Tate McRae is featured in a new Olympic-themed advertisement released by NBC. CBC
Tate McRae has found herself at the centre of a public debate after appearing in a new Olympics-themed advertisement that promotes Team USA. The ad appeared online Wednesday and quickly drew criticism from many Canadians.
In the short clip, McRae stands on a snowy mountain and asks an owl for help reaching Milan for the Olympic opening ceremony. Instead of meeting Team Canada, she heads toward the American team.
Focus on American athletes
During the ad, McRae highlights major U.S. sports moments and names American skier Lindsey Vonn’s return to competition. She also mentions plans to head back to the United States for “the big game, Super Bowl 60.”
“It’s the weekend with America’s best skating for gold, and Lindsey Vonn’s epic comeback,” McRae says. “Then back to the States for the big game, Super Bowl 60.”
The ad also features McRae’s latest single, Nobody’s Girl, tying her music directly to the promotion.
Canadians share disappointment online
Many viewers in Canada reacted with frustration, especially since McRae was born and raised in Calgary. The reaction felt sharper because news broke only days earlier that she leads this year’s Juno Award nominations alongside Justin Bieber.
One Toronto-based sports creator wrote online, “Tate McRae doing a promo for NBC and Team USA for the Olympics and not Canada has me a bit sad but okay.”
Others questioned why a Canadian artist would promote another country’s athletes during such a high-profile event. Some radio hosts also discussed the issue on social platforms, asking, “Why is she celebrating American athletes?”
“The Olympics were in Calgary, your hometown, Tate McRae. Is there no national pride?” one host added.
Another host openly wondered whether the decision made McRae a “sellout.”
Supporters see career growth
Not everyone viewed the ad negatively. Some fans praised McRae for landing a major international campaign and saw it as a sign of her rising global status.
“Tate mcrae doing promo for the super bowl and the winter olympics. oh the Canadian princess of pop is here,” one supporter posted.
These fans argued that working with large international partners reflects success, not disloyalty.
A familiar debate
The reaction mirrors a similar moment last fall when British singer Dua Lipa appeared in an Olympics ad that highlighted American athletes. That campaign also triggered debate about national loyalty and global stardom.
McRae’s representatives have not yet commented publicly. For now, the discussion continues as Canadians weigh pride against international success.
