Jim Cornelison’s strong performance of the national anthem fired up Soldier Field before the Bears-Rams playoff, thrilling both fans and players and creating an intense atmosphere.
Jim Cornelison’s Iconic Anthem Performance Headlines High-Stakes Bears vs Rams Playoff (Imgae Source: X/ @NFL)
Jim Cornelison’s stirring performance of the national anthem set Soldier Field buzzing moments before the Chicago Bears faced the Los Angeles Rams in their NFL Divisional Round playoff game. Known for his deep, powerful voice and emotional delivery, Cornelison instantly captured the attention of both fans and players. As the final notes echoed through the stadium, many in the crowd erupted in cheers, creating a charged atmosphere that perfectly matched the intensity of the playoff showdown.
The anthem was performed in front of a packed, sold-out stadium, with fans and players singing along and sharing the moment. It helped set a dramatic tone for the high-pressure contest and quickly drew praise on social media, where viewers once again celebrated Cornelison’s ability to elevate big sporting occasions.
This was not the first time he made a strong impact this season. In September, Cornelison received a loud ovation after performing the anthem before the Bears’ game against the Minnesota Vikings, which also marked the opening Monday Night Football matchup of the season, according to Fox News.
Jim Cornelison sings the National Anthem in Chicago 👏 pic.twitter.com/2KCzLilsFe
— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2026
Jim Cornelison is a celebrated American tenor widely recognised for his national anthem performances at major US sporting events. He is best known as the official anthem singer for the Chicago Blackhawks and a regular performer for the Chicago Bears. His powerful renditions have turned pre-game anthems into emotional moments that fans across the country associate with big games and special occasions.
Before becoming a sports anthem icon, Cornelison built an international career in opera. After joining the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists in 1995, he went on to perform at renowned venues such as the English National Opera and the San Francisco Opera, showcasing his classical training and vocal range.
Jim Cornelison is a familiar face in Chicago sports. He is 61-year-old who has been serving as the Chicago Bears’ national anthem singer since 2010. He has also been a long-standing presence at NHL games, singing before Chicago Blackhawks matchups since 2008. Beyond football and hockey, Cornelison has performed “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the Indianapolis 500 every year since 2017, making him a regular part of another iconic American sporting tradition.
Cornelison’s reputation extends far beyond stadiums. With a strong classical background, he was associated with the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists in Chicago and has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, highlighting his roots as a trained opera tenor
On the field, the Bears were once again part of a dramatic finish, but it was the Los Angeles Rams who emerged victorious. Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams threw a game-tying touchdown with just 17 seconds left in regulation, forcing overtime and giving the Bears hope of a win.
That hope faded quickly when Williams threw an interception on a drive that could have sealed the game. The Rams took full advantage of the mistake, moving into scoring range before kicker Harrison Mevis calmly converted a 42-yard field goal in overtime. The kick secured a 20–17 win for Los Angeles.
With the victory, the Rams advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where they are set to face the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app.
EARNED OUR SPOT IN THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP! pic.twitter.com/parDsHuOot
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 19, 2026
