The Tenors to sing O Canada at Grey Cup minus controversial ex-member
Remigio Pereira changed lyric in O Canada at 2016 MLB All-Star Game
Canadian opera group The Tenors, who caused a stir with their performance at Major League Baseball's all-star game last summer, will sing the national anthem at the Grey Cup game on Sunday in Toronto.
Controversial former member Remigio Pereira will not be taking part.
At the all-star game in July at San Diego, Pereira changed a lyric in O Canada and held up a sign proclaiming "All Lives Matter" during the Victoria group's performance.
Pereira unexpectedly sang: We're all brothers and sisters. All lives matter to the great. The normal lyric is With glowing hearts we see thee rise. The True North strong and free.
Pereira, a Boston native who grew up in Gatineau, Que., had "United We Stand" written on the back of his sign.
Correction: The Tenors altered O Canada lyrics in support of All Lives Matter. <a href="https://t.co/Q0i6qqLB4Y">pic.twitter.com/Q0i6qqLB4Y</a>
—@BillCooneyThe other members of the group — Victor Micallef, Clifton Murray and Fraser Walters — called his actions disrespectful and shameful. He was later kicked out of the Tenors.
The Ottawa Redblacks will meet the Calgary Stampeders at Toronto's BMO Field in the 104th edition of the Canadian Football League's championship game.
American pop band OneRepublic will perform at the Grey Cup halftime show and Canadian singer Alessia Cara will headline the kickoff show.
'Superbly talented, proudly Canadian'
It will be the second time singing O Canada at the Grey Cup for the Tenors, who have recorded multiple platinum-selling albums in Canada.
"Clifton, Fraser and Victor of the Tenors are superbly talented and proudly Canadian, and we're looking forward to having them sing Canada's national anthem," said CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge in a statement.
The Juno Award-winning group also performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies, the 2012 Queen's Jubilee in England and the 2014 Stanley Cup final.