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February 14th, 2011
04:35 PM ET
Getting to know Esperanza SpaldingThe critical affection for this year's recipient of the best new artist Grammy has been steadily growing for a few years now, but you wouldn't have known judging by the amount of people searching for info about Esperanza Spalding last night. The reaction of "who?" was nearly instantaneous across the Web on Sunday as Spalding snagged the Grammy away from Justin Bieber and Drake, two artists that you couldn't be unaware of if you tried. Florence + the Machine and Mumford and Sons were also up for the award. Yet while you may not know her name, odds are you've seen her perform before.
The 26-year-old bassist, singer and composer from Portland, Oregon has showcased her musical style at the White House; turned in a show at the Nobel Peace Prize concert in 2009; sang a tribute to Prince at the BET Awards last summer; and has appeared on "Late Show with David Letterman." Although she's known for her skill with the bass, her first instrument was the violin. She told Oprah Winfrey's magazine "O" that she got into music at age 4, after seeing renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma perform on "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," and she spent 10 years with the Chamber Music Society of Oregon, becoming concertmaster at 15. When the Berklee School of Music offered Spalding a full scholarship, she headed to Boston, and after completing her studies early was hired on as faculty at the age of 20. That year, according to the New Yorker, she wrote and recorded her album "Junjo." By 23, she was being hailed as the artist to watchwith the release of 2008's "Esperanza," an album that NPR credits for blending "her soaring vocals and her deep bass lines." Her most recent release is "Chamber Music Society," an album the Washington Post describes as being "as lively as it is original." Of her sound, Spalding recently told Billboard, "I don't want to be pigeonholed...My job is to do justice to the music that's speaking through me." Take a listen with the clip below: |
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Esperanza, is she missing a tooth?
Just because "YOU" haven't heard of someone doesn't make that person any less real -that line of thinking is just too pompous. Now...blame the Grammys for NOT allowing Esperanza to perform as the others had done so. All anyone could hear were low-toned snippets of her songs from "Esperanza" -this album is just amazing -so cool, so hot. Your CD player will ask you why you took so long to play something so original and refreshing!
Finally a reason to believe in the Grammy Awards again 😀 Absolutely delighted about this one.
I was super happy that Esperanza won the grammy last year. Definitely deserving of it, a true artist. Her album is good. Check her latest single 'Black GOld'. Long live true music and musicianship!
Okay, when did little teenyboppers acquire the skill set to determine talent? As far as I'm concerned, the award is only legitimate when it awards talent and not because of a frenzied group of adolescents.
i've been a huge esperanza fan for a couple of years and i'm so happy for her!! 🙂
A true artist – talented, deserving of the Best New Artist award. Her Apple Blossoms composition is so beautiful. May God bless her.
Great name.... Esperanza. She brings hope and she is hope for the music industry. It was gasping for air and a true fresh talent has emerged. A real musician too. AAHHH!
...she's phenomenal! She's an actual musician, sorry beibs...you don't match up in ANY way.
13,000 Recording Academy Members vote for the Grammy winners. These are recording artists, engineers and basically the nominees peers. They know more about the art form of music then most posting here. Yes, these members are made up of musicians who record hip-hop, rap, country, rock, r&b, jazz, classical you name it. This is a group of 13,000 peers. If the majority of these people voted for Esperanza then you'd have to think that maybe some of these people know what they are talking about, not just what is being brainwashed into them from pop radio or their friends. She was the winner because she was the Best New Artist. Not best in sales, best in looks, best in anything other than in music. So suck it up, listen carefully and don't be so narrow minded. You may learn something and maybe, just maybe become a little more educated along the way.
I am so happy Esperanza won this award!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I started screaming when they announced her name. I have loved her music since I first heard "Precious" last year and I've loved her even more since seeing her in concert last October. She is a true artist, musician, singer, and composer. I truly love her music and albums. And I fit in the Bieber demographic: a 16 year old female. He is a great artist, but out of that category Esperanza is the BEST artist and it was an award well-deserved. I LOVE YOU ESPERANZA!!!!!!!!!!!
I too wondered who she was, but after reading about her, she appears to be a class act, a true artist. It was correct to nominate such an inspiriing person. Congratulations! Going to buy her CD this weekend.
