Latest news with #USNationalAnthem
CNN
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Singer Nezza explains why she sang US National Anthem in Spanish at Dodgers game; says team objected
Amid the ongoing protests across the country over the weekend and continued frustrations in Los Angeles over US Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, one singer decided to take a stand with her performance at a Dodgers game. Nezza, whose full name is Vanessa Hernández, performed the song Saturday. She said she was first planning on singing the US National Anthem in Spanglish, but, with the ongoing immigration raids, she decided to do the song in Spanish only. She says a team employee told her not to. That didn't deter her, and she performed the song in Spanish anyway. 'I didn't really see an issue with it and I wanted people to know that I'm with them and I'm standing by them,' Nezza told CNN on Tuesday. An unidentified person, who Nezza says is a Dodgers employee, can be heard on a video saying to the singer, 'We are going to do the song in English today, so I'm not sure if that wasn't relayed.' That video, which Nezza shared on TikTok, now has over 12 million views. About two weeks before the game, Nezza said that she and her team sent an email to the Dodgers team asking to sing the National Anthem in both languages. 'As everything started to unfold and we got closer to the day, the raids – like everything, it was like a couple days before that – I was like, actually, I'm going to do it fully in Spanish,' Nezza said. In response, Nezza said, the Dodgers sent a PDF file that went through the song guidelines, but they never said no to her request. In the email to the team, Nezza said her managers included the history of the song and why she felt it was important to sing that version. The version of the song is titled 'El Pendón Estrellado' and was written by Clotilde Arias after the Division of Cultural Cooperation of the Department of State asked for submissions for translations of the 'Star Spangled Banner' in 1945 in Spanish and Portuguese, according to the Smithsonian. It was all part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 'Good Neighbor Policy' toward Latin America. Following her performance, the Dodgers employee – who she will not name – called Nezza's manager almost immediately and told them to never call or email them again, and that their client was not welcome back, according to the singer. The Dodgers have not responded to any of CNN's questions, but said in a statement that there were 'no consequences or hard feelings' regarding Nezza's performance. Nezza said she hasn't been contacted by the team and doesn't plan on attending the stadium again. 'I don't feel welcome to come back,' she said. Her parents are immigrants from Colombia and the Dominican Republic, who Nezza says became US citizens when she was younger. Her parents are 'overjoyed' with her performance, the singer said. Nezza added that many of the team's fans are Latino, saying, 'The lyrics are the same, I was still singing that I'm a proud American.' Her performance took place the same day that demonstrators filled streets across the country for the 'No Kings' protest and as frustrations in Los Angeles continued because of ICE raids that took place within the past few weeks. While the team hasn't outwardly spoken on the ongoing frustrations of the ongoing immigration crackdowns ICE raids that have been happening in the city, star player Dodgers player Kike Hernández, a native of Puerto Rico, showed his support for Los Angeles in an Instagram post. 'I am saddened and infuriated by what's happening in our country and our city,' Hernández said in part. '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,' He added. 'ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.'
