Singer Nezza peformed the national anthem in Spanish on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium, despite being told beforehand by officials that she was expected to perform it in English.
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“So we are going to do it in English today. I’m not sure if that was relayed,” an official can be heard saying to Nezza in a video posted to social media.
Instead, the singer bravely chose to perform “El Pendón Estrellado.” Commissioned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945, the Spanish language translation of “The Star Spangled Banner” was commissioned as part of his “Good Neighbor Policy” towards Latin America during World War II to foster unity and understanding between the United States and Latin American countries.
In a social media post following her performance, Nezza explained, “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.”
In a follow-up video posted to TikTok, Nezza reflected on the experience, “I didn’t think I would be met with any sort of ‘no,’ especially because we’re in L.A., and with everything happening … I just could not believe when she walked in and told me ‘no.’ I just felt like I needed to do it.”
Nezza isn’t the only one taking a stand for her community. Dodgers player Kike Hernandez has recently taken to Instagram to share his thoughts on the ICE raids, ” I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city. Los Angeles and Dodger fans have welcomed me, supported me and shown me nothing but kindness and love. This is my second home. And I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart. ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.”