How did Bieber not win the award? You may recall Justin Bieber was a bonefide musician from childhood, talented in several instruments. He was not "manufactured"; he was plucked out of obscurity from Youtube, essentially the people's choice. No disrespect to Esperanza, but she if she had been releasing albums since 2008, how does that make her best NEW Artist? Best Breakthrough artist, maybe, if they had such a category.
dating a star would be fun...i think!?!
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I am not a fan of her songs or jazz in general, but I do kinda feel sorry for her. You look her up at Youtube and you'll see all these horrifying comments about her that have nothing to do with her music. There are so many hateful, racist people out there. It's bloody mortifying, especailly in 2011. I thought that after America elected Obama, then things had changed. Guess not.
what a cool name.
I hear bieber likes to be bent over the sawhorse for a good ole fashiond cornholing...
this stupid beiber fever junk is silly...the kid dances good (so what) and he has an average voice...whats the big deal? to put SO much hype on "average" is laughable. He's a gimmick (white kid that can dance and sorta sing). Im so glad all the beiber fans are scorned by his loss...stupid little girls that have NO musical taste = justin beiber popularity.
Pray to your god that maybe one day you'll grow up and appreciate good music
She is like biber except more manly and tougher
Esperanza looks like a spooge girl. She probably loves to be spooged all over her face.
ES won the grammy, end of story. There were 5 nominees in this category. JB did not win. He was not robbed he simply did not win. He congratulated the winner. He moved on. His fan should move on as well.
I brought her CD a yr ago and have played it to death. She is awesome in person too. saw her at the Capital Jazzfest too in June and she was fantastic. Get to know her and her music , you won't be sorry!
While I do think Esperanza Spaulding is a great find and will have a fabulous career for decades to come, I don't think she deserved "Best New Artist'. OK- Drake (my personal favorite) has been around for a while, true. But, last year was his first album release, not as a guest star or underground mix tape creator. He also really has helped evolve rap past the traditional gangsta wannabe thug stuff. That aside, though I thought Justin Bieber should have won. He does have the total package, voice, can play instruments and even if he doesn't write his own songs- neither does Beyonce nor Britney Spears. Even that red-haired chick or Bruno Mars would have been more representative of the public. Yes- I know we're tired of pop artists. Lord knows I am too. But, to have someone win that 90% of the public doesn't have a clue about is just as silly as having the oscar winning movie only released in Manhattan and Sundance.
I will admit that I had not heard of Esperanza Spalding until last night. But now everyone will know who this extremely talented artist is. Sorry Bieber fans, but Esperanza has real talent. Congratulations to her!
Mumford and Sons hopefully were a close second with Florance + The Machine third in voting. Drake and Bieber are no talent hacks.
I'll take talent over marketing any day. Sorry Beiber fans – he's no Michael Jackson who somehow combined them both. This time they got it right.
Sang at White House and Nobel ?? Sounds like some non-music-realted agenda.
Spaulding's been around a while, but is NOT famous for a reason – most people don't like her kind of music. Face it, jazz is just not that popular, and we've had lots of opportunity to 'like' it.
She beat Bieber; And you guys are happy about it! Well may I quote Cee Lo Green "Forget you, and forget her [Spalding] too!" (You know what Cee Lo & I mean when we say "FORGET YOU") My JB is way better than dis Spalding girl, I never even heard of her or her music until the Grammy's night!
After listening to her explain her views on music, I understand why she won. The part of this video that reaches out to me the most were her comments comparing her bass to a suitcase. Unlike a suitcase, a good musician's instrument is never seen as a burden, but rather as a family member. As a guitarist, I know that my guitar is my best friend. When I'm feeling low, I pick her up and a few chords later I'm feeling alright. My guitar is a part of me, so I can relate to what she said completely. I'm not about to start winning Grammys myself, but I do think it takes that mentality to be a truly great musician. She's going places!
It's awesome that Esperanza won, and I applaud her for that. very deserving. That being said- i don't think enough credit was given to Florence + The Machine. She has been a revelation in the music world. If you want proof, well, that's what youtube is for.
Happy to see it went to someone besides Justine Bieber. He has zero talent...She seems to have a quite a bit...Though I would have liked to see Mumford & Sons win the award, I'm fine with Bieber not getting it
I was hoping that mumford and sons might win, but she is just as good! I'm soo glad that a true musician has won the award this year. And to all those saying that justin bieber should've won 'best new artist' he shouldn't have because he is not an artist. He does not write his own songs and he does not come up with his own melodies... he has songwriters for that. At most he co-writes his songs. Based on that, sure he could win something like 'best new pop star' but never ever 'best new artist' . Go Esperanza!
