Country artist Shaboozey delivered a Thanksgiving halftime performance that left an indelible mark on both fans and the Detroit Lions. His electrifying set during the Lions’ nail-biting 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears quickly became a viral sensation, sparking widespread praise across social media. Shaboozey took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude, writing, “So much to be thankful for this year!!! Thank you @lions for having me. And Happy Thanksgiving to everyone watching at home.”
The 29-year-old singer, whose real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, mesmerized the crowd at Ford Field with a medley that began with his reflective track “Last of My Kind” from Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, featuring Paul Cauthen, and concluded with his chart-topping hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” His heartfelt performance, blending country storytelling with contemporary flair, showcased the talent that has propelled him to the forefront of music.
Shaboozey’s star has been on the rise since his breakout 2018 single, “Start a Riot,” featured in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. However, 2024 marked a career-defining year for the artist. Collaborating with Beyoncé on her country album Cowboy Carter and dominating the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey solidified his place as a powerhouse in the music industry. The track, which subtly nods to J-Kwon’s 2004 hit “Tipsy,” has become a fan favorite.
Reflecting on his journey, Shaboozey shared on X, “From a 250 capacity venue to an NFL halftime show in one year is insane. What can’t God do?” The humility and gratitude in his message resonated deeply with fans, further amplifying the love for his performance.
Sports analysts also joined in the celebration. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones humorously noted, “Shaboozey is going to be on the field longer than the Bears offense.” ABC’s WXYZ 7 News Detroit sports director Brad Galli called the show “rocking” and a highlight of the Lions’ Thanksgiving celebration. The World Champion Network went as far as declaring it the Lions’ best halftime show ever.
Amid the buzz, rumors have emerged that Shaboozey might join Beyoncé for her Christmas Day performance at the Texans-Ravens NFL game. Whether or not the speculation proves true, one thing is clear: Shaboozey’s Thanksgiving tribute to the Detroit Lions is a moment fans won’t soon forget.
