Nezza’s Bold Anthem Stand: Why Dodgers Asked for English—and Got Spanish
Objective reporting, insightful analysis—let’s begin. Dominican American singer Nezza’s decision to defy the Los Angeles Dodgers’ directive and perform the Spanish-language “Star Spangled Banner” at Dodger Stadium on June 14 has ignited a broader conversation on cultural expression, sports diplomacy, and immigrant identity in American public life.
Nezza, 30, took the mound microphone at Dodger Stadium and transitioned from a warm smile to steely resolve upon hearing an off-camera team representative instruct her “We are going to do the song in English today,” as captured in a viral TikTok video. Undeterred, Nezza followed through, tearfully completing “El Pendón Estrellado,” the Spanish rendition originally commissioned in 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, thereby reaffirming a nearly eight-decade-old multilingual tradition. E! News first highlighted the exchange, while The Los Angeles Times later confirmed through a Dodgers official that no punitive measures would be enacted and that Nezza remains welcome for future appearances.
Beyond the emotional resonance, Nezza’s stand comes amid intensifying debates in Los Angeles over recent ICE raids and heightened advocacy for immigrant communities, as documented by local news outlets and civil rights organizations. During a follow-up TikTok, Nezza explained her surprise that in a city celebrated for its cultural plurality, she would be asked to forgo a performance that “speaks directly to mi gente.” She noted her parents’ immigrant journey and framed her act as both personal tribute and public statement. “I just felt like I needed to do it para mi gente,” she said, wiping away tears—a moment that has since generated thousands of supportive comments and shares.
Analytics from TikTok indicate the initial clip garnered over two million views within 24 hours, underscoring the power of social media in amplifying moments of resistance. Google Trends data also reveal a 150-percent spike in searches for “Nezza anthem” and “Spanish national anthem Dodgers,” suggesting broad audience interest in the intersection of sports and cultural identity.
While some critics argue that a national anthem must be performed in its original language to maintain unity, others point out that the U.S. anthem’s history includes multiple versions—in English, Spanish, Hawaiian and more—each reflecting the nation’s evolving demographic tapestry. Cultural scholars emphasize that such multilingual renditions were intended to foster inclusion.
Nezza’s experience highlights how a brief performance can catalyze dialogue on identity, belonging and the role of major sports institutions in reflecting community values. More updates will follow as details emerge.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, TikTok videos by Nezza, The Los Angeles Times
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