I'm very glad this woman won. She seems to be extremely talented, down-to-earth, has a good head on her shoulders, and is VERY cute, too! I'm going to buy her CD.
The average Bieber fan is what...10 years old? Who gives a crap what 11 year old thinks? How often do you care what your elementary school kid has an opinion on? There's a reason why they are children...their opinions are uneducated and yet all of the major news networks entertain the voice of children. That is why this country is getting dumber by the year, no one is saying anything with a shred of intelligence but instead taking up space that a legit story could have occupied with the blogs and message boards occupied by people who aren't old enough to rent a car, drink, vote, fight in a war, stay out after curfew, or get into a PG-13 movie let alone an R rated movie.
I'm a lot older than 10 and I love Justin Bieber, He's the best singer out right now! HE's AWESOME!
This is one unique album and I love it! To be honest, I was shocked to here she beat out Beiber and Drake for best new artist. I thought the Grammy only award billboard chart toppers instead of true artist. Wow!
How did this happen? A music award to an actual musician instead of a hairball?
Yay!
A real musician/ artist won the award!
Listen to her music, Esperanza is amazing.
The category is "Best New Artist", not "Most Popular New Artist," not "Most Album Sales New Artist," not "Got the Most Annoying Tween Girl Fans New Artist." It is the collective opinion of the Grammy voters, get over it.
I guess I live under a rock.. Who is Justin Bieber??? .. no really
Consider yourself lucky, not knowing who this wannabe "musician" is.
I wish her nothing but ill will, justin beber can play the drums better than she can, and the guitar. He proved it last night. I didnt even see her play an instrument, you know why? becuase she cant!
I'm a professional musician and what any "skill" Justin Bieber has wouldn't really qualify as much of anything amongst people who actually can play. He is a manufactured pop star at best, I wouldn't even contract him to play backup at a gig where there was real talent in the room.
Esperanza on the other hand is an actual musical prodigy who is leading the way of new musical art forms. Justin Bieber isn't fit to server her lunch or hold her luggage.
this is a whole lotta bullshytt!
congrats to her, but since when does 'best' NOT mean most popular, most bought, most played, most heard (even if you don't want to)? the fact is, bieber took over the world this year. i can't find one video of this girl who reached more than a million people. when you compare that to the 470 million the sixteen year old has, some flags are definitely raised.
show me some dumbazz nigras that can answer some basic science questions instead of this silly shytt dubbed as what it takes to be a hot nigra in America and I just might be excited!
I guess that means that McDonalds has the best hamburgers in the world, right? Best means she is more talented than he is, and after viewing both of them today that is very clear to anyone who knows anything about music.
Her music suxz, I would rather have a rhino stick his horn in my ear. Justin Beiber rules, everyone else iz a zit on that same rhinos azz
Right on, U know good music... The music now days is always words like "...F*** this, F*** that, K*lling people, Using drugs..." JB knows good, clean, honest music, he deserves all our honour and respect. Love him!
She is a great musician. I was surprised that she won. I have always thought of the Grammy as a who is cute, best ho, and popularity contest. Very happy for Esperanza. Nice to see a female artist with real talent win.
The lady is gifted. I'm so glad she won.
http://www.esperanzaspalding.com/cms/?page_id=30
congrats 2 the winners and loosers of an industry that makes them wealthy. real art isnt always a commodity, only when a gravy train for corporations are involved.
I am just curious about how she wins for NEW ARTIST when her first album came out in May 2008 ?
After watching JB perform last night i guessed its but fair to say that he should dig in more of whatever he got i mean true talent or you`ll be out of the limelight in no time
Jazz is accessible by Youngins, they just choose to listen to other things. Mainly rap and pop because It's all over the T.V. But either way Bieber should grow up, I don't feel sorry for him.
Berkeley Uni has a pile of hacks...lets not get to caught up on the if she went there she must be good.. how do I know? i have many friends who went there and they are mediocre at best..
I'm glad she won but she didn't deserve to win. To say Justin Beiber at his age has no talent is ridiculous.. Give me a break..I work in this industry and I am accomplished musician myself and sometimes we are too full of self importance like the folks at the Grammy's who voted for her over the other acts.. She should have been last or better yet not even in the list of nominees.
Are you sure you're a musician? You do realize how much more talent it takes to compose and play Jazz than play a diddy pop song someone else wrote, right?
