Canadian music sensation Tate McRae has ignited a firestorm of criticism from her compatriots following her appearance in a promotional campaign for Team USA ahead of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. The controversy emerged when NBC, the official U.S. Olympic broadcaster, released a promotional video featuring the Calgary-born artist seeking directions to Milan to “meet Team USA” at the opening ceremony, accompanied by her song “Nobody’s Girl.
The immediate backlash on social media platforms saw fellow Canadians expressing outrage and disappointment, with some labeling her participation as “infuriating” and even “treason.” Toronto-based sports journalist Jordan Cicchelli expressed his dismay on X, stating the promo left him “a bit sad but okay,” while culture writer Courtney Shea questioned in Toronto Life whether McRae even remembered her Canadian origins.
In response to the mounting criticism, McRae took to Instagram to reaffirm her national identity, sharing a childhood photo of herself holding a Canadian flag with the caption: “Y’all know I’m Canadian down.” The 22-year-old artist, who attended Western Canada High School in Calgary, has frequently referenced her Canadian heritage in public, including her well-documented support for the Calgary Flames hockey team.
The controversy occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tensions between the two nations, following former President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods and his repeated references to Canada as the “51st state.” These tensions have fueled increased anti-U.S. sentiment and Canadian patriotism, manifesting in boycotts of American products and reduced travel to the United States.
Not all responses were critical, however. Alberta resident Blaine Badiuk interpreted McRae’s selection as evidence of Canada’s cultural influence, noting: “They needed a CANADIAN to sell themselves.”
The promotional video also featured content promoting the upcoming Super Bowl matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, scheduled for February 8th at Levi’s Stadium in California. McRae follows other international celebrities like British pop star Dua Lipa, who appeared in a separate NBC promo featuring American winter athletes including Mikaela Shiffrin and Chloe Kim.
McRae’s career trajectory saw initial recognition through the American television show “So You Think You Can Dance” before transitioning to music, where her star has risen dramatically. Her 2024 album “So Close to What” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, cementing her status in the American music industry despite her Canadian roots.