Nezza, whose full name is Vanessa Hernández, is a 30-year-old Latin pop singer, dancer, and social media personality of Colombian-Dominican descent, raised in California’s Bay Area. Known for her vibrant presence both on stage and online, she has built a following as a content creator and performer, often celebrating her Latin heritage. Nezza’s artistry is rooted in her multicultural background, and she is preparing to release her debut full-length album later this year, further establishing her as a rising star in the Latin pop scene.

On June 15, 2025, Nezza was invited to perform the U.S. national anthem at Dodger Stadium before a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants. Despite being instructed by Dodgers officials to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in English, Nezza chose to perform “El Pendón Estrellado,” the official Spanish-language version of the anthem, as an act of solidarity with the Latino community in Los Angeles and in protest of recent aggressive immigration enforcement actions. Her decision was made just moments before her performance, after a staff member reiterated the request for English, but Nezza felt compelled to honor her roots and the city’s large Spanish-speaking population.

Nezza’s performance was deeply emotional and symbolic, as she took the field wearing a shirt adorned with the Dominican Republic flag and sang with visible pride and tears in her eyes. She later explained on social media that the Spanish version of the anthem was commissioned in 1945 by the U.S. State Department to foster bonds with Latin America, emphasizing that her rendition was “para mi gente”—for her people. The act resonated with many, particularly amid the backdrop of nationwide protests and heightened tensions over immigration policies.

The reaction to Nezza’s anthem was immediate and polarized. While some critics harshly condemned her choice, arguing that the anthem should only be sung in English, many others praised her courage and the beauty of her performance. Online, her video quickly went viral, sparking debate about language, identity, and protest in American sports culture. Supporters lauded her for using her platform to stand up for the Latino community and to remind audiences of the rich diversity within the United States. The moment became a rallying point for discussions about inclusion, freedom of expression, and the evolving face of patriotism in modern America.