Country music star Miranda Lambert will headline the Dallas Cowboys’ 30th consecutive annual Thanksgiving halftime show, an event that officially kicks off The Salvation Army’s 136th Red Kettle Campaign.
Reflecting on the milestone performance, Lambert expressed enthusiasm about returning to her home state for the holiday tradition. “There’s something special about how music brings people together, especially when it’s to spread joy and hope to families who need it most,” Lambert said. “The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys have built an incredible tradition with the Red Kettle Kickoff, and I can’t wait to be back home in Texas this Thanksgiving to help carry it forward.”
Over the past three decades, the nationally televised halftime tradition and the Red Kettle Campaign have collectively raised more than $3.4 billion to support individuals and families in need across the nation. Charlotte Jones, chief brand officer and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys and former national advisory board chairman for The Salvation Army, recalled the origins of the partnership. In the 1990s, team owner, president, and general manager Jerry Jones challenged his daughter to inspire fans to focus on the organization’s off-the-field impact.
Charlotte envisioned transforming the team’s high-profile Thanksgiving broadcast into a launchpad for the Red Kettle Campaign, pitching the concept directly to network executives. “The Red Kettle Kickoff has become one of the Dallas Cowboys’ proudest traditions and one that my family and our entire organization look forward to every Thanksgiving,” Jones said. “For 30 years, incredible artists have taken our halftime stage to help The Salvation Army bring hope to millions of people in need. We’re grateful to Miranda Lambert for joining that legacy and helping us continue this meaningful tradition.”
The tradition debuted in 1997 with a performance by Reba McEntire. Over the ensuing decades, the halftime stage has hosted a diverse array of prominent artists and groups. The historical roster includes Randy Travis in 1998, Clint Black in 1999, Jessica Simpson with Billy Gillman in 2000, Creed in 2001, LeAnn Rimes in 2002, Toby Keith in 2003, Destiny’s Child in 2004, Sheryl Crow in 2005, Carrie Underwood in 2006, Kelly Clarkson in 2007, and the Jonas Brothers in 2008.
Subsequent years featured Daughtry in 2009, Keith Urban in 2010, Enrique Iglesias in 2011, Kenny Chesney in 2012, Selena Gomez in 2013, Pitbull in 2014, Luke Bryan in 2015, Eric Church in 2016, Thomas Rhett in 2017, Meghan Trainor in 2018, Ellie Goulding in 2019, Kane Brown in 2020, and Luke Combs in 2021. More recent performers include the Jonas Brothers returning in 2022, Dolly Parton in 2023, Lainey Wilson in 2024, and Post Malone in 2025.
Each performance serves to rally television viewers nationwide to support The Salvation Army’s ongoing community outreach and fundraising efforts.
