Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry just gave a routine hardware-store run an unexpected soundtrack. The former Canadian prime minister and the pop superstar were captured dancing inside a Home Hardware store in Montreal while Trudeau’s son XAV’s new single, “Downtown,” played over the store’s speakers.
The video surfaced at an especially well-timed moment for XAV, whose full name is Xavier Trudeau. “Downtown” recently became his first song to enter a Billboard Canada airplay chart, giving the young singer a major career milestone as his father and Perry publicly showed their support.
Justin Trudeau dances to XAV Trudeau’s “Downtown”
Forget a nightclub. This particular dance floor came with household supplies. The clip was filmed at a Home Hardware location on Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal. Trudeau can be seen moving through the store carrying household items while holding a plunger, singing and dancing along as “Downtown” plays overhead.
Perry is behind the camera for part of the scene, documenting Trudeau’s enthusiastic reaction to hearing his son’s music in the store. At one point, Trudeau identifies exactly where they are, saying they are at the Home Hardware on Saint-Laurent.
XAV Trudeau shared the Montreal Home Hardware video
XAV posted the clip to his own social media as part of the promotion surrounding “Downtown.” According to CityNews Montreal, the emerging artist also encouraged listeners to tag him in their own reaction videos to the song.
“Downtown” debuted at No. 36 on the Billboard Canada CHR/Top 40 Airplay chart dated August 15, marking XAV’s first appearance on a Billboard Canada chart. The single blends pop, R&B and hip-hop influences. XAV has cited artists including The Weeknd, Drake and Don Toliver among his inspirations, while describing “Downtown” as a song capturing the excitement and nerves that can come with a new relationship.
The chart debut also follows another significant career development. XAV recently announced a global distribution deal with 907 Records and ADA Canada, Warner Music Canada’s distribution and artist-services division.
Katy Perry has been giving XAV Trudeau music advice
Perry’s appearance in the clip has another interesting layer. XAV has previously discussed talking with the “Firework” singer about his music. Rolling Stone Canada reported that XAV described Perry as “cool” and “nice” and said the two had spent hours discussing his music, with Perry offering advice and pointers.
Perry brings considerable experience to those conversations. After years of major pop releases, tours and chart success, she has firsthand knowledge of the industry XAV is attempting to enter.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupHis mother, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, has also publicly supported the new single. XAV recently shared a clip of her hearing “Downtown,” with Billboard Canada reporting that she praised its hook and catchy beat.
So while Justin Trudeau’s hardware-store dancing may be getting plenty of attention, the bigger story for XAV is that his latest release is reaching a wider audience.
Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry’s Montreal connection continues
Montreal also holds some history for Trudeau and Perry. The two were first romantically linked in July 2025 after being spotted together in the city, including during a dinner outing.
A year later, they are far less private about their relationship. Their Home Hardware appearance shows them in a particularly casual setting, away from red carpets and formal appearances.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupThis is not the first time father and son have generated attention together around XAV’s music. Billboard Canada noted that a previous video featuring XAV watching the music video for “Back Me Up” with his father gained traction after Trudeau playfully critiqued his son’s dance moves.
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