Singer BARRED for Spanish Anthem? Team DENIES It!

Vanessa Hernández—known as Nezza—sparked a national uproar after performing the U.S. national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium, defying team guidance and drawing both fierce backlash and growing support in a moment now symbolic of America’s cultural tensions.

At a Glance

• Nezza performed “El Pendón Estrellado” at Dodger Stadium after being advised to sing in English
• The move triggered death threats from critics who saw the performance as unpatriotic
• Nezza cited ICE presence and immigration protests as factors in her choice
• Dodgers deny banning her from future performances, countering her claims
• The controversy taps into broader debates about cultural identity and national symbols

Anthem Sparks Firestorm

Nezza ignited the controversy June 17 by singing the U.S. anthem in Spanish at a Dodgers game, despite a team employee stating, “We are going to do the song in English today,” according to Fox News. The performance, quickly circulated via TikTok and Twitter, drew fierce criticism and death threats online. Nezza clarified the moment was recorded during a sound test and not intended as a political act.

Protest Roots Behind Her Choice

Immigration politics influenced Nezza’s choice: her Spanish anthem aligned with “No Kings” protests against military displays and coincided with President Trump’s birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. ICE activity in Los Angeles added urgency. “That’s just the internet. That’s going to come with something like that,” Nezza told Fox News.

Watch a report: Dodger Stadium anthem sparks national debate

Dodgers Respond—And Culture Clash Grows

The Dodgers denied banning Nezza, contradicting her online suggestion she was “barred” from the venue. Other L.A. sports teams, such as Angel City FC, have championed immigrant causes and praised Nezza’s stand. Meanwhile, Nezza said, “It’s been really sweet to see people you idolize be on the right side of history,” per Fox News.

This episode—anthem as protest or patriotism—shows how cultural expression at public events remains a lightning rod. Whether Nezza’s Spanish rendition expands inclusion or triggers deeper divides is now playing out far beyond Dodger Stadium.