Nezza’s Spanish Anthem at Dodgers Game Sparks Debate

Singer Nezza (Vanessa Hernández) defied Dodgers officials by performing the U.S. national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium, despite being told to sing in English. Nezza said her act was in solidarity with immigrant communities amid ongoing ICE raids and protests in Los Angeles, reflecting her background as the daughter of Colombian-Dominican immigrants. The Spanish version, 'El Pendón Estrellado,' was commissioned by the U.S. State Department in 1945 to foster ties with Latin America. After Nezza initially claimed she would be banned from the stadium, Dodgers officials clarified there would be no consequences and she remains welcome. The performance has ignited debate over cultural representation and protest in sports, with fans and commentators divided. The Dodgers organization has not issued a public statement on the protest or related immigration controversies.