Canadian pop star Tate McRae is addressing criticism after her appearance in a Winter Olympics promotional ad that showcased Team USA athletes in the lead-up to the 2026 Games in Milan. According to People, McRae responded to the online reaction by sharing a childhood photo of herself holding a Canadian flag and reminding fans of her Canadian roots.
The 22-year-old singer found herself at the center of a debate after appearing in an NBC advertisement promoting coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics and highlighting United States athletes. In the commercial, McRae appears in a red ski suit, engages with a snowy owl, and expresses excitement about meeting Team USA competitors as well as upcoming sporting events including the Super Bowl. According to People, some viewers took issue with the choice of a Canadian artist to feature in an ad focused on American athletes and questioned why she did not acknowledge Canadian Olympians instead.
McRae took to Instagram to reply to the online backlash by posting a throwback photo showing her with a small Canadian flag and writing that she is “Canada down,” a phrase meant to reassure her supporters that her national pride has not wavered. Her response was intended to calm the debate and clarify her personal identity despite the ad’s focus on Team USA.
The mixed reaction to her ad highlights how passionate fans can be about national representation during major international events like the Olympics. Some critics felt that her involvement in a Team USA promotional campaign was surprising given her Calgary upbringing and Canadian nationality. Others defended her, pointing to her broad international appeal and career in the United States music market.
McRae’s appearance in the commercial came as excitement builds for the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, which begins on February 6 and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Her involvement in the ad was part of a larger promotional campaign by NBC to spotlight athletes and the network’s Olympic coverage.
By responding directly to critics and emphasizing her Canadian identity, McRae appears to be navigating the fine line between her global pop career and her national roots. Her social media post served as a reminder to fans that while she may take on international projects, her personal connection to Canada remains strong.