It's really simple. Bieber and Drake are darlings of the industry which isn't built on actual music anymore. Its all production and dancing and style. Music is the last thing its about. It sells because the radio program directors shove it down our throats and could care less about real music. You can't even go out to a music store and buy sheet music for 90% of what's on the radio anymore, cuz no one could play it on the piano or guitar. If the power went out at a concert, Esperanza Spalding could still entertain – the others would go running off the stage. Congrats ES!! Wake up – its about music.
THANK YOU!!! Absolutely, Justin and Drake are HOT darlings. The both of them should have won! I'm very disappointed w/ the winners!
Mumford should have taken it.
that statement shows who is a dump pumk. you need to come out that box you living in and expand yourself.
I was intrigued and so decided to just listen to her music for the first time (neva hoid o'ver). I can't comment on JB but this woman is absolutely amazing. I am an amateur musician that started violin at age 6, I am so inspired by her wonderful talent, delivery and performances. More power to her, I say. This is where we should be going... Having said that, being jazz and all that means that it's probably not as accessible to the yung'ins, I can also understand why they're all freaked out. It doesn't matter, though, because she is just so great and none of this silliness arguing about who's best can take that down. Congrats, Esperanza! Look forward to more music!
From a new fan...
I am so happy a nice person won! So much better than that jerk Bieber!
It is always to see high level musicianship win the day.
And if you never head of her before last night, it speaks more to one's lack of searching for good new music, than to her lack of talent.
she is right there with noal pointer. and if you don't know who he is that is shallow. the award is base on talent. and it does not stop at pop.
I'm offended at the outrage at the headlines of "WHO" is the Best New Artist. People who know real music know who Esperanza Spalding is! People who play instraments know who she is and Jazz lovers like her sound and the way she works that BASS. It just that Hollywood is no part of the OSCAR. Hollywood is blind and white.
Everytime I see this woman, she looks like a young Michael Jackson, at first glance.
Basically what I'm saying is, is that Esperanza has bigger balls that Bieber!
While I'm no JB fan, Ms. Spalding has been making CDs since 2006. How is this a new artist? Personally, I think Mumford & Sons are very good.
Eminem isn't a upcomming artist. He's been around a while. But all this poor bieber stuff makes me sick. It's a tough world out there, grow some balls or stop trying to sing. But I bet bieber is crying more than Esperanza would if she would have lost. Just saying...
I am also so glad and proud of her Gramm win. Finally, someone with true talent, not conTEMPORARY, but a true artist that will be around a long time!!
You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She reminds me of eryka badu.
Part of the problem is that many don't understand the Grammy's are not voted by the public. If it was People's Choice awards I'm sure Beiber would have won hands down. I didn't know who she was either and I'm not a Jazz expert, however, I can appreciate that those who are in the know got it right. I don't see Justin being around in 5 to 7 years. He's going to be replaced by the next up and coming thing unless he can appeal to more then the tween and teen crowd. A jazz artist that has the jazz world talking will be around a for years to come.
Awwhh poor wittle Bieber... I'm sure his mommy is wiping his wittle tears right now.
JB is a lot stronger than U think! The kid's been through a lot, and I stand by him!
M&M would have done better; however, he stood up for Detroit and that does not bode well with most people.
I've been listening to Esperanza for a couple of years now. She is a very talented singer and musician. I love her music. Not to take anything away from the other artists up for the "best" award, it's about time that someone who isn't a mainstream, pop artist wins this award. Just because an artist or song is played constantly over and over on the radio until your head is about explode, doesn't make that person great. Perhaps people will take time to seek out those artists who aren't given as much press, and learn that talent exists other than in mainstream media.
If you watch the movie Justin worked hard to get discovered and make the right connections it didnt just happen over night
...You actually PAID to watch that?!
As some have said, the New Artist award is mostly the Kiss of Death to a performer.
Look at the history of the award over the last forty years. Some have had good careers but most have faded into obscurity.
SO this is actually good for Bieber, and his millions of teens and tweens.
"Best New Artist" has been the kiss of death to rock and pop performers. NO jazz musician ever won the award until this year. I'm not expecting this win to lead to jazz artists hitting the top of the pop charts, and I don't think Esperanza is looking for that either. As for Beiber, I don't think he'll disappear entirely when his voice changes. Perhaps then, we'll see more of his musicianship. The tweens that adore him him now will grow up and move beyond that music. The question is, will they follow Beiber in whatever direction he takes?
