When Latin pop singer Nezza stepped onto the field at Dodger Stadium on June 15 to perform the U.S. national anthem before the Dodgers vs. Giants game, fans expected a traditional rendition in English. Instead, the Colombian-Dominican artist made history—and sparked a nationwide conversation—by delivering a powerful Spanish-language version of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Her defiant yet soulful performance, dedicated “para mi gente” (for my people), ignited cheers from the crowd, backlash from critics, and a broader debate about language, identity, and cultural pride in America.
Who Is Nezza?
Born in the Bay Area, California, to Colombian and Dominican parents, Nezza (full name Nezzaly Mari) is a rising star in Latin pop, blending reggaeton, R&B, and Afro-Latin rhythms into her music. With a voice that carries both power and emotion, she has been making waves in the Latin music scene, opening for artists like Farruko and collaborating with producers across the U.S. and Latin America.
Her decision to sing the anthem in Spanish wasn’t just a personal choice—it was a political statement about representation and belonging.
The Performance That Shook Baseball
What Happened?
Nezza was invited to perform the U.S. national anthem at Dodger Stadium, a venue with deep Latino roots.
Reports suggest she was instructed to sing in English but chose to perform in Spanish instead.
Before singing, she declared, “Para mi gente”—a nod to the Latino community that makes up a huge part of baseball’s fanbase.
The Reaction
✅ Supporters praised her for celebrating Latino culture in a sport where Latin American players dominate.
❌ Critics accused her of disrespect, claiming the anthem should only be sung in English.
🔥 The debate went viral, with hashtags like #NezzaAnthem and #SingItInSpanish trending.
A History of the National Anthem in Spanish
Nezza’s performance wasn’t the first Spanish version of the anthem—but it was one of the most high-profile.
1919 – The first known Spanish translation was published in a New York Spanish-language newspaper.
2006 – The controversial "Nuestro Himno" version was released amid U.S. immigration protests.
2018 – Singer Sebastián Yatra performed a bilingual version at the MLB All-Star Game.
Nezza’s rendition, however, was live, unapologetic, and at a major sporting event—making it a defining cultural moment.
Why This Matters
1. Representation in Sports
Baseball is 40% Latino, yet Spanish is rarely centered in pre-game traditions. Nezza’s choice highlighted this disconnect.
2. The Politics of Language
The backlash reflects ongoing tensions over Spanish in the U.S.—even though it’s the second-most spoken language in the country.
3. A Symbol of Resistance
For many Latinos, Nezza’s anthem was a reclamation of space in a nation where bilingualism is often politicized.
What’s Next for Nezza?
This moment could propel Nezza into a new level of fame—or controversy. Possible next steps:
🎤 More high-profile performances (Will the MLB invite her back?)
💿 New music capitalizing on her sudden spotlight
🗣 Activism around Latino representation
Final Thoughts: Was She Right?
Nezza’s anthem wasn’t just about music—it was about visibility, pride, and challenging norms. Whether you see it as bold or disrespectful, one thing is clear: She got America talking.
What do you think? Should the national anthem be sung in Spanish? Sound off in the comments! ⬇️
Follow Nezza:
🎶 Instagram: @nezzaofficial
🎵 TikTok: @nezzaly
Image Credit: Instagram