CFL Flagged For Not Wanting Canadian Singers At Grey Cup Half-Time Show

At the 107th Grey Cup held Sunday in Calgary between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Keith Urban a New Zealand-Australian performed the half-time show. Urban is a singer, songwriter and record producer well known for his work in country music. He is also married to Nicole Kidman and well connected to the American entertainment industry. 

The CFL refused to discuss how they decided upon Keith Urban. Canadian artists like Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, Nickelback, Micheal Buble, Coeur de Pirate, and others were not available for comment about the Canadian Football League choosing a non-Canadian for performing at the half time show and snubbing homegrown talent. The half time show represents an opportunity to gain a wider audience in Canada and demonstrate that Canada has real talent. Around 5 to 6 million Canadians will view the Grey Cup.

The CRTC currently has policies about ensuring Canadian artists are heard on TV and radio in Canada.  Donovan Martin a CFL fan said, “I want to see a Canadian team, in a Canadian game, in a Canadian city, with a Canadian musician, I am Canadian.”