Mason Greer, the singer who performed a bilingual version of “O Canada” before the Carolina Hurricanes’ playoff game against the Montreal Canadiens in Raleigh, North Carolina, says he is surprised and honoured by the praise he has received after the performance.
Greer chose to sing Canada’s national anthem in both official languages rather than the English-only version that is more commonly heard outside games involving the Montreal Canadiens or Ottawa Senators. He said the reaction on social media has been overwhelming, with his name trending online and a flood of positive comments coming in after the anthem performance.
According to Greer, some of the messages he has received were written in French. He said he responds with a simple thank you because he does not speak the language, but he appreciates the support and kind words. The attention has made the 24-year-old student reflect on the unusual level of enthusiasm surrounding what he considered a routine part of his long experience performing at sporting events.
Greer has been singing “O Canada” at Hurricanes home games since 2018, and he said he has developed the habit of performing the anthem bilingually when the Senators or Canadiens visit. He has more than a decade of experience singing national anthems in arenas and stadiums, but said he has never felt an atmosphere quite like the one that greeted him at the start of Thursday’s game in Raleigh.
The performance drew attention because it highlighted both of Canada’s official languages in a setting where the French verses are not always included. For many viewers and fans, the rendition stood out as a thoughtful and respectful gesture ahead of a high-profile playoff matchup. Greer’s choice also sparked a wave of online engagement, with supporters praising him for embracing the bilingual nature of the anthem.
While Greer said he was grateful for the response, he also appeared modest about the moment, emphasizing that he was simply doing what he has done before in similar circumstances. His comments suggest that the viral attention was unexpected, but welcomed, and that he remains focused on his role as a regular anthem singer for the Hurricanes.
The reaction to Greer’s performance shows how a national anthem, especially when delivered in both English and French, can resonate strongly with audiences far beyond the rink. For Greer, the experience has become one of the most memorable of his singing career, even among years of performing in major sports venues.
