Introduction: Nezza’s Bold Performance at Dodger Stadium:
On June 15, 2025, Latin-R&B singer Vanessa Hernández, known as Nezza, took center stage at Dodger Stadium to perform the U.S. national anthem before a Los Angeles Dodgers game against the San Francisco Giants. Instead of singing the traditional English version, Nezza delivered a powerful rendition of “El Pendón Estrellado”, the official Spanish translation commissioned in 1945 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This decision, made despite a Dodgers employee’s request to sing in English, sparked widespread discussion and resonated deeply with Los Angeles’ Latino community. Amid immigration protests in Los Angeles and nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations, Nezza’s act was a bold statement of cultural pride and resistance, making it a trending topic on platforms like TikTok and X. This article explores the significance of Nezza’s Spanish anthem performance, its historical context, and its impact on social and political discourse, offering a fresh perspective for readers searching for insights on this viral moment.
Who Is Nezza? A Rising Star with Latino Roots
Vanessa Hernández, professionally known as Nezza, is a 30-year-old singer, dancer, and social media influencer of Colombian-Dominican descent. Born in the Bay Area, California, she graduated from Santa Clara High before moving to Los Angeles to pursue her music career. Nezza’s Latin-R&B style, influenced by her heritage, has earned her a growing fanbase. Her debut EP, “Club Solita”, released in October 2021, featured hits like “Corazon Frio”, her most popular Spotify track. In June 2025, she dropped a new single, “Classy”, under the Plush label, while working on her anticipated debut album.
Nezza’s social media presence, particularly on TikTok, has amplified her reach, with millions following her for her music and candid personality. Her performance at the Dodgers game wasn’t her first anthem gig—she sang the English version at an Oakland A’s game on June 3, 2025—but it was her most impactful, cementing her as a cultural figure. Wearing a Dominican Republic jersey, Nezza’s choice to sing in Spanish was a personal and political act, reflecting her identity and solidarity with her community.
The Performance: Defying Expectations at Dodger Stadium
On June 15, 2025, Nezza stood before 51,548 fans at Dodger Stadium, delivering “El Pendón Estrellado” with emotional intensity. A TikTok video she posted afterward revealed a Dodgers employee instructing her to sing in English, saying, “We are going to do the song in English today. I’m not sure if that wasn’t relayed.” Nezza’s caption read, “Watch the Dodgers tell me I can’t sing the Spanish ‘Star Spangled Banner that Roosevelt literally commissioned in 1945… So I did it anyway.” The video, which garnered over 4 million views by June 16, 2025, showed her tearful yet proud reaction, emphasizing her decision was “para mi gente” (for my people).
The performance, met with massive applause at the stadium, went viral online, sparking debates about language, identity, and representation. Nezza’s choice to wear a Dominican Republic jersey underscored her cultural pride, while her defiance of the Dodgers’ request highlighted her commitment to her community amid a tense socio-political climate. Despite fears of being banned, the Dodgers confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that Nezza faced no consequences and was welcome back, though the team issued no public statement.
Historical Context: The Significance of “El Pendón Estrellado”
“El Pendón Estrellado”, the Spanish version of “The Star-Spangled Banner”, holds a unique place in American history. Commissioned in 1945 by the U.S. State Department under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy, it aimed to foster stronger ties with Latin America. The translation, meaning “The Starry Banner,” preserves the anthem’s meaning and melody, making it an official rendition. Nezza highlighted this history in her TikTok videos, noting its relevance in a city like Los Angeles, where over 40% of the Dodgers’ fanbase is Latino.
Her performance came at a time when Los Angeles was grappling with ICE raids, which began on June 6, 2025, and intensified protests across the city. These raids, part of Trump administration policies, led to the arrest of figures like Senator Alex Padilla and prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass to denounce ICE’s actions. Nezza’s choice to sing in Spanish was a direct response to this unrest, symbolizing resistance against policies targeting immigrant communities.
Socio-Political Climate: Immigration Protests and “No Kings” Day
Nezza’s performance coincided with a volatile moment in Los Angeles. Since June 6, 2025, ICE raids had disrupted Latino neighborhoods, sparking protests and drawing national attention. The deployment of 700 Marines and the California National Guard, ordered by President Trump, escalated tensions, with a federal judge ruling the Guard’s federalization illegal on June 13, 2025, though the order was paused pending appeal.
On June 15, 2025, nationwide “No Kings” protests marked opposition to Trump’s policies, coinciding with his birthday and a military parade in Washington, D.C. In Los Angeles, these protests dovetailed with anti-ICE demonstrations, creating a charged atmosphere. Dodgers outfielder Kiké Hernández, a Puerto Rican player, posted on Instagram, “I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city… I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart.” His statement, echoed by former player Adrián González, contrasted with the Dodgers’ silence, drawing criticism from fans and columnists like Dylan Hernández, who called the team “cowardly” for not addressing the raids.
Nezza’s anthem was a musical protest, aligning with these movements. Her emotional TikTok follow-up, where she tearfully shared her parents’ immigrant background, connected her act to the fear of family separation felt by many in Los Angeles. “I just can’t imagine them being ripped away from me, even at this age, let alone a little kid,” she said, underscoring the human cost of the raids.
Social Media Amplification: Nezza’s Viral Moment
Nezza’s performance gained traction through social media, particularly TikTok and X. Her initial TikTok post, with over 4 million views, and follow-up videos, where she explained her intentions, resonated with fans and critics alike. On X, posts praised her courage, with user @colleenawilson calling it “true courage,” while others, like @CAFruitsandNuts, criticized her defiance, suggesting the Dodgers should have cut her mic.
