Canadian-born pop star Tate McRae doubled down on her roots after fans were left outraged on social media by her support of Team USA in a recent ad promoting the Milan Cortina Olympics and Super Bowl LX. 

McRae, who was born in Calgary, Alberta, appeared to intensify the sporting rivalry between Canada and the U.S. when she appeared in an ad for NBC. In the clip, shared on Instagram with her nine million followers, McRae expressed excitement about meeting U.S. athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn.

Lindsey Vonn competes during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup women’s downhill at the Prampero Slope on Monte Lussari. The event took place in Tarvisio, Italy, on Jan. 17, 2026. (Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“I’m trying to get to Milan for an amazing opening ceremony and meet Team USA,” she said in the ad. “Gonna spend the week with some of America’s best skating for gold and Lindsey Vonn’s epic comeback. And back to the states for the big game, Super Bowl LX,” she said in the commercial.

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Amid rising political tensions between the two border nations – which made their way to the sporting world during the 4 Nations Face-Off, McRae’s support for Team USA did not appear to sit well with Canadians, who called her a “traitor” among other things.

But McRae took to social media to respond to the backlash, and perhaps reveal where her loyalties truly lie. 

McRae posted a childhood picture of herself holding the Canadian flag with a caption that read, “… y’all know I’m Canada down.” 

CANADIAN-BORN SINGER TATE MCRAE SPARKS FURY AFTER BACKING TEAM USA IN OLYMPICS AD: ‘TRAITOR’

But not everyone on social media appeared to accept McRae’s response. 

“Yeah, no. Her saying ‘Y’all’ says otherwise,” one person wrote on X. 

Tate McRae performs onstage during the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena. The performance took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sept. 19, 2025. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)

“Well then why support the US team? Sometimes it is important to support your own country and not just go for the money and especially during times like this,” another added. 

“Damage control,” another response read.

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Backlash over McRae’s ad set the stage for escalating tensions between the U.S. and Canada.

Most recently in the skeleton competition, many Americans remain outraged over the absence of five-time Olympian Katie Uhlaender in Milan Cortina, after Team Canada was found to have manipulated an Olympic qualifier last month that prevented Uhlaender from being able to earn enough points to make this year’s Winter Games.

Katie Uhlaender (U.S.) competes in the women’s skeleton event at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at the Olympic Sliding Center in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on Feb. 17, 2018. (James Lang/USA TODAY Sports)

Fox News Digital’s Jackson Thompson contributed to this report. 

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has sent an emotional farewell message to Chippa United fans following the confirmation of his departure from the South African Premiership side.

Taking to social media on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Nigerian international reflected on his time at the club and expressed deep gratitude to everyone connected with Chippa United.

“It was more than a family❤️. To my lovely teammates, dear coaches, amazing fans and best chairman in the world. As I stand here to say farewell, but more than a goodbye, I want to say thank you,” Nwabali wrote.

The goalkeeper described his time at the club as unforgettable, highlighting the moments that shaped his journey.

“The memories we’ve shared, the hard fought victories, the setbacks we turned into lessons, the laughs and the tears are moments I will carry with me forever,” he said.

Nwabali added that leaving the club does not end his emotional connection with it.

“I leave with a heart full of gratitude and a lifetime of cherished memories. This isn’t just a farewell, it’s an appreciation for every moment you’ve given me. The lessons I’ve learned here will stay with me forever, and even though I may not wear the shirt anymore, a part of me will always remain with this club.”

The 28-year-old reserved special praise for the club chairman, describing him as a major influence in his career.

“To the club chairman, thank you for being such a father figure to me ❤️. Thank you for the honor of letting me be part of this story. I wish you all success and happiness in the seasons ahead,” he wrote.

Nwabali ended his message with a heartfelt sign-off.

“Thank you — and farewell. Until we meet again.”

Chippa United earlier announced the departure of the Nigerian goalkeeper following his impressive performances for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Nwabali joined the club in 2022 from Katsina United and went on to establish himself as Chippa United’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Lando Norris has shared his admiration for how Max Verstappen goes racing, as he admits he’s still not at the level he needs to be. The reigning F1 champion is heading into the 2026 season hoping to defend his crown with McLaren. It also coincides with a change in regulations that will see the start of a completely different era in the sport.

We’re going to see completely new power units that will have a 50-50 split in terms of power produced by fuel and electric. The first pre-season test/shakedown is already done, and it once again showed that the top four teams have emerged more or less as the frontrunners. For Lando Norris himself, this is an opportunity to not only defend his title but also show what progress he’s made after winning his first championship in 2025.

Often, however, Lando Norris does get compared to Max Verstappen, who is the benchmark in F1. The Dutch driver fell short of what would have been a fifth consecutive title in 2025 by just two points. Even then, the driver was considered the cream of the crop for the season.

Talking to the media, including PlanetF1, Lando Norris was questioned about his approach compared to Max Verstappen, to which the Brit admitted that both drivers had a slightly different way of approaching racing. He did, however, reveal that there were things he admired about Verstappen’s driving and knew he’s yet to reach the level he needs to be at. He said,

“It’s quite clear that I have a different mentality and a different approach to, say, what Max has. Good or bad, you decide. There are a lot of things that I still admire about Max, and I wish I had a little bit more of that, here and there. I’m always trying to improve my things. I know there are still areas where I’m not at the level I need to be. It’s still a good level but, when you’re fighting these guys, you need to be close to perfection.”

He added,

“So there are still plenty of things I want to work on and I want to be better at, but the baseline level of where I’m at now is already pretty good, and my motivation to win is exactly the same.”

Lando Norris opens up on his approach after becoming a world champion

It is often stated by many drivers in the past that winning a championship takes the burden off the shoulders, and once that box is ticked, things become much easier. Lando Norris, however, felt that his approach and his thought process have continued to be the same as they were in the past. He said,

“Honestly, no. As much as I say that, I don’t feel any different coming into this season. I still feel like I just want to go out and win. I feel like there’s just quite a baseline feeling, and there consistently is.”

He added,

“I think just more, at the end of the day, if I don’t achieve something again, I always have something that I’m very proud about and I know is a huge achievement, but it certainly hasn’t taken away any ambition or desire to want to do it again, or to come into this season and go and not care about it.”

Heading into the 2026 F1 season, Lando Norris will be hoping McLaren has produced a competent package as he tries to defend his maiden world championship.