Jim Cornelison’s “Goosebumps-Inducing” Anthem Ignites Soldier Field

JIM CORNELISON NATIONAL ANTHEM 2026: Chicago legend Jim Cornelison delivers a powerful national anthem at the Bears vs. Rams playoff game.

CHICAGO, IL – As the freezing January wind whipped through the stands of Soldier Field on Sunday night, January 18, 2026, one voice managed to rise above the roar of 61,000 fans.

Jim Cornelison, the 61-year-old operatic powerhouse and Chicago sports icon, delivered a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that many are already calling the highlight of the NFL Divisional Round.

Stepping onto the turf before the high-stakes clash between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams, Cornelison brought his signature thunderous tenor to the national stage, effectively “setting the tone” for a playoff night that felt more like a heavyweight title fight than a football game.

A Tradition Restored: The “Blackhawks” Effect at Soldier Field

While Cornelison is a permanent fixture at Chicago Blackhawks hockey games, the Bears have a long-standing tradition of calling upon him for their most critical home matchups. This performance marked his return to the playoff spotlight after not appearing during the team’s Wild Card victory over Green Bay last week.

• The Crowd Interaction: In a scene reminiscent of a United Center home game, the Soldier Field faithful cheered and applauded throughout the entire duration of the anthem—a tradition Cornelison has embraced for over 15 years.
• The Viral “Ring”: Social media was quick to spot a large, ornate ring on Cornelison’s hand as he held the microphone. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) spent much of the first quarter debating whether it was a championship ring or a family heirloom, adding a layer of mystery to the viral moment.
• Mixed Reviews: While local fans and the majority of the national audience hailed it as a “10/10 masterpiece,” some viewers unfamiliar with the Chicago tradition took to social media to criticize the crowd’s noise, sparking a heated debate about “anthem etiquette.”

Legacy of a Legend

Cornelison has been the “Voice of Chicago” since he began singing for the Blackhawks full-time in 2008. His ability to transform a 90-second song into a stadium-wide adrenaline shot has made him one of the most sought-after performers in professional sports.

“The Best Rendition I’ve Ever Heard”

The performance immediately lit up social media, with fans and analysts alike weighing in on the emotional weight of the moment.

“Bears’ national anthem singer kicks butt. America just grew three times as powerful,” posted PFT Commenter on X. Another fan added, “I rank this with Whitney Houston’s Super Bowl anthem. It brings tears to my eyes every single time.”

Even the players seemed affected. Cameras caught Bears quarterback Caleb Williams nodding along to the final notes, visibly “locked in” for the game that would eventually decide who heads to the NFC Championship in Seattle next week.