NPR has announced that Christian rapper nobigdyl. has won the first-ever Tiny Desk Contest Fan Favorite Vote.
The 10th annual Tiny Desk Contest drew in over 7,000 applications this year from independent artists around the world. From there, NPR’s panel of judges — comprised of industry experts and Tiny Desk producers and alums — selected 45 finalists. To celebrate 10 years of Tiny Desk Contest, NPR added a new element: a Fan Favorite vote where listeners could decide for their favorite entry. With more than 10,000 votes submitted, nobigdyl.’s performance of “Go With the Ghost” took home the honor.
But fans aren’t the only ones who loved nobigdyl.’s entry. On the Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf, Tiny Desk judge Durand Bernarr said “Go With The Ghost” was one of his favorite entries this year. Bernarr spoke about “the groove and catchiness” of the song, while Tiny Desk series producer and host Bobby Carter complimented nobigdyl. on this complex and deep lyrics.
The overall contest isn’t over yet. The judges will make their winning selection in the coming weeks, which means nobigdyl. could still take home the grand prize: a full Tiny Desk Concert set, an interview on NPR’s All Things Considered, a headlining spot on NPR Music’s summer tour, and a partnership with an established mentor in the industry. Sounds like a pretty big deal.
