The Canadian anthem singer at the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game made headlines by altering a lyric in “O Canada” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about making Canada the 51st state. The singer, Chantal Kreviazuk, changed the lyric from “in all of us command” to “that only us command” to express her views on democracy and sovereignty.
Kreviazuk explained her decision, stating that she believes in expressing herself authentically, especially on a world stage. She also wrote the altered phrase on her hand as a reminder of her message. The NHL declined to comment on the incident.
During the game, fans in Boston lightly booed the altered anthem, but Kreviazuk's performance drowned out the noise. In Montreal, fans booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before U.S. tournament games, reflecting the heightened tensions between the two countries.
Trump's suggestion of Canada becoming the 51st state has sparked controversy, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau firmly rejecting the idea. The issue was addressed by Canada’s Public Safety Minister, emphasizing Canada's sovereignty and independence.
Despite the political backdrop, Trump called the U.S. team to wish them luck before the game. Players expressed gratitude for the gesture, with one player mentioning winning for their country and for Trump.
The incident underscores the complex relationship between the U.S. and Canada, with political tensions spilling over into the sports arena. The anthem alteration serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of expressing one's beliefs, even in unexpected settings.
