National Anthem Performance at Chicago Bears Game Hailed as ‘Greatest of All Time,’ Sparks Debate

Fans are clearly divided after Jim Cornelison’s rendition of the National Anthem at the Los Angeles Rams versus the Chicago Bears game has been hailed as one of the best versions of all time.

Cornelison, 61, belted out the iconic tune in freezing conditions at Soldier Field on Sunday, January 18, and the internet collectively lost its mind.

“THIS WAS THE GREATEST NATIONAL ANTHEM OF ALL TIME,” one person wrote via X. “ABSOLUTE CHILLS WATCHING THIS.”

Another added, “Something about Jim Cornelison letting the National Anthem rip in the snow at Soldier Field feels like George Washington leading the troops across the Delaware. Unrivaled anthem experience.”

However, not everyone was sold on handing Cornelison the title of “best rendition of all time,” and many argued that Whitney Houston should have the honor.

“Great but not as good as Whitney Houston Super Bowl 1991, I think,” one person chimed in and said.

Another wrote, “I rate it Top 2, along with Whitney Houston at the 1991 Super Bowl. That was the Super Bowl right as the Gulf War began, America’s first war in a long time. It still dazzles, but I’m favoring @JimCornelison tonight.”

Others were blunt in their responses with one person saying, “I thought it was awful. I hate this kind of screaming singing.”

This wasn’t the first time Cornelison — who has been opening Chicago Blackhawks hockey games with “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “O Canada” since 1996 — had kicked off a Bears game with his impressive vocal skills. He also sang the National Anthem at multiple Chicago Bears home games over the years, including high profile season openers and playoff matchups at Soldier Field.