Fans and TV viewers thought the anthem singer, Chantal Kreviazuk, had made a mistake while performing the Canadian national anthem before the 4 Nations Face-Off final in Boston. But now, it’s been revealed that she deliberately changed the lyrics—in protest of President Donald Trump.
Tensions between the United States and Canada had been rising for weeks following Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canada. He had also made several remarks suggesting that Canada should become the United States’ 51st state. When the teams met in the group stage in Montreal, Canadian fans made their stance clear by loudly booing the American anthem.
Thursday’s rematch had even higher stakes, with the championship on the line. American fans retaliated before the game by booing the Canadian anthem, but it was something else that caught the attention of both those in attendance and viewers at home. Many initially believed that the Canadian anthem singer, Chantal Kreviazuk, had made a mistake while performing O Canada.
Chantal Kreviazuk changed the lyrics
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.
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.”
After Canada’s dramatic overtime win, sealed by superstar forward Connor McDavid, O Canada was played once more—but this time, there was no booing. Instead, Canadian players and fans sang together, proudly watching their flag rise inside TD Garden.
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