In less than 48 hours , Sebastien de la Cruz has become a household name . The 11-year-old Mexican-American boy 's singing of the national anthem in his mariachi outfit caused a stir during game 3 of the NBA finals in his San Antonio hometown Tuesday . On Thursday night , the Spurs decided to bring back `` El Charro de oro '' for an encore performance . Even though he was the subject of racist comments on Twitter , the San Antonio native was again wearing a mariachi outfit , according to Carlos Manzanillo , corporate communications manager at San Antonio Spurs . Manzanillo had no comment on why the Spurs decided to bring back Sebastien . Sebastien was introduced by San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro , who stressed how proud he was by his talent and composure over the past few days . Castro said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich expressed disdain for the `` idiots '' who posted the bigoted comments and described Sebastien as a `` class act '' and `` way more mature than most his age . '' `` To be invited back to sing the national anthem is just amazing because now I know the San Antonio Spurs like how I sing , '' Sebastien said . `` It makes me feel like I 'm doing something legendary . '' Castro posted a response to the controversy on his Facebook page . `` I 'm proud of our young San Antonio superstar Sebastien de la Cruz for a spectacular rendition of our national anthem at last night 's Spurs game . Sebastian , do n't let a few negative voices get you down . You are a true talent and you represent the best of our nation 's future ! '' Some might wonder if his encore rendition will attract more negative comments on social media . However , critics might be more cautious after what happened to Andre Lacey , a firefighter whose tweet caught national attention . According to an interview with The Augusta Chronicle newspaper in Georgia , Fire Chief Chris James said the firefighter `` will be counseled for sure . '' Lacey 's actions were `` completely inappropriate and not acceptable '' and `` by no means are reflective of the Fire Department 's attitude , '' he said . Most commenters cited on Tumblr 's Public Shaming blog have either taken down their racist tweets or deleted their accounts . Facebook commenter Gabriel Gemenez said that she had mixed feelings about Sebastien 's performance because of his attire . Those who were offended probably would n't have lashed out had he worn `` slacks or khakis and button-down shirt/polo '' instead of his mariachi outfit , Gemenez said . Although the U.S. has no true background and is made up of different ethnicities , she said , his mariachi outfit only represented Mexico and one should have a `` little taste when you 're singing the national anthem . '' But it seems the support for Sebastien outweighed the criticism . Actress and Texas native Eva Longoria said on Facebook , `` As a Mexican-American , I am so proud of Sebastien De La Cruz , a great symbol of what America is today ! # GoSpursGo ! '' Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block showed his support for the young mariachi singer on Twitter : `` I 'm sorry ... But slamming a kid for wearing a mariachi outfit while singing the national anthem is close-minded and bigoted ! ! ! ! ! ! '' `` You can love your heritage and love your country at the same time ! ! ! You can respect others culture as well a your own at the same time ! ! ! '' `` El Charro de oro '' will make his way up to New York City this weekend for the second New York City Mariachi Conservatory Conference , where he will be singing in the national anthem competition . Follow Cindy Y. Rodriguez on Twitter .
Sebastien de la Cruz caused a stir on social media after singing the national anthem . Critics were outraged that he was wearing a mariachi suit while singing . After his game 3 performance , the Spurs brought him back for an encore . San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro introduced him during game 4 .