Fool Coverage with Manny MUA and Laura Lee

Episode: Nezza Singing the National Anthem Aftermath + Juicy Tell ALL!
Release Date: December 12, 2025
Guest: Nezza

Episode Overview

This episode of Fool Coverage brings a lively, heartfelt interview with multi-hyphenate artist and influencer Nezza, fresh off the viral fallout of her singing the U.S. national anthem in Spanish at a Dodgers game. Manny, Laura, and Nezza delve into the full story behind the headlines — from her emotions leading up to the event, the aftermath, and the outpouring of support and controversy that followed — plus a deep dive into Nezza’s background, career, and what’s next. Expect laughter, candor, and loads of inspiring (and juicy) stories about life in the internet spotlight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introductions, Catch-Ups, and "Peak & Pit" (01:18–06:35)

• Nezza joins Manny and Laura as their special guest, with the trio reminiscing about their first meeting on a collaborative David Dobrik video and joking about the unpredictable nature of YouTube content titles.
• The hosts’ weekly "Peak & Pit" segment:
  • Nezza’s Peak: Watching the new Wicked movie with her boyfriend, reconnecting with the soundtrack, and crying at the emotional moments. Lighthearted dissection of musicals and Laura’s unashamed dislike for them.
    • "But this time, I mean, I cry justice." (03:01 – Nezza)
  • Nezza’s Pit: Her house is a chaotic mess, feeling like she “gave birth to five toddlers” due to a hectic schedule and being unable to keep up with cleaning.
    • "My house literally looks like…there’s just little children running around." (05:52 – Nezza)

2. Behind the Viral Dodgers Anthem Performance (08:55–18:13)

• The Build-Up: Nezza candidly lays out booking the Dodgers gig — how she never aimed to “expose” the Dodgers or make a statement; she simply wanted to sing for the community, unaware of the larger political backdrop.
• Decision to Sing in Spanish:
  • Nezza describes how, after asking if she could perform in both English and Spanish and being told "no," she realized nobody said she couldn't do it entirely in Spanish (11:46).
  • Found a historically significant Spanish translation commissioned by the U.S. government, ensuring its legitimacy (12:17–13:10).
• Conflict During Rehearsal:
  • Recounts the tense moment during the rehearsal when the organizers objected after hearing her perform in Spanish, leading her to break down in tears, consult her manager, and debate whether to leave.
    • "I go in the corner and just start bawling…I lock myself in a stall for 45 minutes crying, just trying to get the tears to stop." (14:00–14:57 – Nezza)
• The Performance:
  • Despite intense anxiety, she performed on autopilot, bracing for boos but instead met with support. The aftermath was swift: "She was like, what the fuck was that? Like, your clients are never welcome here ever again." (16:41)
  • Nezza never intended to post the viral video herself; friends convinced her to correct the false narrative online.
• Aftermath & Impact:
  • Social media (primarily Twitter/X) initially praised the Dodgers, not realizing the internal reprimand Nezza received. The exposure led to widespread debate and an outpouring of both support and hate.

Notable Quote

• "I just want people to take away that I’m just a normal girl…If you think 'I couldn't speak up, that's not me'—no, you do have it in you." (24:05–24:30 – Nezza)

3. Opportunities & Controversy in the Wake (20:49–24:30)

• Career Rocket: Within days of the video, Nezza was booked as the special musical guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live, pulling together the performance in 48 hours (20:57–21:25). She reflects on imposter syndrome and being thrust into the role of an “activist” when she’s always just been outspoken about her beliefs online.
  • "Does it ever feel real? … I just couldn't believe it…I would do it over and over again." (21:22–22:13 – Nezza)
• Backlash and Support:
  • She continues to receive “50 to 100 comments a day” evenly mixed between aggressive backlash ("Go back to Mexico," threats) and praise, highlighting the polarized reaction and ongoing cultural conversation (26:28–27:20).
  • Emphasizes you can be proud of America and still want better for it — "Two things can be right." (28:16 – Nezza).

4. Cultural Pride, Family, and Upbringing (24:47–25:54)

• Nezza describes her Colombian and Dominican heritage, Bay Area roots, and close family: "As a Bay kid…I’m so glad my parents chose to move to NorCal."
• Her siblings’ reactions to the anthem moment—equal parts shock and pride.

5. Nezza’s Path: Dance, Music, and Influencing (31:31–37:07, 40:19–42:39)

• Started as a dancer (from age 5), moved to LA after getting signed by Block Talent, danced for Selena Gomez and Lady Gaga (“We weren’t told it was for Gaga, but I figured it out from the call sheet,” 33:08–34:02).
• Entry into music via girl groups and a YouTube content house experiment for Univision, where she met collaborator Franny.
• Brief stint at PacSun ("I had worked at PacSun for six years!") before music and influencing became her full-time pursuits.
• Sold out her first tour; independent artist journey full of learning and wearing multiple hats ("I edit my music videos. I make the graphics…I've done everything up until this point." 41:07).

