Did the Dodgers ban Nezza from singing the Spanish national anthem?

Nezza’s controversy is making heaadlines lately!

This past weekend, Los Angeles found itself at the heart of national attention. Streets across the city were filled with people rallying in protest against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and the wave of mass deportations taking place across the country. Emotions were running high, with demonstrations reflecting widespread frustration and fear within immigrant communities and their supporters.

Amid this charged atmosphere, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted a home game against their longtime rivals, the San Francisco Giants. However, what unfolded before the first pitch added a new layer to the weekend’s heated discussions.

During the pre-game ceremony on Sunday night, singer Vanessa Hernandez, known professionally as Nezza, performed the U.S. national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. But instead of singing it in English, as expected, she chose to perform it in Spanish. According to reports, this was not what the Dodgers had approved or anticipated.

Nezza’s decision sparked immediate debate online. Some praised her for using her platform to make a statement and reflect the cultural diversity of Los Angeles. Others criticised the move, especially given the broader context of nationwide protests. Social media quickly became a battleground of opinions, with discussions touching on patriotism, protest, representation, and freedom of expression.

Given the emotional and political weight of the weekend, the moment didn’t go unnoticed, and it has raised larger questions about art, activism, and the boundaries of expression in public venues. Here’s a closer look at what happened and why it’s become a topic of national conversation.

Singer Nezza took to TikTok to share her side of the story after sparking controversy at a recent Dodgers game. In the video, she included a moment where a Dodgers staff member clearly expressed that the team preferred the national anthem be sung in English.

“We’re going to do the song in English today,” the employee can be heard saying. “I’m not sure if that wasn’t relayed.”

Despite this directive, Nezza went ahead and sang The Star-Spangled Banner in Spanish during the game’s opening ceremony. Her decision, made in defiance of the team’s stated preference, quickly drew backlash online, with some praising the move as bold and meaningful, while others criticized it as inappropriate or disrespectful.

In a follow-up TikTok, Nezza explained her reasoning, visibly emotional. “I didn’t think I’d be met with any kind of ‘no,’ especially here in L.A. — and especially with everything going on right now,” she said, referring to the widespread protests and immigration-related tensions across the country.

She added that she’s performed the national anthem many times in the past, but this time felt different. “Today, out of all days, I just couldn’t sing it in English,” she said. “When she [the staff member] came in and told me no, I just felt deep in my gut that I had to do it. Para mi gente. For my people.”

Nezza’s decision and her explanation have added another layer to an already emotionally charged weekend, sparking conversations around artistic expression, identity, and the intersection of politics and sports.

Although Nezza went against the Dodgers’ request by performing the national anthem in Spanish instead of English, there is currently no indication that she has been banned from Dodger Stadium. As of now, the Dodgers have not released any official statement addressing the incident or her future involvement with the team.

Who is Nezza?
Nezza is a 30-year-old Latin American singer and dancer with a strong presence on social media. Of Colombian and Dominican descent, she was born in the U.S. and has spent most of her life in Los Angeles, a city known for its vibrant and diverse Latinx community.

While she has performed alongside major artists such as Selena Gomez and Lady Gaga, Nezza has carved out her own path in the music industry by blending elements of Latin and American pop music. Her style, message, and cultural identity have helped her build a dedicated fanbase, particularly among younger audiences who appreciate her authenticity and creative fusion of genres.