Perhaps a Grammy category like "Best Product Marketing to Children" would be more suited for performers like Bieber. He is the product of a corporation using an old formula to exploit a certain demographic. Such is talent.
I dont what to hear that shes so so talented becase Justin talent is way higher then her
CNN asks "Who is she?". She's someone with talent, whose voice doesn't have to be run through a freaking computer to make it palatable. It's about time the Grammys acknowledged MUSICAL talent as opposed to marketing talent. Bieber and Drake have great PR folks, that's it.
yea usher who is she !!
Beiber has nothing on Esperanza, she is a true Artist. Go girl.
Justin Bieber rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
who is this biaatchh?
If you have nothing worth saying then maybe you shouldn't be commenting. She is an extremely talented young lady.
He will be back because he now rules the music industry he a better seat then p diddy
While I have not heard of esperanza previously, I think she is extremely talented and deserves the Grammy. I will definuetly buy her album and look forward to hearing of her future success. I always wondered why people raved about Justin Bieber. I do not believe he has talent. Lost of hype and marketing. Go Esperanza!!
Nice hairstyle
She is a great singer
HE got robbed my little man got robbed
The Grammys are not the Teen Choice Awards. Music matters.
Never say Never he lost on purpose its a marketing scheme. We are all puppets and spalding is the patsy
hateeee herrr justin bieber got robbed by a nobody. someone needs to protest against this......
Jeeez, she sucks. The snobs just did it to snub commercialism, but they also snubbed the talent. If they are so "hip" to musicianship then why was someone like Frank Zappa not ever nominated?
Finally, a REAL MUSICIAN wins the award ... well deserved recognition!
agreed stop looking up this girl on wikipedia you losers. Justin is way better
Miss spalding deserves the award, she is so great at waht she does. her voice sounds good and she has what it takes to make it to the to top. Not because she's not singing songs like beyonce,rhianna and gaga that doesn't mean she's not adequate.
She is great and that is what you call soul good music.
Stop looking up this girl on google like everyone knows so much about her.. dang you people are fake. JB!!
Even when he is 18 19 20 25 everyone will still love justin
Check yourself. Not everyone loves him...most actually DESPISE him.
I suppose anyone who has the first clue what actual MUSIC is is a nobody, then.
Quality should always beat out popularity. Too bad it doesn't always work out that way, but I'm thrilled it did this time. Congrats to Ms. Spalding, and kudos to Bieber for being a good sport.
Most diserving, a well rounded muscian, not a pop fabrication of limited talent, but an artist, multi talented, well studied and a Master of her craft. Literally, a concert Master at age 15. This is the real deal. Congrats to Esperanza.
Yea well hes only 16 how the heck could he go to that stupid music school 16!!!!! oh when she was 20 she did this and that who cares!
"10 years with the Chamber Music Society of Oregon, becoming concertmaster at 15"
it pays to read the complete article before commenting
She is fantastic. I like her. That being said ; I'm sure the fact that the president likes her had no infulence at all on her getting this award. hummm.
Beiber and all his Beibettes are whiny losers. He is a nobody and once he turns 18 and all the little teeny boppers move on to the next loser he will end up hooked on drugs and booze trying to reclaim his past fame.
Get over it. It isn't a popularity contest, it's about who the best new artist is. She has a beautiful soulful voice and deserves the award.
Yea well hes only 16 how the heck could he go to that stupid music school 16!!!!!
oh when she was 20 she did this and that who cares!!!
I just listened to 2010 album that got Spalding noticed. She's talented, but the CD is pretentious and unlistenable (much like Bieber's).
She doesnt have talent if thats what you call talent im going to hang myself right now. Bieber runs motown
Well...bye.
Bahaha! Seeeee yaaaaa!
Ladies and Gentlemen–
This lady is a REAL musician, unlite Justin Beiber.
She is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music and did so well that the school made her part of the faculty at only age 20!!! THAT is impressive.
You will be hearing alot about this artist in the future....
Unlite? Learn how to write. Yeah, we'll be hearing a lot about her when her hair catches on fire while smoking crack.
Ismael is my lover.
Im crying justin is fav booooooo
it would be great if we could take this as a sign, the moving forward we will recognize MUSICAL talent on a show for MUSIC as opposed to performance art. Music runs deep, and we have a rich cultural history to pull from, yet we've let it become deluded by the pressure for quick sales and sonically one dimensional to reach the widest swath of mediocrity and the lowest common denominator....where they all meet....some corporate bottom line.