CNN
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Singer Nezza explains why she sang US National Anthem in Spanish at Dodgers game; says team objected
Amid the ongoing protests across the country over the weekend and continued frustrations in Los Angeles over US Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, one singer decided to take a stand with her performance at a Dodgers game. Nezza, whose full name is Vanessa Hernández, performed the song Saturday. She said she was first planning on singing the US National Anthem in Spanglish, but, with the ongoing immigration raids, she decided to do the song in Spanish only. She says a team employee told her not to. That didn't deter her, and she performed the song in Spanish anyway. 'I didn't really see an issue with it and I wanted people to know that I'm with them and I'm standing by them,' Nezza told CNN on Tuesday. An unidentified person, who Nezza says is a Dodgers employee, can be heard on a video saying to the singer, 'We are going to do the song in English today, so I'm not sure if that wasn't relayed.' That video, which Nezza shared on TikTok, now has over 12 million views. About two weeks before the game, Nezza said that she and her team sent an email to the Dodgers team asking to sing the National Anthem in both languages. 'As everything started to unfold and we got closer to the day, the raids – like everything, it was like a couple days before that – I was like, actually, I'm going to do it fully in Spanish,' Nezza said. In response, Nezza said, the Dodgers sent a PDF file that went through the song guidelines, but they never said no to her request. In the email to the team, Nezza said her managers included the history of the song and why she felt it was important to sing that version. The version of the song is titled 'El Pendón Estrellado' and was written by Clotilde Arias after the Division of Cultural Cooperation of the Department of State asked for submissions for translations of the 'Star Spangled Banner' in 1945 in Spanish and Portuguese, according to the Smithsonian. It was all part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 'Good Neighbor Policy' toward Latin America. Following her performance, the Dodgers employee – who she will not name – called Nezza's manager almost immediately and told them to never call or email them again, and that their client was not welcome back, according to the singer. The Dodgers have not responded to any of CNN's questions, but said in a statement that there were 'no consequences or hard feelings' regarding Nezza's performance. Nezza said she hasn't been contacted by the team and doesn't plan on attending the stadium again. 'I don't feel welcome to come back,' she said. Her parents are immigrants from Colombia and the Dominican Republic, who Nezza says became US citizens when she was younger. Her parents are 'overjoyed' with her performance, the singer said. Nezza added that many of the team's fans are Latino, saying, 'The lyrics are the same, I was still singing that I'm a proud American.' Her performance took place the same day that demonstrators filled streets across the country for the 'No Kings' protest and as frustrations in Los Angeles continued because of ICE raids that took place within the past few weeks. While the team hasn't outwardly spoken on the ongoing frustrations of the ongoing immigration crackdowns ICE raids that have been happening in the city, star player Dodgers player Kike Hernández, a native of Puerto Rico, showed his support for Los Angeles in an Instagram post. 'I am saddened and infuriated by what's happening in our country and our city,' Hernández said in part. '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,' He added. 'ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.'
Irish Daily Star
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Star
NHL fans torn on unusual rendition of national anthem before playoff game
The Los Angeles Kings ' Game 1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs was preceded by an unconventional rendition of the U.S. national anthem that sparked a whirlwind of reactions. The Korea-Town Senior & Community Center's harmonica class took center ice at Arena, delivering a wordless version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" entirely on harmonicas. As the seniors played, the 20,000-strong crowd filled in the lyrics, culminating in a rousing ovation. While the in-arena audience appeared to embrace the unique performance, social media platforms buzzed with mixed reviews. Some fans expressed admiration for the heartfelt display, while others were less enthused. Read More Related Articles Rory McIlroy and wife Erica Stoll pictured returning to Florida after PGA Tour decision Read More Related Articles Donald Trump comes up with ludicrous way to look taller next to Ohio State football team One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, "That was ------- GOD AWFUL TO WATCH!!!" Another commented, "Whoever thought this was a good idea should probably not have a job." Critics questioned the choice of harmonicas for such a significant playoff moment, with one stating, "Worst US National Anthem I have ever heard... Harmonica's... Really." Despite the polarized opinions, the Kings seemed energized by the performance, jumping to a four-goal lead before ultimately securing a 6-5 victory with a last-minute goal from Phillip Danault. The harmonica rendition, while unconventional, became a memorable prelude to an exhilarating playoff opener. The Kings established their dominance early in the game. First-period goals from Andrei Kuzmenko and Quinton Byfield gave Los Angeles a 2-0 lead. They extended their advantage in the second period with goals from Adrian Kempe and Danault, making it 4-0. However, the Oilers began their comeback with Leon Draisaitl scoring just before the end of the second period. In the third period, Mattias Janmark and Corey Perry added goals for Edmonton, narrowing the gap. Kevin Fiala's power-play goal briefly restored a two-goal cushion for the Kings, but Zach Hyman and Connor McDavid scored late in the period to tie the game at 5-5. With just 41.1 seconds remaining, Danault netted his second goal of the night, securing the win for Los Angeles. The victory gives the Kings a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night in Los Angeles. This marks the fourth consecutive season that the Kings and Oilers have met in the first round of the playoffs, adding another chapter to their growing rivalry. The Korea-Town Senior & Community Center had previously performed the anthem during the regular season, and their return for the playoffs added a unique cultural touch to the event. While some fans and commentators questioned the choice, others appreciated the diversity and community involvement showcased by the Kings.