6. Toughest Parts of Independence & Toxic Traits (41:00–54:10)

• Nezza describes the struggles of being a perfectionist and difficulty delegating with other creatives.
• Admits her “toxic trait” is hating to be doubted or misunderstood — stemming from issues with not being believed by her strict immigrant parents.
  • "My toxic trait is I can't stand when people don't believe me…I have to get over that, because it’s a waste of your time." (53:10–54:09)

7. Fun and Juicy Quick Bits

Weird Foods, Little-Known Facts, and icks (43:27–58:24)

• Nezza is extremely adventurous with food (Cambodian at age 5, loves oysters, wants to try frog legs).
• Surprised fans may not know she’s only 5'3": “When I meet people they’re like, whoa, you’re little! I thought at least 5'7” (43:25).
• Discusses influencer “icks”: over-the-top cringe content, and especially influencers preaching about being “the most honest,” putting themselves above others (57:01–58:01).
  • "You have to say you’re the most honest? You’re a liar." (57:55–57:58 – Laura)

8. Books, Secret Passions, and Aspirations (58:45–63:01)

• Nezza is a voracious reader (aiming for 1–2 books a week) and dreams of adapting books to film.
• Recommends Brain on Fire and The Vanishing Half (for its narrative on family, colorism, and identity).
• "I would do anything to erase [the ACOTAR series] from my mind and reread it." (59:15–59:20 – Nezza)

9. Future Plans & Dream Collaborations (63:05–64:24)

• Dream musical collaborations: Bruno Mars, Doja Cat, Carol G, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Young Miko.
  • "Bruno Mars…that Bruno. He can do anything!" (63:43–63:56 – Nezza)
• Upcoming big announcements (to go public on Dec 15), and a new album in 2026: "I’m going to disappear for two months and just go in the studio."

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On nerves before the anthem:
  • "I blacked out when I did it for sure…when I took [my ear monitors] out because I thought I was like, people might boo. But no one booed." (16:01–16:41 – Nezza)
• On her imposter syndrome:
  • "I'm not really necessarily an activist, but everyone was, like, looking to me to be this beacon of hope. And I was like, 'What is happening?'" (22:28–23:04 – Nezza)
• On nuanced patriotism:
  • "You can be a proud American but also want better for your country…Two things can be right." (28:16–28:58 – Nezza)
• On making bold choices:
  • "Sometimes it’s the normal, chill girls who do something powerful." (24:30–24:47 – Laura)
• On the universal power of support:
  • "All my dreams came true here…It was just really, it's just been such…It was, yeah. I mean, that week specifically was just like a disheartening time because I was like, this is the city I moved to." (29:02–29:15 – Nezza)
• On music she wishes got more attention:
  • "Corazon Frio…I just know if that song had been given to, like, Carol G…that song would be a number one." (51:55–52:32 – Nezza)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [08:55] – Nezza begins play-by-play of Dodgers anthem performance
• [13:46] – Shock during Spanish-language rehearsal, emotional fallout
• [16:01] – Internal debate before performing, aftermath with Dodgers
• [20:57] – How Kimmel reached out after the viral moment
• [24:05] – Nezza's message on taking a stand as a "normal" person
• [26:28] – Online backlash, daily mixed responses, "Go back to Mexico" hate
• [31:31] – On choosing music, career path from dance to girl group to solo
• [41:07] – Struggles with delegation as an independent artist
• [53:14] – Admits her "toxic trait": hating not being believed
• [57:01] – Group discusses influencer 'icks' and inauthenticity
• [59:05] – Bookworm passions and adaptation dreams
• [63:43] – Dream musical collabs: Bruno Mars, Doja Cat, and more
• [64:50] – Sneak peek: Major announcements and new album coming 2026

Tone & Style

Light-hearted, quick-witted, and candid, with plenty of supportive energy between best friends. The episode is a blend of laughter, unfiltered storytelling, and deeper, emotional discussions about identity, representation, and finding courage under the spotlight. The conversational dynamic ensures listeners feel included — like they’re hanging out with friends, getting the inside scoop.

For Listeners: Why You Should Tune In

You’ll come away inspired by Nezza’s resilience and authenticity, understand the full story behind her viral Dodger Stadium moment, and get plenty of fun, backstage banter about influencer life, music, food, and friendship. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer, this episode’s blend of hot topics, heart, and humor encapsulates the unique Fool Coverage experience.