Thank god this find talent is being praised, maybe the flood gates will open....there is more just like her, from all walks of life, we're just never given a chance, thru mainstream exposure to champion them.
This is so true! I have friends that have been in the music industry for years and they will never be a big name, because they are not little boys with good hair and they can't dance. I think that there is a place for all of them, but I am tired of kids like Justin being pushed in my face. They are not music artist, you are correct with the preforming arts thing. Sure you can go see him for a good floor show, but I want real music substance in my music.
Sorry Beibs, but it's time for you to return to your home planet...you no talent @$$ clown! Kudos to Esperanza!
Bieber is the man his voice is like a male angel, and this girl is like a computer voice replicating jazz we have all heard a million times for years
"His voice is like a male angel...." Bahahaha...if that is what an angel sounds like, I will be glad to take a trip down under...
If this is the voice of an angel, I think I'll take an eternity in Hell...
Bieber fans = what happens when you take music education out of schools.
Like! Like! Like!
Even WWE super stars like me were rooting for Justin
The Grammys > The AMAs and VMAs combined
This is what is considered front page news? We have protests all over, budget problems, and a recession and this is what CNN chooses as front page material all day. Shame on you CNN!
I don't care for Justin Bieber...I prefer it Just In Beaver 🙂
Justin = Musical GOD spalding = musical dog
Kim, I know that you like Justin and you are a fan, but he is not a music GOD. I am not saying that he is not good, but come on, there are real artist out there that blow the door off of Justin, but they are never heard from, because they are not a teenage boy with shaggy hair, and can dance. Now I will say that his mentor is a great artist a.k.a Usher. Now if he keeps it up and gets a little time under his belt he may be the next Usher. I hope he does!
She won and yet whose name is in the headline? Pitiful. The media = echo chamber and nothing more.
While I'm far from a Beiber fan, I find it difficult to knock on the kid as so many in this comments section have done. He's not "talentless" as many claim. The kid can play guitar and is a pretty damn good dancer too (I don't care for his vocals, but my ears weren't bleeding afterward like when Jessica SImpson "sings.") I'm definitely not in the demographic that his music is designed to appeal to, but to dismiss him as many do is just plain wrong. I'm glad that someone like Esperanza is getting this well deserved recognition, but I understand where Beiber fans are coming from.
She is a valid artist who will be around for years to come. Something that Beiber does not have. I don't know her but she is my hero!
Thank god he didn't get that award. Spalding is one of my favorite bass players and I was praying for her to win that Grammy. Personally I do not like Beeber boy and the chick songs at all.
JUSTIN why did you let us down who is this fro monster freakish modo voodoo woman her video scared the mess out of me she is the weirdest person in the music industry aside of michael jacksons dead body
Awww, what a shame...the serious musician won instead of the Bubble Gum Boy....
It's pronounced beaver...not beeber.
Even black men can represent for justin b, he is great and it doesnt matter what race you are he should win
I'm so impressed. I really thought The Grammy was just a popularity contest. I've been a professional musician for many years. I've seen this young woman preform. She deserves yet more recognition . She is a very well trained and well practiced musician and she certainly demonstrates more musical substance than little Justin. I would guess she'll be around much longer because she a more versatile performer.
Glad to see someone with actual talent and not just a great PR person won. If that's the way Bieber sounds live–yikes!
Cleareye—hope that wasn't meant for me but for the all-caps nonsense just above my comment.
Best. EWP
Good for her! I am not saying anything against the Beeber, but is that really music that needs an award? Sure girls think he is cute and all, but award winning music this does not make. If I was to take any good looking kind off the street that could get in a studio and edit the hell out of him, and have him dance and put his face on a lunch box to make money I would, but this does not make him that great of an artist. Like Ozzy said on the Best Buy add on TV (Whats a Beeber?) Love me some Ozzy!
White men should honor Justin Bieber because he is representing the entire white race as a whole so any white man who comments negatively against him is a disgrace to the all white brother hood.
Joe Sinese i'm a white man. Please don't call me your brother. I just hate Biogots.
Wow, is that stupid. I'm white, but I can absolutely say that being "represented" by a talentless studio creation isn't my idea of pride. Get a grip, the best Artist should win. Who cares what their skin color is? I love all sorts of music, some of it created–yes–by white people. But if you can't play an instrument, write your own songs, or carry a tune without the help of supercomputer, you shouldn't win any awards.