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
NHL fans livid as national anthem is played on harmonicas in LA before playoff game
There was a performance of the national anthem like no other in Los Angeles on Monday night as the NHL playoffs began with the Kings beating the Edmonton Oilers. Moments before the puck dropped in downtown LA, the Star-Spangled Banner was bizarrely performed on harmonicas by members of the Korea-Town Senior & Community Center. There was nobody singing the words, meaning the sold-out crowd of 20,000 spectators joined in and belted out the lyrics before giving the rendition a huge ovation. But while the hockey fans inside the arena clearly approved, it was a performance that was met with derision on social media. 'That was f***ing GOD AWFUL TO WATACH!!!' one fan wrote on X in response to the footage. 'Whoever thought this was a good idea should probably not have a job,' said another hockey fan. There was a special USA anthem performance in LA tonight by...a harmonica class? �� — B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 22, 2025 Plenty of hockey fans voiced their disapproval on socila media after seeing the performance A different response read: 'Worst US National Anthem I have ever heard...... Harmonica's (sic).......... Really.' Another fan said it was surprising to hear the anthem sang that loudly in California, posting in response to the performance: 'Entertainment Capital of the World; you never know what you're gonna get! 'What really threw me for a loop was Los Angeles of all cities singing the national album that loudly. I thought they hated their country.' The performance seemed to fire the Kings up, however, as they raced into a four-goal lead by the second quarter before the Oilers launched a stunning fightback. But the hosts rallied and eventually won 6-5 with a dramatic last-minute winner from Phillip Danault. 'We could have made it less dramatic, but credit to them,' Kings coach Jim Hiller said after the whirlwind ending. 'We had to do it late.' It was the first game of the series, so the Kings hold a 1-0 lead before Game 2 on Wednesday night back at the same venue on the road to the Stanley Cup. Performances of the national anthem have formed a major talking point across the course of the current hockey season. American and Canadian fans have repeatedly booed each other's anthems amid the ongoing trade war that President Trump has spearheaded. Trump's desire to make Canada the so-called '51st state' has appeared to inflame tensions further, as well. One man who was bore the brunt of the political tensions more than anyone is Wayne Gretzky, the Canadian great who is close friends with Trump. On Monday, Daily Mail reported that a fifth of Canadians think Gretzky should leave Canada for good and stay in the United States due to his ties with the President
CNN
09-03-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Team Canada coach Jon Cooper still can't get over the ‘perfect storm' of the 4 Nations Face-off
Jon Cooper is still marveling that one of the biggest achievements of his career became a surreal international drama: A long-awaited chance to indulge in the friendly Canada-United States hockey rivalry in the 4 Nations Face-Off was quickly overtaken by geopolitical events that supercharged the already heightened emotions. 'A sport that is supposed to unite everybody united and almost divided at the same time,' the Canadian told CNN. In February, Canada ran into the United States team in the NHL's inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. It was the first time in a decade that the two countries had met with their strongest lineups available, 'best on best' as they say in hockey, and most of the players had never experienced anything like it before. Days before the tournament got underway, President Donald Trump began referring to Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a 'governor' of the '51st state.' Crippling 25% tariffs on cross-border imports were promised and – although hastily postponed – two longtime allies and trading partners found themselves contemplating a profoundly different future, virtually overnight. The US National Anthem, which had always been played and applauded at NHL and NBA games on the northern side of the border, was booed in the days leading up to the game. When the puck dropped, the tension was clear. 'So, this is brand new to everyone, a decade in the making,' Cooper added. 'The players are amped up, and then you have a new incoming president and a political landscape that is changing. I hate to use the term 'perfect storm,' but it all came together at the right time.' By the time Canada skated against the United States in the group game in Montreal, the atmosphere was akin to a powder keg. Within nine seconds of the puck being dropped at the start of the game, no less than three fights had broken out on the ice. 