And The 2020 Tiny Desk Contest Winner Is...

Hear the outstanding entry that won over our judges.

by Marissa Lorusso and Lyndsey McKenna NPR The 2020 Tiny Desk Contest was unlike any other. Amid lockdowns, social distancing guidelines and ongoing adjustments to daily life, more than 6000 dedicated, determined unsigned artists sent in their songs in hopes of getting to perform behind Bob Boilen’s desk. As in years past, we received entries from every state in the country; this year, those inspiring entries helped us feel connected in a year of isolation. Our judges’ decision was a particularly tough one, but there was one entry that rose to the top: a video that several of our judges called “a perfect Tiny Desk Contest entry.” We’re proud to announce that New York City singer-songwriter Linda Diaz is our 2020 Tiny Desk Contest winner! The Tiny Desk Contest team fell in love with her winning entry, “Green Tea Ice Cream,” a song with a powerful message and euphoric sound. Newsletter continues after sponsor message Diaz’s compelling entry and captivating stage presence left a mark on all our judges. Bob Boilen appreciated her message of slowing down and trying to find moments to enjoy life, calling the lyrics “particularly poignant in 2020 as we all struggle to find balance in our lives.” 88Nine Radio Milwauke’s Tarik Moody agreed that we all needed Linda’s entry this year. “It was meditative and reminded me to take care of myself during this craziness that is 2020,” Moody said. For singer-songwriter Gina Chavez, Linda Diaz’s entry was a balm. “If harmonies are medicine, then Linda Diaz is a salve for the soul,” she told us.  “Linda stood out in a crop of thousands of talented musicians, but I knew early on that she was the one to beat,” Tiny Desk producer Bobby Carter said. “Her tone, her message and the band’s overall musical presentation were simply undeniable.” Carter was so impressed with Diaz’s entry early on that he interviewed her in the very first episode of Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf.  Tiny Desk alum Brittany Howard, WXPN’s Raina Douris and last year’s winner, Quinn Christopherson, also praised the entry, citing Linda's top-notch musicianship and songwriting skills, as well as her angelic voice and the warmth her entry radiated. This afternoon, you can learn more about Linda Diaz (fun fact: She’s a former scholastic chess champion) in her interview on All Things Considered. And next up, in socially distant 2020 fashion, she’ll perform a Tiny Desk (home) concert. From our own tiny desks, The Tiny Desk Contest team What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: nprmusic@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Books, Pop Culture, Health and more! Need a new playlist? Follow NPR Music on Spotify and Apple Music! You received this message because you're subscribed to NPR Music emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy