Calgary Pop Star Faces Swift Backlash After Promoting U.S. Athletes in NBC Commercial
Calgary-born singer Tate McRae has found herself at the center of a patriotic controversy after starring in a new advertisement for NBC that prominently features American athletes and events. The pop sensation, who rose to fame with hits like "Greedy," quickly moved to clarify her national allegiance following significant online backlash from Canadian fans.
The Controversial Advertisement Content
The commercial, which appeared on McRae's Instagram page, depicts the singer lost in the Italian Alps during what appears to be the 2026 Winter Olympics setting. In the whimsical spot, McRae encounters a friendly owl and explains her journey, stating "I'm trying to get to Milan for an amazing opening ceremony and meet Team U.S.A." She continues by highlighting American skating competitions and specifically mentions legendary skier Lindsey Vonn's anticipated comeback.
The advertisement concludes with McRae referencing Super Bowl 60, further emphasizing the American focus of the promotional content. This dual promotion of both Olympic American athletes and the premier American football event sparked immediate reaction from Canadian viewers who questioned the Calgary native's national loyalty.
Swift Canadian Response and McRae's Reaffirmation
The backlash emerged rapidly across social media platforms, with Canadian accounts like AnywhereVancouver sharing memes featuring beloved Canadian celebrities. Comments included Catherine O'Hara's signature phrase "Absolutely not" and Dan Levy's "Don't do that" alongside discussions connecting McRae's promotional choices to broader Alberta separatist sentiments.
McRae responded to the criticism by posting a childhood photograph showing her waving a Canadian flag with the caption "...y'all know I'm Canada down." This nostalgic image served as her public reaffirmation of Canadian identity amid the growing controversy surrounding her commercial appearance.
McRae's Complex Relationship with Canadian Identity
The singer's connection to Canada has been subject to public discussion before this incident. During a concert soundcheck in June 2025, McRae remarked that "Canada doesn't feel like home any more, which is weird" and noted that "Calgary, where I'm from, feels a little less homey than L.A." These comments, made months before the advertisement controversy, provide context for the current discussions about her national identity.
McRae's international background adds further complexity to her relationship with Canadian identity. According to a TIME magazine profile from last year, the singer spent three early childhood years in Oman where her father worked as an oil and gas attorney before returning to Calgary at age eight. She subsequently enrolled at the prestigious School of Alberta Ballet, which helped launch her performing career.
The Broader Context of Celebrity National Identity
This incident highlights the delicate balance Canadian celebrities must maintain when engaging with international promotional opportunities. As artists like McRae achieve global success, their commercial partnerships often require navigating complex national loyalties and public perceptions. The swift backlash demonstrates how quickly Canadian audiences can react when they perceive their homegrown talents appearing to favor American interests over Canadian ones.
The controversy also underscores the ongoing conversation about Alberta's relationship with the rest of Canada, with some commenters directly linking McRae's promotional choices to separatist sentiments within the province. This connection, whether accurate or not, demonstrates how celebrity actions can become intertwined with broader political discussions within the Canadian landscape.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach and Super Bowl 60 generates anticipation, McRae's experience serves as a cautionary tale for Canadian celebrities considering international promotional opportunities. The incident illustrates the importance of maintaining clear communication about national identity while pursuing global career opportunities in the entertainment industry.
