Fri Jun 20 04:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the situation, suitable for a major news outlet:
**Dodgers Invite Singer Back After Spanish Anthem Controversy**
Los Angeles, CA – A performance of the U.S. national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium has sparked a national debate after singer and social media personality Nezza, also known as Vanessa Hernández, sang “El Pendón Estrellado” before a recent Dodgers-Giants game, despite earlier communication suggesting she perform in English.
The controversy ignited when Nezza posted a TikTok video revealing she was told by a Dodgers employee to sing the anthem in English. According to Nezza, she had inquired about performing a bilingual version but was told it wasn’t possible due to time constraints. She claimed that she understood to sing in Spanish.
The Spanish version of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” officially titled “El Pendón Estrellado,” was commissioned by the U.S. State Department in 1945 and written by Peruvian immigrant Clotilde Arias.
Nezza stated in a CNN interview that her decision to sing in Spanish was a form of solidarity with the Latino community, particularly in light of recent anti-immigrant sentiments and protests.
Following the performance, Nezza initially believed she had been banned from future Dodger events after allegedly receiving a harsh call from the team. However, the Dodgers organization has since clarified their position, stating that Nezza is welcome back at the stadium and that there are “no hard feelings.”
The Dodgers reaffirmed their stance to CNN and The Los Angeles Times, contradicting Nezza’s claims of a ban. The situation has drawn national attention, prompting discussions about cultural representation and the role of language in American patriotism.
First Piper 