In a bold and unexpected act of protest, Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk made headlines during the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game by altering a key lyric in O Canada, sending a strong message in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state.
Tensions at an All-Time High
The highly anticipated final between Team Canada and Team USA was already set to be an intense showdown, but political tensions added even more fuel to the fire. Trump’s recent tariff threats and his offhand comments about annexing Canada had not gone unnoticed, particularly among Canadian fans, who had already protested by booing the American anthem at a previous game in Montreal.
In response, American fans at TD Garden in Boston retaliated by booing O Canada before the puck dropped. Trump himself had reportedly called the U.S. team before the match, offering words of encouragement and further stoking the competitive—and political—rivalry.
Yet, it wasn’t the jeers or even the heated gameplay that stole the spotlight. It was Kreviazuk’s deliberate lyrical change that became the moment everyone was talking about.
A Subtle Yet Powerful Protest
As Kreviazuk took center ice to perform the Canadian anthem, many assumed she had simply made a mistake when she altered the lyrics. Instead of singing the official line, “in all of us command,” she sang, “that only us command.”
It didn’t take long for the change to be confirmed as a deliberate act of protest. Shortly after the game, her publicist, Adam Gonshor, explained that Kreviazuk had altered the lyrics to stand against Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become part of the United States.
Despite a few scattered boos from the crowd, her commanding performance soon silenced the dissenters. According to CTV News, Kreviazuk later elaborated on her decision, saying, “Because I believe in democracy, and a sovereign nation should not have to be defending itself against tyranny and fascism.”
She further reflected on her roots in music, explaining, “I grew up on music that spoke to the heart and the moment, and it shaped me as a songwriter and as a human being. It wouldn’t be authentic for me to have a world stage and not express myself or stay true to who I am.”
Beyond just her vocal protest, Kreviazuk also made a visual statement. On her left hand, she had written the altered phrase, “that only us command,” in mascara—a subtle reminder for herself in case nerves overtook her. She later posted a photo of it on Instagram, alongside emojis of the Canadian flag and a flexed muscle, further emphasizing her patriotic stance.
A Night to Remember
As if the anthem controversy wasn’t enough, the game itself turned into a dramatic, high-stakes battle. In an electrifying overtime finish, Canadian superstar Connor McDavid sealed the victory for his team, igniting wild celebrations from players and fans alike.
This time, when O Canada played in the arena, there were no boos—only unity. Canadian fans sang proudly, their voices echoing through TD Garden as their flag was raised in triumph.
The Debate Continues
Kreviazuk’s protest has sparked passionate discussions, with some praising her for using her platform to take a stand, while others argue that the national anthem was not the right place for political statements. Regardless of where people stand, one thing is certain—her moment on the ice has left a lasting impression.
So, was this the right way to protest, or should she have kept politics out of the performance? The debate rages on, proving that sometimes, even a single word can hold incredible power.