Grammy Award-nominated and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding will perform live at AT&T Stadium during the Cowboys game against the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving Day.
The kickoff performance is a Cowboys tradition, sounding the call for Americans to donate to the iconic Red Kettle Campaign, which helps provide shelter and meals for the homeless and hungry, Christmas toys for children and social service programs to millions of people in need year-round.
During a recent visit to The Salvation Army's New York Temple Corps soup kitchen, Ellie Goulding witnessed the impact of The Salvation Army's services on people's lives, funded by critical donations made during the Red Kettle Campaign and throughout the year.
"I am honored to perform at the Dallas Cowboys halftime show and kick off The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign." Goulding said. "With so many people in need, I believe it's our duty to help, and I encourage everyone to donate to The Salvation Army. The money they raise during the Red Kettle Campaign will change lives for the better all year long."
Charlotte Jones Anderson, the Cowboys' executive vice president and chief brand officer said the team couldn't have found a better fit.
"Ellie Goulding's infectious energy and generous spirit is a perfect match to kick off the campaign," she said. "We are so excited to have Ellie on our national stage for another incredible kickoff performance this year."
The Red Kettle Campaign, which begins on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas Eve, is the largest and longest-running fundraiser of its kind. It raised $142.7 million during the 2018 campaign.
Here's a look back at all of the halftime performers on Thanksgiving Day, which began in 1997.
Grammy Award-nominated and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding will perform live at AT&T Stadium during the Cowboys game against the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving Day. Here's a look back at all of the halftime performers on Thanksgiving Day, which began in 1997.
1997: While Reba McEntire electrified the crowd as the inaugural halftime performer for the Red Kettle kickoff for The Salvation Army, it proved to be one of the few highlights for the home crowd as the Cowboys lost to the Oilers, 27-14.
1998: It was a good day to be named Randy. The halftime show was a treat, thanks to recording artist Randy Travis, but the day belonged to Vikings rookie Randy Moss, who caught three passes and three three touchdowns in a Minnesota 46-36 win.
1999: The third time for the Thanksgiving Day halftime show was certainly a charm as Clint Black put on a show. The Cowboys' defense did as well, spoiling Jimmy Johnson's return to Dallas as the Cowboys picked off Dan Marino five times in a 20-0 rout.
2000: With Jessica Simpson and Billy Gillman sharing the stage in a Dallas-themed halftime show, Randy Moss again torched the Cowboys as the Vikings handed Dallas a 27-15 defeat on a rainy Thanksgiving Day.
2001: A high-flying performance from Creed rocked the Texas Stadium crowd at halftime, followed by an entertaining shootout between the Broncos and Cowboys. Denver edged Dallas for a 26-24 win.
2002: Lee Ann Rimes put on quite a show for the fans, as did Emmitt Smith. The throwback uniforms seemed to inspire the veteran back, who ran past the Redskins in a 27-20 Dallas victory.
2003: Toby Keith was one of the few bright spots for the Cowboys fans who were stunned to watch the Dolphins rip through the Cowboys, who were having a surprising season under Bill Parcells. Miami's 40-21 win was just a minor speed bump in the team's 10-6 season.
2004: It was a family affair on Thanksgiving Day as brothers Julius Jones and Thomas Jones battled it out in a matchup between the Cowboys and Bears. Julius had 150 rushing yards in a breakout performance for the rookie. Drew Henson started the game but Vinny Testaverde had to finish it, leading the Cowboys to a 21-7 win.
2005: The Cowboys fans not only got to see Sheryl Crow dazzle the crowd at halftime, but some free football as the Broncos and Cowboys went into overtime. However, Ron Dayne was too strong in the end, lifting Denver to a dramatic win.
2006: Not even Carrie Underwood's presence could overtake the excitement being generated by Romo-mania. Tony Romo had recently taken over as the starting quarterback and he didn't disappoint in his first Thanksgiving Day game, throwing for five touchdowns in a win over the Bucs.
2007: What a better combination than an American Idol winner and an American tradition. Kelly Clarkson was the annual performer at halftime as the Cowboys dominated the Jets 34-3 for the most lopsided win on Thanksgiving Day.
2008: In what was the final Thanksgiving Day game at Texas Stadium, the Cowboys had an easy time with the Seahawks, dominating Seattle 34-9 with the Jonas Brothers rocking the crowd at halftime.
2009: The first Thanksgiving Day at AT&T Stadium featured Daughtry at halftime and a fourth-straight Turkey Day win. The Cowboys had no problems with the Raiders, beating them 24-7.
2010: Keith Urban brought the house down at halftime and the Cowboys nearly brought down the defending champs as well. A late fumble cost the Cowboys a chance to put the game away and the Saints snuck out with a 30-27 win.
2011: A last-second field goal by rookie kicker Dan Bailey gave the Cowboys a win over the Dolphins, 20-19. Enrique Iglesias provided the halftime entertainment for the Red Kettle Kickoff campaign.
2012: Kenny Chesney is no stranger to AT&T Stadium and he felt right at home doing the halftime show. Unfortunately, Redskins rookie and native Texan Robert Griffin III felt right at home as well, helping the Redskins to a 38-31 win over the Cowboys.
2013: Just four years after beating the Raiders on Thanksgiving, the Cowboys did it again. This time, it was a tougher matchup but Dallas rallied to win 31-24 for a crowd that also got treated by Selena Gomez at halftime.
2014: Pitbull put on much more of a show than the Cowboys, who were having a stellar season before the Eagles came to town and gave Dallas a 33-10 win. The Cowboys still finished 12-4 and won the NFC East but Thanksgiving Day was an exception to what proved to be a great season.
2015: Luke Bryan put on a show at halftime, but so did the Panthers, who used a dominating defense and big plays from Cam Newton and a Carolina team that made it to the Super Bowl.
2016: The Cowboys snapped a two-game losing streak on Thanksgiving with a win over the Redskins. It was Dak Prescott's first win on Turkey Day. Eric Church had a huge performance at halftime, sending Cowboys fans home with many things to be thankful for.
2017: Thomas Rhett did his part, crushing it at the halftime performance. But the Cowboys were no match for the Chargers, who rolled past them 28-6.
2018: Meghan Trainor was a hit at halftime and the Cowboys were just as good on the field, ripping past Washington, 31-22 thanks to big plays from Amari Cooper.
2019: Ellie Goulding will look to provide a spark for the Cowboys fans who will watch the Buffalo Bills come to town for the first time in eight years.
