On a day usually reserved for quiet traditions at home, country music’s reigning “Entertainer of the Year” took her signature bell-bottoms to the fifty-yard line. Lainey Wilson anchored a high-energy, cross-genre holiday spectacle on Christmas Day, performing for millions during the Netflix NFL Christmas Gameday Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium. The performance, which unfolded during the division rivalry between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions, was more than just a musical intermission; it was a definitive crossover moment for a woman who has spent 2025 cementing her status as a global cultural force.
The Entrance: Sleighs and Signature Style
Wilson made her entrance in true “Whirlwind” fashion, riding onto the field in a shimmering white sleigh. Dressed in a sparkling white winter jumpsuit and a fur-trimmed version of her signature cowboy hat, she struck a perfect balance between Nashville grit and holiday glamour.
She launched into a spirited, up-tempo rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” backed by a 30-person choir and a team of dancers. The performance avoided the trap of overproduction, leaning instead on Wilson’s natural charisma and vocal clarity—qualities that have made her a favorite among country fans and casual listeners alike.
A Surprise From “Santa”
The most heartfelt moment of the set came from the driver’s seat of the sleigh. Sharing the stage with Wilson was her fiancé, former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges, who donned a Santa suit and a cowboy hat for the occasion.
The couple, who announced their engagement in February 2025 at the historic George Jones estate, provided a genuine “at-home” feel to the massive stadium broadcast. For Hodges, it was a playful return to the league where he once started under center for the Pittsburgh Steelers—this time, providing the “assist” for Wilson’s holiday touchdown.
Snoop’s Holiday Party
Wilson was a marquee guest in what was billed as “Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party.” Headliner Snoop Dogg opened the set with a theatrical, holiday-themed twist on “My Favorite Things,” introduced by a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by his longtime collaborator, Martha Stewart.
The show was a kaleidoscopic mix of cultures and sounds, featuring:
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The K-Pop Demon Hunters (HUNTR/X): Delivering a modern spin on “12 Days of Christmas.”
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Andrea and Matteo Bocelli: Closing the night with a soaring, operatic “White Christmas.”
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The Doggfather Himself: Mixing his West Coast hits like “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” with festive arrangements.
A Milestone Year
The halftime appearance serves as the victory lap for Wilson’s historic 2025. Just weeks ago, she became only the third woman in history—following Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton—to solo host the CMA Awards. That night was a sweep for the Baskin, Louisiana native, who walked away with Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year for Whirlwind.
By bringing country music to the NFL’s biggest Christmas stage, Wilson demonstrated the “storytelling and relatability” that have become her hallmarks. She didn’t change her identity to fit the stadium; she brought the stadium into her world.
As the sleigh exited the field and the second half began in Minneapolis, the sentiment among viewers was clear: Lainey Wilson didn’t just bring country to the NFL—she brought the warmth of a Louisiana Christmas to a global audience.
