Latest news with #ElPendónEstrellado
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Singer Nezza performs U.S. national anthem in Spanish despite being told to sing in English only: "Today, Out of All Days… I Needed to Do It"
Nezza ignored Dodgers' demand, sang anthem in Spanish (Getty Images) Latin pop singer Nezza took a bold step at Dodger Stadium this past weekend. Amid rising tensions due to aggressive immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration—tensions that have sparked protests and even the deployment of 700 Marines—Nezza chose to honor her roots and community by performing "El Pendón Estrellado," the Spanish-language version of the U.S. national anthem, before the Dodgers' 11–5 win over the Giants. Spanish 'Star-Spangled Banner' at Dodgers game sparks controversy, singer says it was an intentional act of protest Just moments before her performance, a Dodgers staff member informed Nezza, 'We are gonna do the song in English today. I'm not sure if that wasn't relayed.' Despite being visibly shaken, she stood firm. 'I didn't think I'd be met with any sort of no,' she later shared in a video. 'Especially because we're in L.A., and with everything happening… I just felt like I needed to do it. Para mi gente.' The rendition struck a chord not only with those in the stadium but also online, where a video of her performance and emotional behind-the-scenes reaction quickly went viral. Clad in a Dominican Republic shirt, Nezza—whose full name is Vanessa Hernández—was seen with teary eyes, standing tall and belting out the last line of the anthem in Spanish, her voice trembling but proud. 'This was easily one of the scariest days of my life,' she wrote in the caption accompanying the video. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo 'I sang 'El Pendón Estrellado,' the OFFICIAL Spanish star-spangled banner (commissioned by President Roosevelt), at the Dodgers game after being told I couldn't. And I'm so proud that I did.' Commissioned in 1945 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Good Neighbor Policy to improve U.S.–Latin American relations, the Spanish version is indeed an official translation—a fact Nezza passionately reminded viewers of in a follow-up TikTok. Beyond the anthem, her performance became a symbol of resistance in a city currently grappling with fear and unrest. With ICE raids ramping up and families being separated, Nezza's act resonated deeply. 'My parents are immigrants… I just can't imagine them being ripped away from me,' she shared. 'Even at this age, let alone like a little kid. What are they doing?' While Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered a neutral comment, saying he hadn't 'dug enough' into the issue to speak on it, the silence from the organization has been noticed. Especially when longtime player Kike Hernandez voiced clear support on social media: 'I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart.' In a time when silence can feel complicit, Nezza's voice didn't just sing—it roared. Also Read: MLB trade: Giants land Rafael Devers in surprise move that stuns Red Sox Nation
USA Today
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Nezza sang U.S. national anthem in Spanish after the Dodgers requested it in English
Nezza sang U.S. national anthem in Spanish after the Dodgers requested it in English Los Angeles has been at the center of massive protests the past week in response to ICE's enforcement tactics and the deployment of U.S troops to the downtown federal building. And over at Dodger Stadium, the singer, Nezza, did her part to show support to the Latino community. It took disregarding a Dodgers employee to do so. Nezza was the anthem singer for Saturday's game against the Giants, and she performed 'El Pendón Estrellado' — the Spanish version of the "Star-Spangled Banner." The Spanish rendition of the anthem — which is an officially commissioned version — was greeted to massive applause at Dodger Stadium. But Nezza would later show that the Dodgers asked her to perform in English just before she took the field. She wrote on Instagram: Para mi gente ❤️ I stand with you. Yesterday was easily one of the scariest days of my life. I sang 'El Pendon Estrellado' the OFFICIAL Spanish star spangled banner (commissioned by President Roosevelt) at the Dodgers game after being told I couldn't. And I'm so proud that I did. Stay safe. Stay strong. I love you. The Dodgers had not commented about the protests over the past week. And according to The Athletic, the Dodgers declined to comment about Nezza's performance and the request to sing in English.
