In a bold act of protest, the singer of the Canadian anthem at Thursday night’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship game altered a key lyric in O Canada, sending a powerful message in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions of making Canada the 51st state.
Tensions running high
The final between the U.S. and Canada at the 4 Nations tournament was set to be a showdown like no other. With tensions already sky-high — thanks to Trump’s tariff threats and comments about making Canada the 51st state — emotions were on full display. Last week, in Montreal, Canadian fans had made their voices heard, booing the American anthem in protest.
Thursday’s final in Boston between Team USA and Canada had even more on the line, and the rivalry reached a boiling point when American fans fired back by booing the Canadian anthem. To add fuel to the fire, Trump even called the U.S. team before the match to give them an extra boost of motivation. With tensions running high, this game was shaping up to be more than just a hockey match.
But what really grabbed everyone’s attention wasn’t the boos—it was what happened during O Canada. Many viewers thought Canadian anthem singer Chantal Kreviazuk had made a mistake, but what followed was a bold, deliberate act of protest that left everyone talking.
Kreviazuk’s powerful performance
The original lyrics say, “in all of us command,” but Kreviazuk instead sang, “that only us command.” Shortly after, her publicist, Adam Gonshor, confirmed that she had changed the lyrics in protest of Trump’s remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state.
Fans in Boston let out a faint boo as the anthem began, but their jeers were quickly drowned out by Kreviazuk’s powerful performance.
According to CTV News, citing The Associated Press, Kreviazuk explained her decision: “Because I believe in democracy, and a sovereign nation should not have to be defending itself against tyranny and fascism.”
“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,” she added. “It wouldn’t be authentic for me to have a world stage and not express myself or stay true to who I am.”
Kreviazuk, who is from Winnipeg, Manitoba, also wrote the phrase “that only us command” with mascara on her left hand. She posted a picture of that on her Instagram with emojis of a Canadian flag and a flexed muscle.
“I just put it on there so if I ever had a moment and I kind of froze, I would be able to look at my hand and see it,” Kreviazuk said.
“I’d love to see people sort of get inspired and catch the fire and say their heart more in their art. … Sometimes you just got to speak the truth in your art and it’s awesome. That’s what it should be about.”
After Canada’s thrilling overtime victory, sealed by superstar Connor McDavid, O Canada echoed through the arena once more—but this time, there was no booing. Instead, Canadian players and fans united in song, proudly watching their flag rise inside TD Garden.
Chantal Kreviazuk’s hidden message during the anthem has certainly sparked conversation, with some praising her bold stand and others questioning whether it was appropriate for such a public moment. What do you think—was this the right way to protest, or should it have been left unsaid? The debate is far from over.