Don't hate on the Beiber. He is more talented than that goofball Eminem. How is that mess coming out of his mouth even considered music?
You should be shunned by all human beings for saying such a thing.
Eminem may not exactly be my cup of tea, but at least he has actual musical ability. Bieber is like a bad dream that will end the moment that boy hits puberty.
I know Esperanza Spalding well, but Bieber???? never heard of her!
RACISM!!!!
Ok, not really. But if you think that sounds absolutely ridiculous, you know how I felt a few years ago when everyone was screaming racism that India Arie didn't win the Grammy, and listening to the vile hatred of minority radio callers accusing everyone in the music industry of racism. So I guess that group of "old racist white men who pick the winners" picked a minority over your stereotypical white sensation (Bieber). Interesting.
i'm not sure if you are a racist, but i am sure you are a retard
For all you people whinging that an "established artist" should have won—this is an award for the best NEW performer. And she richly deserved it. Love her voice, her musical knowledge, her light-fingered bass. She knows her stuff.
They are LIARS THAT IS WHY I DON'T SPEAK TO THEM ALL THEY DO IS LIE! CODE:KITTENS5T5. THAT I AS A PROFESSIONAL PREACHER IS STEALING FROM THE CHURCH AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION LIAR!. LAIR! GET OUT OF MY FACE! LAIR!. PREACHER REV. TERESA. WORK AS CNN AT MOM NEWS-REPORTER! THAT IS WHAT YOU GET: LIAR! THAT I STEAL MONEY FROM GET OUT AND STAY OUT BEFORE I BEET YOU TO DEATH! NOW. REV.TERESA.BORN WITH PREACHER.OF TEACHER MATH. { LIAR! }.SECRET SERVICE NON-MALE AND FEMALE SECRET AGENTS DOUBLE SECRET AGENT:090486927. 725 South Figueroa St Suite# 1300 LA, CA 90017:U.S.SECRETSERVICE1-213-806-6300.usa.jobs@govent.org.Bordueax11.
I want what she's smoking.
She must have Beiber Fever!! Quick call 911!
Sorry- but I think the Best New Artist Award is the kiss of death-like the Sports Illustrated cover curse. OK, a few have done alright- like John Legend...but how many of them have become superastars- and how many of them are nowhere... Bieber fans relax....
I may not of heard of her before, but I also wish I had never heard of Bieber. Actually, I don't think I have heard any of his mass produced songs. I only seem to wonder who that little girl is when she pops up. However, Esperanza clearly has talent that won't go away once she hits puberty. Justine can be honored at the Teen Choice Awards, that is his audience. The Grammy Awards are for artists.
i have never heard of her or her music before, but the clip at the white house dinner is amazing. i was able to listen for a good 20 seconds before i fell sleep. pure inspiration. she gives hope to all those struggling lounge musicians in 1970"s las vegas. maybe one day their background music can win an grammy too.
Who was your choice?
The academy got it right. Esperanza Spalding is a great musician, writer, etc. Yes, she's Jazz oriented, but she' has paid her dues more so thank the some of the cookie cutter artist who were nominated. They got it right. There is a GOD!! Look her up on youtube and you'll see some wonderful music. Her singing and upright bass playing is exceptional. If anything, I hope this brings Jazz back to where it should be at the Grammy's. I remember as a kid seeing tremendous jazz and contemporary music of the time. I tip my hat to the Gramy's for making the right pick. Let the American Music award, People choice awards give out there wards to the "popular" bubble gum artist. Kudo's Grammy Committee. You did the right thing this year!!!! Oh, Gaga rules too!
If this the front page news, I guess that's great. Global warming, the economic crisis, multiple wars, revolutions, global food insecurity, drug trafficking, corruption, threats of nuclear and biological destruction have all diminished to be of less importance than who won a music award.
No one will ever hear from here again but Justin will live on for a while, its sad to see someone who really doesn't deserve to win get an award like this. THe judges are crazy.
Steve, if that is your real name, I bet your a teenage girl. You would have to be. No one that knows music would ever pick Justin over a real artist. Hey I am not saying anything bad about the kid, and he should get the most out of it as he can, but for people to get mad because he did not win best new artist is crazy. Sure if you are at the Kids Teen Choice awards he is a big deal and a money making machine, but we are talking about real music, like Glen Beck and even Eminem is a great artist in rap, but Justin is not a real artist yet. Maybe when he gets older he will come out with something that could win him a Grammy, but the way teen music goes, he will fade away like so many do, or maybe he will be another Justin Timberlake which is a real artist.
