A fresh NBC Olympics advertisement starring Tate McRae, the Canadian pop sensation, faced immediate criticism following its release by both the singer and NBC on Wednesday. The ad portrays McRae in a wintry mountain setting, seeking assistance from an owl to travel to Milan for the opening ceremony to meet Team USA rather than Team Canada. The commercial highlights the weekend showcasing America’s top skaters competing for gold, including Lindsey Vonn’s remarkable comeback, and teases the upcoming Super Bowl 60 event upon returning to the United States.
Moreover, the advertisement serves as a platform to showcase McRae’s latest single, “Nobody’s Girl.” The reaction from Canadians on social media was one of disappointment, particularly given McRae’s roots in Calgary, with many expressing surprise at her support for the American team so shortly after being named the lead nominee at this year’s Juno Awards alongside Justin Bieber.
The backlash prompted McRae to respond later on Wednesday, sharing a childhood photo of herself holding a Canadian flag on Instagram with the caption affirming her Canadian identity. Despite the backlash, not all fans were disheartened, with some viewing the promotion as a positive career move for the singer.
The ad also sparked discussions on platforms like Virgin Radio Toronto’s TikTok account, where hosts questioned the choice to celebrate American athletes over Canadian ones and pondered the absence of national pride in the advertisement. The debate even escalated to whether McRae’s participation in the ad labeled her as a “sellout.”
While some fans celebrated the moment as a milestone in McRae’s career, others questioned her allegiance. This incident is reminiscent of a similar reaction in November when British pop star Dua Lipa featured in an NBC Olympics ad promoting American athletes. CBC Music has reached out to McRae’s team for further comments on the matter.