At the January 18, 2026 Chicago Bears playoff game, the question who sang national anthem at Bears game was answered by legendary vocalist Jim Cornelison, whose stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” echoed through a packed Soldier Field before the Bears faced the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round.
Cornelison’s performance set an emotional tone for the night. Fans stood shoulder to shoulder in freezing temperatures, many singing along as his booming tenor filled the stadium. The moment quickly became one of the most talked-about pregame highlights of the Bears’ 2026 postseason run.
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Jim Cornelison: The Voice of Big-Game Moments
Jim Cornelison is no stranger to high-pressure stages. For years, he has been one of the most recognizable national anthem singers in American sports, particularly in Chicago.
His connection to the city runs deep:
- Longtime anthem singer for major Chicago sports teams
- Known for his operatic, powerful vocal style
- Regularly selected for playoff games and special events
When the Bears hosted a nationally watched playoff matchup, team officials once again turned to Cornelison for the anthem. His selection reflected both tradition and trust in his ability to deliver a performance worthy of the moment.
Atmosphere Inside Soldier Field
The NFC Divisional Round brought a sold-out crowd and intense energy. Long before kickoff, anticipation built as Cornelison walked to midfield. As the opening notes rang out, the stadium fell silent, then swelled with crowd participation.
Key details from the anthem moment:
- Tens of thousands of fans stood throughout the performance
- Many players removed helmets and lined the sidelines in respect
- The final note drew loud cheers and applause across the stadium
The performance lasted just over two minutes, yet it left a lasting impression on fans in attendance and viewers watching nationwide.
Why Jim Cornelison Was Chosen
Cornelison’s voice has become closely associated with major Chicago sporting events. His ability to combine precision with emotion makes his renditions both technically strong and deeply moving.
Organizers often select him for:
- Playoff games
- Season openers
- Special ceremonies
- Championship celebrations
His consistency and reputation for delivering under pressure made him a natural choice for a game of this magnitude.
The Role of the National Anthem in NFL Playoffs
The national anthem holds a unique place in American sports, especially during the postseason. It marks the transition from pregame buildup to competition, creating a moment of unity before the physical and emotional intensity of playoff football begins.
At playoff games, the anthem serves to:
- Honor national tradition
- Unite fans from different backgrounds
- Provide a calm, reflective pause before kickoff
- Elevate the sense of occasion
Cornelison’s performance accomplished all of these, reinforcing why the anthem remains such a central part of the NFL game-day experience.
Fan Reaction and Social Buzz
Within minutes of the performance, fans began discussing it online. Many praised the strength of Cornelison’s voice and the way it cut through the cold night air. Others highlighted how the anthem helped energize the crowd before the opening kickoff.
Common reactions included:
- Admiration for the sustained final note
- Appreciation for the traditional, respectful delivery
- Pride in a familiar Chicago voice representing the team on a big stage
For many supporters, the anthem became part of the overall memory of the game itself.
Cornelison’s History With Chicago Sports
Although widely known for his anthem performances at hockey games, Cornelison has also become a familiar presence at Bears matchups over the years. His return for the 2026 playoff game continued a pattern of being called upon for milestone moments.
His career highlights include:
- Performing at numerous playoff and championship events
- Singing at nationally televised games
- Representing Chicago sports on some of the biggest stages in North America
This long history adds to the significance of his appearance at the Bears’ divisional playoff game.
Why Fans Keep Asking “Who Sang National Anthem at Bears Game”
The anthem performance stood out because it combined tradition, emotion, and vocal power. In a city that values sports history, moments like these become part of the narrative of the season.
Search interest around the phrase continues because:
- The game drew a large national audience
- The performance was memorable and widely discussed
- Cornelison’s reputation sparks curiosity among new viewers
- Playoff settings naturally heighten attention to ceremonial moments
For many, the anthem marked the true beginning of a night that carried major implications for the Bears’ season.
A Moment That Matched the Stage
Big games demand big moments, even before the ball is kicked. The choice of Jim Cornelison to perform the national anthem at the Bears’ playoff game reflected the importance of the occasion and the desire to honor tradition with excellence.
His voice, echoing through Soldier Field, reminded fans that some elements of football remain timeless, even as teams, players, and seasons change.
What did you think of the national anthem performance before the Bears game? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates from Chicago’s playoff journey.
