Singer Nezza defied the Dodgers organization by performing the national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium, a decision that has sparked both support and controversy.

At a Glance

• Nezza performed the US National Anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium despite explicit objections from the Dodgers organization
• She wore a Dominican Republic shirt during her performance, stating she wanted to support her community amid recent ICE raids in Los Angeles
• The Spanish version she performed was actually commissioned by the US State Department in 1945
• Dodgers initially suggested Nezza was banned following her performance but later clarified she is welcome back

Defiance at Dodger Stadium

Singer Nezza made a controversial decision when she performed the US National Anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium, directly opposing the wishes of the Dodgers organization. According to reports, Nezza was explicitly told by team representatives that the anthem should be performed in English. Despite this directive, she proceeded with her Spanish-language rendition while wearing a Dominican Republic shirt. The performance came during a period of tension in Los Angeles due to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting illegal immigrants in the area.

The version Nezza performed wasn’t a modern adaptation but rather a translation commissioned by the US State Department itself in 1945. This historical context didn’t prevent controversy from erupting, as social media quickly divided between those supporting Nezza’s cultural expression and those viewing it as disrespectful to American traditions. The Dodgers organization initially remained silent on the matter, with no immediate consequences for the singer’s decision to ignore their instructions.

Community Support and Backlash

Nezza explained her motivation was to stand in solidarity with the Latino community amid recent immigration enforcement activities. “I didn’t think I would be met with any sort of no, especially because we’re in L.A. and with everything happening. But today out of all days, I just could not believe it when she [the Dodgers employee] walked in and told me ‘no.’ But I just felt like I needed to do it. Para mi gente,” Nezza stated, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

“With everything that’s been happening, I just felt like I needed to stand with my people and show them that I’m with them. I wanted to represent them that day.” – Nezza –

While Nezza received support from celebrities including Becky G, George Lopez, Kehlani, and Jason Mraz, she also faced significant negative backlash, including racist comments on social media. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts attempted to ease tensions, expressing hope that “we can be a positive distraction for what people are going through in Los Angeles right now.” Veteran player Kiké Hernández separately voiced concerns about the treatment of the Latino community on his Instagram account.

Aftermath and Clarification

Following her performance, Nezza claimed she received a call from a Dodgers representative stating, “Don’t ever email us again. Don’t ever call us again. Your clients are never welcome here ever again.” This led to reports that she had been banned from the stadium. However, the Dodgers organization later issued a clarification, stating: “She is certainly welcome back at the stadium. She is not banned from the stadium.” They further added there were “no hard feelings” regarding the incident.

“Had they told me you can’t have any Spanish in there, I would have respectfully declined and not shown up on Saturday.” – Nezza –

Nezza has maintained that her intention was never to disrespect the anthem but rather to highlight her pride in being American while celebrating her heritage. She emphasized that she believed no explicit prohibition against singing in Spanish had been communicated in email exchanges with the organization. The singer, who gained wider attention after her Spanish rendition of the anthem went viral on TikTok, plans to continue her music career with a new Spanish pop album and potential tour in development.