A new NBC Olympics ad featuring Canadian pop star Tate McRae is receiving backlash after its release on Wednesday, with Canadian audiences describing it as out of touch with current Canada-U.S. relations.
The ad showed McRae asking a snowy owl how to get to the opening ceremony for Team USA in Milan, Italy.
“I’m trying to get to Milan for an amazing opening ceremony and meet Team USA,” she said. “Then it’s the weekend with America’s best skating for gold, and Lindsey Vonn‘s epic comeback. Then come back to the States for the big game, Super Bowl LX.”
Immediately after the ad was posted, Canadians from all over the country took to social media to share their disappointment that McRae is supporting the U.S. over her own country.
“The absolute ick every Canadian just felt. In 2026… what were you and your team thinking?” one user shared on Instagram.
In the background of the ad is the music from her latest hit single, “Nobody’s Girl.” Many of the online comments are questioning if this a political standpoint or simply a promotion for her new song.
McRae did not mention any Canadian athletes or support for her home country within the ad.
She responded to the backlash with a post on her Instagram story Wednesday night with a photo of her as a child holding the Canadian flag, saying “y’all know I’m Canada down.”
Another recent U.S. Olympic ad featured American actor Jon Hamm and U.S. hockey players saying they are out for the ultimate prize, “Canadian tears.”
McRae’s support for the United States has struck a nerve given the sensitive political climate that stands between Canada and its southern neighbour, amid an ongoing trade war and intermittent talk from U.S. President Donald Trump about turning Canada into a 51st state.
“No amount of money could make me endorse the country that threatens mine,” one user commented underneath the advertisement.
McRae, a born and raised Calgarian, was also recently announced as co-host of the 2026 Juno Awards along with Justin Bieber.
