Pop singer Tate McRae is under scrutiny for showing support for Team USA in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, despite being Canadian. In a promotional advertisement aired by NBC, she expressed her excitement for attending the Olympics, mentioning meeting U.S. skaters and looking forward to Lindsey Vonn’s comeback.
Her declaration didn’t sit well with some fans, who labeled her a “traitor” online, prompting her to respond through Instagram Stories. In an effort to address the criticism, she shared a childhood photo with a Canadian flag, reminding her followers of her roots.
McRae, now 22, articulated her dedication to her Canadian identity with a simple message about being “down in Canada.” She rose to fame after beginning her dance career as a child, thanks to her dance teacher mother. It all kicked off at the age of four, followed by music lessons after her father gifted her a piano at six.
After gaining attention through her YouTube channel, her breakout moment occurred at just 12 years old on the FOX show “So You Think You Can Dance,” where she finished 13th and received praise from judge Paula Abdul.
Years later, in 2019, she signed with RCA Records and debuted songs like “Tear Myself Apart,” which she co-wrote with Billie Eilish. Her career continued to flourish during the pandemic, catering to fans online, and her TikTok hit “You Broke Me First” solidified her presence in the music scene.
In 2021, McRae relocated to Los Angeles but later found the transition challenging. She mentioned feeling lost amidst various personalities in the industry. However, she eventually moved to New York City in 2025, describing it as a fresh start that invigorated her creativity.
Her romantic life has also drawn interest, particularly her past relationship with Kid Laroy, which ended about a year later. After their breakup, she released “Tit for That,” a song fans speculated to be about the split.
Recently, rumors have surfaced about her dating NHL player Jack Hughes, with the two being spotted together on multiple occasions. Hughes, navigating an injury, is expected to represent Team USA at the 2026 Olympics despite the buzz surrounding his relationship with McRae, which neither has publicly confirmed yet.
