Nezza Says She Sang National Anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium to Honor Her Roots Despite Dodgers’ Objection

Nezza Says She Sang National Anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium to Honor Her Roots Despite Dodgers’ Objection

In a moment that blended music, culture, and defiance, Latin pop singer Nezza took the field at Dodger Stadium and delivered an emotional performance of the United States national anthem — not in English, but in Spanish. The rendition, bold and heartfelt, stood in stark contrast to what had been requested of her. According to the rising artist, the Los Angeles Dodgers had made it clear: perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” in English. But Nezza, whose heritage and identity are deeply rooted in Latin America, chose otherwise.

It was a night meant to celebrate inclusion, heritage, and the diverse tapestry that defines Los Angeles. The Dodgers were hosting their annual “Viva Los Dodgers” event ahead of the game, an occasion that honors Latino culture and community. And Nezza, whose full name is Vanessa Hernandez, had been invited as a featured performer.

What followed, however, quickly became more than just a musical note on the evening’s festivities.

“I know what they told me. I know what they expected of me,” Nezza said, her voice cracking as she spoke to reporters after her performance. “But today, out of all days… I needed to do it. I needed to sing it in Spanish.”

The decision, which she admitted was not taken lightly, was born from what she described as “an overwhelming feeling of responsibility — not just as an artist, but as a Latina.”

The 29-year-old singer, born and raised in the United States to Colombian and Dominican parents, has often spoken about the importance of representation. She’s spent her career weaving Latin rhythms into her music and standing firmly in her bicultural identity. But on this night, she decided her platform was meant for more than just melodies — it was meant for a message.

“People talk about America being a melting pot,” she said. “Well, let it melt then. Let it show. Why does it matter what language we sing it in if the heart behind it is the same?”

Her rendition of “El Pendón Estrellado,” the Spanish-language version of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” began with a gentle acoustic intro and quickly brought the stadium to a hush. Some fans stood in respectful silence, some looked surprised, and others joined in, mouthing along in Spanish. The moment was beautiful, serene, but also tense — because Nezza knew full well what she was risking.

In the hours following her performance, social media erupted. Videos of her singing circulated widely, with many praising her courage and passion. “What Nezza did tonight took guts,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “That’s what pride looks like. That’s what heritage looks like.”

But not all the reactions were positive. Some called it “disrespectful” to perform the anthem in any language other than English. Conservative commentators were quick to accuse the Dodgers of “allowing politics to pollute the sport” — unaware at first that the team had, in fact, instructed Nezza not to perform the anthem in Spanish.

When the truth came to light — that Nezza had gone against the Dodgers’ official direction — the narrative shifted. Suddenly, she wasn’t just a singer who made a bold choice; she was a performer who knowingly defied an agreement.

“Yes, I was told to sing it in English,” she confirmed in an emotional video posted to Instagram later that night. “But I couldn’t. Not this time. With everything going on in the world, with the constant conversations around immigration, identity, and belonging… it didn’t feel right. And when it doesn’t feel right, you have to ask yourself why you’re up there in the first place.”

Nezza’s decision to sing the anthem in Spanish also comes at a time when cultural representation and political messaging continue to intersect in sports. Just this past year, the conversation around who gets to speak — and sing — on major platforms like stadiums has intensified.

“I didn’t do this to make a political statement,” she clarified. “I did it because my grandmother always dreamed of hearing it sung in our language. I did it because my little cousins were in the crowd tonight. I did it because this is just as much our country, too.”

The Dodgers organization, for their part, released a carefully worded statement the following morning.

“While we support artistic expression and celebrate the diversity that makes Los Angeles unique, our standard protocol is to have the national anthem performed in English. We regret that our expectations were not met, but we appreciate Nezza’s contribution to Viva Los Dodgers and thank her for sharing her talent.”

The tone was professional — perhaps overly so — and gave no indication whether Nezza would be invited back in the future.

Behind the scenes, some Dodgers staff reportedly expressed frustration. “It’s not that we don’t value diversity,” said one anonymous employee. “But there’s a process. A decision like that needs to be discussed beforehand, not sprung in front of 50,000 fans and a national TV audience.”

Still, for many Latino fans in attendance, Nezza’s version of the anthem was the emotional highlight of the evening.

“It gave me goosebumps,” said Ana Morales, a second-generation Mexican American and lifelong Dodgers fan. “I’ve never heard it like that before. And hearing it in my family’s language made me feel seen in a way I didn’t expect.”

Her words were echoed by dozens of attendees, some of whom posted videos of their families holding back tears during the performance.

This isn’t the first time the national anthem has been performed in Spanish. Artists such as Jennifer Peña, Marc Anthony, and even Latin pop star Luis Miguel have recorded Spanish versions of the anthem in the past. But doing so on live television, against the wishes of the hosting organization, gives the moment a distinct and defiant legacy.

Nezza, in the aftermath, hasn’t retreated. She’s posted messages of gratitude for the support she’s received and has made it clear she stands by her decision.

“My heart is full tonight,” she posted on X. “Thank you to everyone who understood. Thank you to those who stood. I sang for all of us.”

In an era where voices of underrepresented communities are finally finding stages — sometimes literal — Nezza’s performance may well mark a shift in how sports, art, and identity collide. Her moment at home plate was not just a musical decision, but a message in itself: language doesn’t dilute patriotism. For many, it amplifies it.

Perhaps the most poignant message came not from Nezza herself, but from her mother, who was in the stands.

“She told me afterward, ‘I was scared for you, but I’ve never been prouder,’” Nezza shared through tears. “That meant more than anything.”

Where her career goes from here is anyone’s guess. But what is clear is that on this night, in front of tens of thousands, Nezza did not just sing — she claimed a space. She turned a tradition into a tribute, and a warning into a watermark moment.

“Out of all days,” she said again, quietly, “I needed to do it.”

And now, everyone knows exactly why.

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