6.02.2026

"Tate McRae Faces Backlash for U.S. Olympics Ad"

Tate McRae is assuring fans her elbows are firmly up after receiving backlash for appearing in an ad highlighting Team USA

Tate McRae, the Calgary-born pop singer, has recently come under fire for appearing in a television advertisement that highlights Team USA in the upcoming Winter Olympics. The ad, which promotes NBC and Peacock's coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Games, features McRae in a snowy mountain setting, appealing to an owl for guidance on how to get to Milan for the opening ceremony. The commercial is set to air during significant events, including the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Friday and Super Bowl LX on Sunday.

In the advertisement, McRae expresses her excitement about watching "America's best" compete for Olympic gold, specifically mentioning the much-anticipated return of U.S. ski racer Lindsey Vonn. She also notes her plans to return to the United States in time for the Super Bowl, further solidifying the ad's focus on American sports and athletes.

However, the reaction from Canadian fans has not been wholly positive. Numerous social media users from Canada expressed their disappointment and disapproval of McRae's endorsement of American athletes, suggesting that she should instead promote athletes from her own country. The sentiment reflects a broader national pride and the desire for Canadian representation in international sporting events.

In addition to her recent advertising venture, McRae has been in the headlines due to her personal life. She is rumored to be dating Jack Hughes, a star player on Team USA's hockey team, as they have been spotted together on multiple occasions. The budding romance has added a layer of intrigue to her public persona, especially during the time of the Olympics when national pride is at its peak.

Moreover, McRae's musical career continues to flourish. She was recently announced as a leading nominee for the upcoming Juno Awards, where she is set to compete alongside prominent artists such as Justin Bieber. This recognition underscores her rising star status in the music industry and her growing fanbase, both in Canada and internationally.

Lastly, the NBC ad also serves to promote McRae's latest single, “Nobody’s Girl,” further intertwining her music career with her involvement in the Olympics. This multi-faceted approach to her public image highlights the various ways McRae is connecting with audiences, whether through her music, personal life, or representation of international events.