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Music and politics collided on the ice when singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk made an unexpected change to the lyrics of O Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between Canada and the U.S. on Thursday. The alteration, a subtle yet pointed deviation from the original lyrics, added a new layer of tension to an already politically charged tournament.
Instead of singing the official line, "in all of us command," Kreviazuk defiantly sang "that only us command"—a move she later confirmed was a direct response to former U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims that Canada should become the 51st state of the U.S.
Taking to Instagram after her performance, the Winnipeg-born musician posted a photo of her altered lyrics written on her hand, alongside a passionate statement about Canada's sovereignty.
"I am sorry if you think that we'd be better off annexed. Here is the thing. Art to me is an expression of our truth. And in this very peculiar and potentially consequential moment, I truly believe that we must stand up, use our voices, and try to protect ourselves," she wrote.
She also drew parallels between Canada's situation and Ukraine's struggle for sovereignty, emphasizing Canada's unique culture, kindness, and strength.
Her bold statement did not go unnoticed. The anthem tweak sparked a mixed reaction from fans, critics, and political figures alike. Some praised her artistic protest, while others felt the national anthem should remain untouched, regardless of political frustrations.
Interestingly, the controversy unfolded in a charged atmosphere where nationalistic sentiments had already been running high. Earlier in the tournament, American fans in Montreal had booed The Star-Spangled Banner, reflecting growing frustration over Trump's rhetoric and trade threats. The Canadian anthem received similar treatment before Thursday's game in Boston—although by the time Kreviazuk reached the final notes, a significant portion of the crowd had joined in singing along.
After an intense match, Canada secured a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory, clinching the championship title. Kreviazuk wasted no time celebrating, posting a triumphant photo of herself on Instagram with a fist pump and the caption, "And justice prevails."
Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weighed in on the situation, sharing a pointed message on X (formerly Twitter): "You can't take our country—and you can't take our game."
Whether her anthem alteration was a brave act of patriotism or an unnecessary political stunt, Kreviazuk undeniably made her voice heard. And for many Canadians, her message resonated loud and clear.
