Tate McRae draws criticism after Canadian pop star appears in Team USA Olympics ad ahead of Milan 2026 (Image via Getty)

Tate McRae did not expect this kind of reaction. As excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the pop singer appeared in a new NBC Sports ad promoting Team USA. The commercial dropped on Tuesday, February 3, and it quickly caught attention online. McRae, who is Canadian and was born in Calgary, Alberta, talks about heading to Milan for the Olympics and cheering for American athletes. That decision upset many fans, especially those from Canada, who felt she crossed a line.In the ad, the 22-year-old singer speaks about the Opening Ceremony and highlights Team USA stars, including Lindsey Vonn’s return to Olympic skiing. While the message was meant to hype the Games, the reaction turned tense. Social media filled with comments questioning why a Canadian artist was promoting Team USA instead of Canada.The 2026 Winter Olympics will open on Friday, February 6, in Milan. Team figure skating begins the same day. Lindsey Vonn is expected to compete on Sunday, February 8, following her comeback from a serious knee injury. NBC Sports has not commented on the backlash, but the ad continues to circulate online as the debate grows.

Tate McRae was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and many fans strongly connect her identity to Canada. She has spoken in the past about growing up there and attending events at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Because of that, some fans felt hurt seeing her support Team USA in an Olympic ad.One fan wrote on X, “Promoting Team USA is actually crazy. You are from Calgary, you grew up going to the Saddledome and the Stampede. Stop pretending you are from somewhere else.” Another post said, “Tate McRae, who is from Calgary, Alberta, is doing Olympic promos for Team USA. That feels wrong.” A different fan added, “Seeing Tate McRae promote Team USA instead of Canada makes me sad, but I guess that is her choice.”Some fans also questioned NBC’s decision. One user wrote, “Why is a U.S. network choosing a Canadian singer to represent Team USA for the Olympics?”There may be a personal connection behind the appearance. McRae has recently been linked to New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes, who is expected to represent Team USA in men’s ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The two were seen together in New York City in December 2025 after she attended one of his home games.Hughes spoke about fame in an interview with Us Weekly last month. He said, “The number one thing I focus on is my game. That is the part I have the most fun with.” He added, “The most fun thing is to go out to a sold-out rink and play well. Everything else comes on the side.” Team USA’s men’s hockey team will open its Olympic schedule against Latvia on February 12 in Italy.