Amid bone-chilling Chicago winds, legendary vocalist Jim Cornelison delivered what fans are calling the most powerful national anthem performance in NFL history before the NFC Divisional Round playoff clash between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams.
It was a moment that captured the essence of American pride.
The 61-year-old Cornelison, a staple at Chicago Blackhawks games and Bears home openers since 2011, brought Soldier Field to a reverent hush with his operatic version of the anthem. His bellowing baritone voice sliced through the frigid air.
Dressed in a sharp suit, he belted out “The Star-Spangled Banner” with unmatched intensity. Social media exploded with praise, as one fan declared it “the best rendition I’ve ever heard—powerful, the way it should be sung.”
He wasn’t alone in that assessment. This is a man’s man singing this. What an absolute badass.
Jim Cornelison sings the National Anthem in Chicago 👏 pic.twitter.com/2KCzLilsFe
— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2026
Jim Cornelison Delivers a National Anthem for the Ages at Soldier Field
Cornelison’s performance set an electric tone for the matchup, where the Bears—seeded No. 2 in the NFC and eyeing a Super Bowl run—fought valiantly but ultimately fell 34-31 in overtime to the Rams.
Now that’s what I’m talking about,” one fan said on X, including a GIF from Mel Gibson’s Braveheart.
“What an amazing voice. @JimCornelison respectfully nailed the national anthem for America,” another wrote.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams nearly scripted a miracle with a 14-yard touchdown pass (launched from near the 40-yard line) in the dying seconds of regulation, forcing extra time. However, an interception sealed Chicago’s fate, allowing Los Angeles to kick the game-winning field goal.
The best part of the anthem is hearing the Chicago fans sing along.
Dude crushed it!!!🇺🇸 https://t.co/Xvht6eFXyZ
— Mark Johnson (@MJBuffsVoice) January 19, 2026
Read More: Trump Salutes What Fans Are Calling the Best National Anthem Ever at Army-Navy Game
We’ve certainly seen our fair share of epic national anthem performances in the sporting world in recent months. Perhaps the most amazing one to date came from 104-year-old World War II veteran Dominick Critelli, who captivated a packed UBS Arena last month with a stirring saxophone rendition before the New York Islanders faced off against the New York Rangers.
Critelli, a former Army Staff Sergeant born in 1921, played a flawless performance on his soprano saxophone—an instrument he has mastered since before enlisting to fight in World War II.
As he hit the final extended note, the crowd—filled with fans from both teams—erupted in applause, followed by chants of “USA! USA!”
Critelli saluted the arena in response, clearly beaming with pride.
104-year-old World War II veteran Dominick Critelli played the national anthem on the saxophone at the Rangers-Islanders game
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) December 27, 2025
Pretty special stuff 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/duou98CQ72
Fans and viewers nationwide hailed the pre-game national anthem at the annual Army-Navy contest as one of the most beautiful and moving performances of the college football season.
President Trump was on the field, saluting the incredible performance.
One of the greatest renditions of the National Anthem I have ever heard
— Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) December 14, 2025
The Army and Navy Academy sang it as President Trump saluted pic.twitter.com/sQXKAyVF9Y
Many saw the performance by seventeen-time Grammy winner CeCe Winans before the Detroit Lions–Green Bay Packers game at Ford Field on Thanksgiving Day and thought THAT was the most stirring version they’d ever seen.
It’s right up there, for sure.
CeCe Winans getting us going with the National Anthem 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/lLtMztQJPp
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 27, 2025
Tinashe, a 32-year-old R&B singer and songwriter from Pasadena, California, stunned baseball fans with a powerful rendition of her own national anthem before Game 4 of the World Series.
Major League Baseball (MLB) posted video of Tinashe’s performance on Instagram, calling it “incredible.”
During a Monday Night Football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders earlier this season, retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Robert Carter’s stirring rendition of the national anthem moved star defensive tackle Chris Jones to tears.
Tonight's National Anthem Is performed by Retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant Robert Carter pic.twitter.com/4xvQPHur5D
— 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐞𝐥 (@samuelgoat_123) October 28, 2025
Navy veteran Generald Wilson delivered a beautiful performance of the national anthem at the NBA season opener between the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Which one was your favorite? Tell us on our Facebook page.