The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders and Lainey Wilson gave football fans something to talk about during their Thanksgiving Day game halftime show.
The country singer, 32, joined the iconic squad for a rollicking performance during halftime of the Cowboys’ game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday, November 28.
The headline-making halftime show comes after the success of the Netflix docuseries America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which dropped in June. The seven-episode first season followed the 2023 team from auditions to training camp and into the 2023-2024 NFL season. Fans hoped Kelly Villares and Charly Barby would make the 2023 team, but they were cut during the process.
The 36-person roster was once again revamped earlier this year when 24 veterans and 21 rookies received invitations to training camp, which ended in July. Twelve of the newbies made the team, including Kelly V. and Charly, while Madie K., Julissa, Ava, Trinity, Allison, Abby, Ariel, Michelle, Darah and Sophia rounded out the 2024 rookie class.
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Last season’s rookies Reece Weaver, Anna Kate Sundvold, Camille Sturdivant, Brooklyn Davis, Kennedy Hannan, McKenna Gehrke, Zoë Dale and Taylor also returned as veterans on the 2024 squad.
Other veterans who made the team included Sophy Laufer, Madeline Salter, Chandi Dayle, Lea Tunnell, Kleine Powell, KayDianna MacKenzie, Armani Latimer, Amanda Howard, Kylie Dickson, Jada Mclean, Megan McElaney, Kally Bethea, Karley Swindel, Marissa Phillips, Tori and Kelee.
Earlier this month, Netflix confirmed that America’s Sweethearts was renewed for season 2. The new season will follow the 2024-2025 cheerleading squad throughout the NFL season and is expected to premiere in 2025.
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As for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show, it marks the official start of the organization’s annual fundraiser, which supports programs and services that provide food, shelter, rehabilitation, disaster relief and more to vulnerable communities. Last year, Dolly Parton helmed the halftime performance, stealing the show in a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader costume at age 77 as the squad danced along to her songs.
Wilson revealed her involvement in the event via an October Instagram video.
“You might know me for my bell-bottoms, but I want to be known for my bell-ringing, too. I am so excited to announce that I have teamed up with The Salvation Army to love beyond the holidays and make a difference all year round,” she said at the time. “Tune in to watch me and a special guest this Thanksgiving on Fox. We’re gonna kick off the season right.”
