, electric, and unmistakably fun.

Tony Award–winning actress and singer Renée Elise Goldsberry, best known for her role as Angelica Schuyler in “Hamilton”, will perform the national anthem to open the evening.

Related stories

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

Tagged in:
Comments
Rules

Complete your personal details to comment

We recommend these for you in NFL