Who Is Nezza, the Singer Who Performed the National Anthem in Spanish at Dodgers Game?

Colombian-Dominican singer and internet star Nezza made headlines over the weekend after performing the U.S. national anthem in Spanish at a Los Angeles Dodgers game. The 30-year-old artist, born Vanessa Hernández, brought her culture to center field and sparked both praise and criticism online for singing the Spanish rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner." 

After her "Star-Spangled Banner" performance at the LA Dodgers game, Nezza addressed the moment on social media. “I’ve sung the national anthem (in English) many times in my life,” she said. “But today out of all days I could not, I’m sorry.” She added that, given the current climate—including intensifying immigration raids that continue igniting concerns of racial profiling while targeting Latino communities, in addition to protests against them and ICE in LA—singing it in Spanish felt like the only choice that made sense.

"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," she penned on Instagram. "I’m so proud that I did. Stay safe. Stay strong. I love you."

More than just a singer—Nezza is also a dancer, songwriter, and online personality with a following of over 300k on Instagram. Known for her personality and fashion sense online, she routinely blends English and Spanish in her music. Since debuting with singles like “Strangers” and “Good Love” in 2019, she’s released several of her most popular songs, including “Corazon Frio,” “Sola,” and most recently, "Classy,” which came out June 6. Each earns her more and more of a loyal global audience.

While some online users debated the Spanish "Star-Spangled Banner" performance, many applauded Nezza for a brave moment and for celebrating diversity in a city built on it.