Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk made headlines at the 4 Nations Face-Off championship showdown between Canada and the United States by altering the lyrics of her country's national anthem. The game, held at TD Garden in Boston, witnessed an unexpected twist when Kreviazuk used the platform to protest comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump. The President had controversially suggested on social media that Canada might soon become the "Fifty First State" of the United States, prompting Kreviazuk to take a vocal stand.
During the performance, Kreviazuk modified a line from the anthem, changing "true patriot love in all of us command" to "true patriot love that only us command." This symbolic alteration sparked a strong reaction from the audience, who responded with loud boos, filling the arena with tension and disapproval. Despite the mixed reception, Kreviazuk stood firm in her conviction, later confirming through her representative to the BBC that her actions were a deliberate response to Trump's remarks.
Chantal Kreviazuk, a native of Winnipeg, Canada, is recognized for her soulful music, including her hit song "Feels Like Home," which featured in the 2003 film "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. Her album "What If It All Means Something" also made its mark on the Billboard 200 chart in May 2003. Known for her powerful voice and strong convictions, Kreviazuk utilized the international stage of the 4 Nations Face-Off to express her displeasure with political discourse that she feels undermines Canadian sovereignty.
Following the event, Kreviazuk took to social media to share a photo of her hand with the revised anthem lyrics scrawled upon it, accompanied by a defiant message. She stated, "In this very peculiar and potentially consequential moment I truly believe that we must stand up, use our voices and try to protect ourselves." This post underscored her commitment to advocacy through music and her determination to influence public opinion.
The hockey match itself concluded with Canada securing a victory over the United States, winning 3-2 in overtime. However, the game's outcome was somewhat overshadowed by Kreviazuk's bold statement and the ensuing debate over artistic freedom and national pride.
