Chantal Kreviazuk has sparked controversy with her rendition of Canada’s national anthem, calling it the “worst” ever. The Canadian singer took aim at President Trump’s threats to annex her country by altering the lyrics of “O Canada” during a hockey game between Canada and the U.S. in Boston. The nations were battling for the 4 Nations Face-Off championship, which Canada won 4-3 in overtime.
President Trump’s threats fuel rivalry
The rivalry between Canada and the U.S. has reached new heights, thanks to President Trump’s comments about annexing Canada as the 51st state. Recently, Trump even suggested that the U.S. would benefit from Canada’s loss of $200 billion a year in trade. To counter this, Canadians voiced their anger during the tournament, even booing the U.S. national anthem at games held in Montreal. Kreviazuk’s anthem performance in Boston was the latest chapter in this growing tension.
Kreviazuk’s altered lyrics stir up controversy
While singing “O Canada,” Kreviazuk changed the line “in all of us command” to “that only us command.” The change was seen as a pointed response to Trump. A representative for Kreviazuk confirmed this was intentional. Some fans, however, were less than impressed, criticizing her for missing the lyrics and even accusing her of being out of tune. “That might be the worst Canadian anthem I’ve heard,” one fan wrote on X.
The performance faced backlash both from Americans and Canadians. Some viewers mocked Kreviazuk for forgetting the words, with one commenting, “Why didn’t she know the lyrics?” Others criticized her for being off-key, especially when she held the note on “free.” “That Chantal Kreviazuk anthem was more disrespectful than any booing could ever be,” one upset fan stated.
U.S.-Canada tensions escalate
Trump’s ongoing threats of new tariffs and his dismissive remarks about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have only added fuel to the fire. Earlier that day, Trump wished the U.S. players good luck before the game, calling them a “skilled group” and expressing admiration for the team. The president’s comments have aggravated Canadians, leading to further displays of displeasure, such as the booing of the U.S. anthem at the Montreal game.
Canadian fans respond with booing
As tensions rose, Canadian fans took action, loudly booing the U.S. anthem at NHL and NBA games. At the Thursday night game between the U.S. and Finland, the booing continued. “I didn’t like it,” said Matthew Tkachuk, alternate captain for Team USA. Despite the animosity, some players see the booing as fuel to motivate them. “We know where we’re at in Canada, and I think that fires us up more than anything,” said New York Rangers forward JT Miller.
U.S. players stand strong
Team USA coach Mike Sullivan dismissed the booing, focusing instead on the team’s goal to win. “We just want to play hockey,” he said. “We want to compete and represent our nation the right way.” Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber echoed his coach’s sentiment, adding that players are simply focused on winning, not politics.
Rising tensions during trade war threats
The ongoing trade war between the two nations has only added to the tension. Trump’s decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports, effective March 4, has troubled Canadians. Trump’s rhetoric continues to stir up anger, especially after he referred to Trudeau as “governor.”
4 Nations Face-Off tournament
The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which includes the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Finland, has become the backdrop for this escalating feud. As the NHL gears up for the Winter Olympics, the competition has intensified, with players and fans alike channeling their emotions into the games.
In the end, Kreviazuk’s performance and the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Canada are just a reflection of the larger political climate. Whether it’s the anthem, the tariffs, or Trump’s rhetoric, it’s clear that the rivalry between these two countries has reached new and unexpected heights.
