At the heart of Canadian culture, where a love for hockey is practically a national trait, Tate McRae stole the spotlight at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game on February 3rd with a performance that left everyone in awe. Having lived in Canada for a few years myself, my admiration for Canadian talents—from actors like Shay Mitchell and Ryan Gosling to music artists such as The Weeknd, Drake, and Justin Bieber—has grown immensely. Watching Tate McRae’s half-time show was such a striking experience, it left me wishing I had flown to Canada myself just to see it live.
Tate didn’t just perform; she owned the stage, blending fierce choreography with her natural, powerful vocals that transformed the ice rink into her personal dance floor. And yes, you read that correctly—she performed on an ice rink! Wearing an outfit that struck the perfect balance between sporty and stylish, she opened with “Think Later,” setting the tone for an unforgettable setlist that included “Exes,” “You Broke Me First,” “Run for the Hills” (my personal favorite Tate McRae song), and ending off with everybody’s favorite, “Greedy.” These tracks, all from her album ‘Think Later’, showcased her music style and vibes. Also, I’d like to take a moment to appreciate the seamless transition from “You Broke Me First” to “Run for the Hills”—absolutely magnificent!
What truly set this performance apart was not just Tate’s dance moves or her selection of songs, but her ability to maintain a perfect balance between her singing and her dance routines. This harmony highlighted her talent and marked the performance as one of her best, affirming that she is much more than just a singer. The smooth transitions between her songs throughout the performance were also very impressive.
As Tate continues to evolve as an artist, it’s clear that she’s just at the start of her journey, especially considering she’s only 20 years old. Her appearance at the NHL All-Star Game offered a glimpse into her potential, and makes me excited for her future. With her tour coming up later this year, I am hoping to see her live in North Carolina over the summer. I would love to listen to her beautiful voice live and see her perform in real-life. I’m excited to see where her musical career takes her next.
Watch her performance here!