Chantal Kreviazuk changes O Canada lyrics at hockey game against U.S.
Chantal Kreviazuk, the talented Grammy-award winning singer hailing from Winnipeg, made headlines recently for her bold move during the 4 Nations Face-Off game against the United States. The singer changed the lyrics to the Canadian national anthem, “O Canada,” replacing the phrase “in all of us command” with “that only us command.” This intentional switch was a response to the annexation rhetoric coming from the U.S., as confirmed by a representative in an email to CBC News.
The 50-year-old singer took to Instagram to share a photo of the adjusted lyrics written on her hand, sparking a debate among fans and spectators. The anthem was met with loud boos ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off final at TD Garden in Boston, despite a request by the arena’s public announcer for respect.
In contrast, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung in full voice by the sold-out crowd during the championship game, setting the stage for the NHL’s Olympic return in 2026. The contrasting reactions to the two anthems reflected the tension and divisions between the two neighboring countries.
The boos for “O Canada” were a response to similar treatment of the U.S. anthem at professional sporting events and before 4 Nations games in Canada. This backlash started after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs against Canada, one of America’s closest allies. Trump’s ongoing musings about Canada potentially becoming the “51st state” have further strained relations between the two countries.
During a phone call with the U.S. team before their pre-game stake, President Trump added fuel to the fire, leading to heightened emotions during anthem rituals. The Bell Centre in Montreal witnessed boos during the American national anthem at earlier tournament games, culminating in a dramatic showdown between the U.S. and Canada in the final.
Despite the controversy surrounding the anthem adjustments, the games themselves were filled with excitement and competition. Fans from both sides passionately supported their teams, creating an electrifying atmosphere in the arena. The tournament served as a platform for showcasing hockey talent and fostering international sportsmanship.
As the dust settles on the 4 Nations Face-Off, the debate over anthem etiquette and national unity continues. Chantal Kreviazuk’s decision to alter the anthem lyrics sparked important conversations about patriotism, diplomacy, and the power of music to convey messages. In the end, sports have a unique way of bringing people together, transcending borders and differences for the love of the game.
