And the award for the most surprising Grammy award goes too…
To the shock of the millions of Bieber-fever stricken fans all over the world, soulful R&B singer Esperanza Spalding has taken out the Grammy for Best New Artist – leaving the other nominees Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence and the Machine and Mumford & Sons politely applauding in their seats.
Let me repeat that for you: Pint-sized, hair-flicking, Usher-befriending teen sensation Justin Bieber DID NOT win the Grammy for Best New Artist despite zillions of fans, urban cred, and a successful 3D documentary film. And the other three nominees that didn’t win also bear repeating: Drake, one of the most popular R&B/hip hop artists at the moment, and hugely successful 2010 UK artists Florence + the Machine and Mumford & Sons, who both attracted major cult followings with their unique indie/folk/kaleidoscopic sound.
So just who is this mysterious Esperanza Spalding who took Grammy honours (and frankly we’ve never heard of)? According to our quick Google search, she is an extremely talented singer, bassist and composer whose impressive musicianship has won her White House recital dates and praise from the likes of Stevie Wonder and jazz/electro crossover genius Herbie Hancock.
Upon hearing that she was nominated for this highly sought after award last month, the 26 year old commented: “It’s exciting, I think it’s inspiring for me. I guess I didn’t realize that on a broader scale people were aware of my music.” No kidding.
Written By Jess Glass
