CALGARY, AB — Canadian pop sensation Tate McRae is making headlines this Friday, February 20, 2026, as she navigates a complex intersection of international sports rivalry, chart-topping success, and a high-profile romance during the Winter Olympics.
“Canada Down”: McRae Responds to Olympic Ad Controversy
The 22-year-old singer-songwriter recently faced significant backlash from fans in her home country after starring in a promotional advertisement for NBC. The ad, which highlights Team USA’s hockey prospects, drew the ire of Canadian social media users as tensions between the two nations’ sporting programs hit seasonal highs.
Addressing the criticism on February 15, the Calgary native reassured her followers, stating she is “Canada down” despite the commercial partnership. The controversy comes at a sensitive time, as McRae is currently rumored to be dating Team USA hockey star Jack Hughes. The pair has been spotted together frequently during the 2026 Winter Games, with DeuxMoi and other outlets reporting the relationship is “official” following a series of romantic Valentine’s Week photos in Paris.
Musical Dominance: “So Close to What” and Grammy Recognition
Beyond the tabloid headlines, McRae’s professional trajectory remains on a record-breaking path. Following the 2025 release of her third studio album, So Close to What, McRae secured her position as a global powerhouse. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and the Canadian Albums Chart, fueled by the multi-platinum success of singles like “greedy” and her recent bombshell track “TIT FOR TAT.”
Key milestones in her career as of February 2026 include:
- Award Sweeps: Named Artist of the Year at the JUNO Awards for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025).
- Grammy Buzz: Currently a nominee for the upcoming 2026 awards season following her transition from a competitive dancer to a platinum-selling pop artist.
- iHeartRadio Nominations: Confirmed as a top contender for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, scheduled to air on FOX this March.
From “So You Think You Can Dance” to Global Icon
Born July 1, 2003, McRae first entered the public eye as a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation. Her background as a professional dancer continues to define her artistic brand, characterized by high-energy choreography and “romance-core” fashion. Most recently, her Valentine’s Day photoshoot in a vintage Victoria’s Secret minidress went viral, further cementing her status as a style icon for Gen Z.
While her personal life—including a public split from Australian singer The Kid LAROI—continues to fascinate the public, McRae remains focused on her “Lost Americana” era. Industry analysts note that her ability to blend hip-hop percussion with pop sensibilities has redefined the genre for 2026, making her one of the most influential artists of the decade.
Stay tuned to USA Daily for live updates on the iHeartRadio Music Awards and the latest from the 2026 Winter Olympics.