The mixed reactions highlighted a divide. Supporters, including singer Jason Mraz, who commented, “You did the right thing. Let freedom sing!” on her TikTok, celebrated her stand. Critics argued it disrespected the anthem or politicized sports, with one X user writing, “They should’ve cut off her mic and apologized to their audience.” Despite the backlash, the positive response dominated, with fans flooding her videos with comments like, “Her courage is palpable. So proud of her.”
This viral moment amplified Nezza’s platform, positioning her as a voice for Latino representation and immigrant rights. Her ability to leverage social media underscores the power of artists in shaping public discourse, making her performance a case study in activism through art.
Cultural and Political Significance: Language as Resistance
Nezza’s performance raises broader questions about language, identity, and national symbols. Singing “El Pendón Estrellado” in a city with a significant Latino population challenged the notion that the anthem must be in English to be patriotic. As she told Rolling Stone, “The heart of the anthem does not change with the language. So why was I told I couldn’t sing it? Make it make sense.”
Her act also highlighted the Dodgers’ complex relationship with their Latino fanbase. With over 40% of fans identifying as Latino, the team’s silence on the ICE raids and Nezza’s performance drew scrutiny. In contrast, Los Angeles’ Angel City FC distributed “Immigrant City Football Club” T-shirts on June 15, 2025, explicitly supporting the protests. Nezza’s defiance filled a void left by the Dodgers, making her a symbol of resistance in a city grappling with its identity as a sanctuary for immigrants.
The performance also coincided with “No Kings Day”, a protest against perceived authoritarianism. Nezza’s statement to Rolling Stone tied her act to this movement: “Today also happens to be ‘No Kings Day,’ a day of protest and reflection against injustice and exclusion.” By singing in Spanish, she reclaimed a national symbol for marginalized communities, reinforcing that America’s story includes diverse voices.
The Dodgers’ Response: Silence and Controversy
The Dodgers’ lack of a public statement on Nezza’s performance or the ICE raids fueled criticism. While a team official told the Los Angeles Times that Nezza was welcome back, the organization’s silence contrasted with individual players’ outspokenness. Manager Dave Roberts offered neutral comments, saying, “I haven’t dug enough and can’t speak intelligently on it,” while Kiké Hernández’s Instagram post went viral for its emotional plea.
Fans expressed mixed views. Some, like Yvonne Esquivel, told KTLA, “Keep sports, sports,” while others, like Mike Hurst, criticized the Dodgers’ inaction, saying, “They haven’t said anything publicly about the horrors that people are going through.” The team’s visit to the White House in April 2025 as World Series champions, where they met President Trump, added to the perception of their neutrality, further alienating some fans.
Nezza’s performance forced a reckoning, exposing the tension between sports as escapism and a platform for social change. Her act challenged the Dodgers to engage with their community, a challenge they have yet to meet.
Conclusion: Nezza’s Legacy as a Cultural Voice
Nezza’s performance of “El Pendón Estrellado” at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2025, was more than a musical moment—it was a cultural and political statement. By defying the Dodgers’ request to sing in English, she honored her Colombian-Dominican heritage, stood with Los Angeles’ immigrant community, and sparked a national conversation about language and belonging. Her viral TikTok videos, with millions of views, and the reactions on X underscore her influence as a rising star and activist.
As Los Angeles navigates the fallout of ICE raids and “No Kings” protests, Nezza’s act serves as a reminder of art’s power to challenge injustice. Her courage, encapsulated in the phrase “para mi gente,” resonates with those fighting for inclusion in a divided nation. For readers searching for insights on Nezza’s Spanish anthem, this moment defines her as a voice for change, ensuring her place in both music and cultural history.For more information visit fintechzoominsights.blog
FAQs: Nezza’s Spanish Anthem Performance at Dodgers Game
- Who is Nezza?
Nezza, or Vanessa Hernández, is a Latin-R&B singer of Colombian-Dominican descent known for her debut EP Club Solita and viral TikTok presence. - What did Nezza do at the Dodgers game on June 15, 2025?
Nezza sang El Pendón Estrellado, the Spanish version of the U.S. national anthem, despite a Dodgers employee’s request to sing in English. - Why did Nezza sing the national anthem in Spanish?
Nezza performed El Pendón Estrellado to honor her Latino heritage and support her community amid Los Angeles immigration protests. - What is El Pendón Estrellado?
El Pendón Estrellado is the official Spanish translation of The Star-Spangled Banner, commissioned in 1945 by President Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy. - How did the audience react to Nezza’s Spanish anthem?
Fans at Dodger Stadium gave Nezza massive applause, and her performance video gained over 4 million TikTok views. - What was the Dodgers’ response to Nezza’s performance?
The Dodgers confirmed Nezza faced no consequences and was welcome back, but issued no public statement. - How did Nezza’s performance relate to Los Angeles protests?
Nezza’s act coincided with ICE raids and No Kings protests, symbolizing resistance against anti-immigrant policies. - Why did Nezza’s TikTok video go viral?
Her video, captioned “So I did it anyway,” showcased her defiance and emotional response, resonating with fans and sparking debate. - What cultural impact did Nezza’s performance have?
Nezza’s Spanish anthem highlighted Latino representation and challenged notions of language in national symbols, inspiring activism. - Where can I learn more about Nezza’s music career?
Explore Nezza’s singles like Corazon Frio and Classy on Spotify, or follow her on TikTok for updates on her debut album.