'From our perspective, we've been the friendly neighbors of the North,' Cooper said about the amped-up atmosphere. 'We've had a great partnership and now all of a sudden there's some dilemmas in there.' The United States edged Canada in that game at the Bell Centre, but they were destined to meet again in the final five days later in Boston. Cooper says he tried not to use politics to motivate his players, but there was no way that any of them could ignore what was happening outside of the locker room. 'Growing up in Canada, hockey is a lifeblood,' he said. 'It was hard enough to go best on best, trying to win this tournament, without saying, 'Oh by the way there's over 40 million people on the edge of their seats and a lot of it might be politically charged as well as athletically charged.'' 'I did not want to put that added pressure on the players. We tried our hardest not to make it a distraction, but deep down you knew they were feeling it.' Rumors that Trump himself would be in attendance for the tournament's final between the same two sides proved unfounded, but he injected himself into the buildup on the morning of the contest with another provocative message on his Truth Social website, saying that he'd call the US team 'to spur them towards victory tonight against Canada, which with FAR LOWER TAXES AND MUCH STRONGER security will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important, Fifty First State'. As if they didn't have enough motivation already, the Canadian players responded with a gutsy performance, scoring the opening goal and a decisive overtime tally from their superstar Connor McDavid, which secured the trophy and perhaps something much more important: A moment of intense national pride. 'It was pretty remarkable to be part of,' reflected Cooper. 'You watch sport to get away from life, and for a brief time it was all brought together. It was surreal.' He said that if he could have imagined how the tournament might have played out, he could never have conceived of a finale like that. 'The way it started, the way it progressed, the political side of things, the national pride side of things and winning for our country. I think the game of hockey won overall; it was just amazing to be a part of,' he said. Cooper has now returned to coaching his Tampa Bay Lightning team in the NHL, hoping he can lead them to a third Stanley Cup title in just six years. The Canadian coach will lead his American team over the border, where they may well hear the anthem being booed again. But he echoes the sentiments of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said that the fans aren't booing the players or the team, but instead some controversial and damaging policies. 'I explained this to the players; people pay for their ticket, and nobody can stop them showing their feelings. It's a statement of political pride in a venue where they have a voice. They're not booing the game; this has nothing to do with that,' Cooper said. In just over a year's time, the United States, Canada and Mexico are due to collaborate and welcome 45 other countries as they co-host the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup. It's impossible to predict how the tournament might be compromised if relations become even more strained in the meantime. But Canada's American soccer coach Jesse Marsch has already spoken out directly against Trump, describing his 51st state rhetoric as 'unsettling and frankly insulting.' Marsch later told CNN, 'I think I made it very clear how I felt about this idea of the 51st state. It doesn't belong in the discourse and Canada deserves so much more.' On March 4, one month after Trump had threatened but then postponed a 25% levy on imported Canadian goods, he followed through and enforced the tariffs. Canada quickly responded with countermeasures on goods crossing the border in the opposite direction. Trudeau accused Trump of 'trying to ruin the Canadian economy,' calling the tariffs 'dumb.' 'Canadians are reasonable and we are polite,' he said, 'But we will not back down from a fight, not when our country and the well-being of everyone in it is at stake,' The showdown is set to drag on. Trump on Thursday delayed some of the tariffs on Canada for another month on about 36% of the imports that come into the US over the northern border. It's an intense period of strife between two traditional geopolitical friends. Cooper is hopeful that cooler heads will soon prevail. 'I think, will this stop? I think, will everything come together eventually, and the fences be mended? I do,' he said. 'I truly believe that.'