Great! She is wonderful!
Who cares who she is at least we don't have to hear about Justin Beiber anymore.
There should be two music awards, one for Justin fans and one for Esperanza kinds, its not your fault, its Grammys fault, I feel bad for Justin and his fans even though I like Esperanza better.
The only other people on that list I would have preferred to see win the Grammy would be Mumford & Sons or Florence + The Machine. They're fantasitc musicians, I love their work, and I respect them greatly. Beiber and Drake deserved to lose – nothing but commercialism at it's best, there. While I don't know who this Esperanza lady is (yet), I'm just glad to see jazz still getting props it deserves. (Now, if only someone would crush Lady Antebellum...)
The Flaming Lips should have won, on the ballot or not.
she needs to cut that Velcro off
I agree that Drake or Justin Bieber would've been the wrong choice, but Mumford and Sons and Florence + The Machine are both very talented groups that deserved that award just as much as, if not more than, Esperanza Spalding. You don't have to go way out past the left field into the grandstand to find a breath of fresh air.
All of you idiots that are commenting obviously didn't see the Bieber movie because if you did you would realize how much incredible talent he has and how much better his voice is then her. Plus he plays guitar and drums like a pro. He got robbed...
Talent, yes, but we're talking about music here!
Cry us a river, Ms. Chris Crocker.
hope she ain t no illegal mahn like a abba da swedes were
They always do stuff like this just get shock value and people talking about the show.
/yawn
whatever.
Mumford & Sons Should of Won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But I am sooooo glad the award actually went to a deserving musician who is actually talented, unlike Bieber and Drake who have voices that sound decent after a producer works on it for weeks to make it sound alright, unlike the other deserving nominees that sound just as good if not better then they do on their cds.
I love Justin Bieber and Drake and Justin Bieber and Drake should have won.
Oh, they decided to to give the award to an actual MUSICIAN this year?
I think the bigger story is how Justin Bieber got nominated for a Grammy. Have we finally reached a point where if you release an album, you're automatically nominated?
Grammy New Artist – The artist must have released, as a featured preforming artist, at least one ablum but no more than three; and the artist must not have been entered for Best New Artist more than three times, including as a preformimg member of an established group. That's the New Artist Category in a nutshell – perhaps next year bieber
These awards are supposed to be about talent not popularity. Good for her!
Weird.
Good for her!
Still not as bad as Jethro Tull beating Metallica for "Best Heavy Metal Album" years ago. Jethro Tull's not even close to Heavy Metal.
Like Nelson says in The Simpsons, "Ha-ha!"
Anyone who is upset about this nonsense has an easy life. These award ceremonies are all subjective anyway.
She may be a great artist but, does anyone think she looks like she belongs in a wax museum?
I think it's a good thing Bieber didn't get the award. As everybody knows, teen idols have a limited shelf life. Once his star fizzles out, it's going to be a very rough road for him. Not having a Grammy will soften the blow, although it would serve as something to pawn off when he faces that drug and alcohol addiction.
Judging from the posts on here, I suppose I will see Esperanza Spalding's sales skyrocket in the next few weeks, above Justin Bieber's level of fame and become the new music powerhouse. I mean, you've all purchased her CD or downloaded her album online today, right? Or are you all just spewing crap like fickle hipsters?
Congratulations to Esperanza Spalding. It's no surprise that the mainstream public does not know who she is. Yet in musician's circles, she has been a prominent up and comer for the past three years. To win a Grammy the priority is music. Image,entertainment and money are the icing on the cake. Without the cake, what is left is sweet but tasteless after a while and does'nt last. Unfortunately, this is what is wrong with popular music today and why it has sunk so low, it's about money and entertainment, not music. A sad testament to this is they have to bring in people like Mick Jagger and Barbra Streisand in order to boost ratings and viewership. With all due respect to the rest of the nominees, congratulations again to Esperanza.
She sounds actually quite talented – as opposed to Justin Bieber. My 8 year old daughter has enough musical sense to dislike Justin, but we spent 30 seconds to give hm another chance last night – before we changed the channel realizing that – no, he really is that bad.
If you review the history of this particular award, it seems the voters throw in a wild card every now and then. After wins by Carly Simon, America, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and the Carpenters in the previous years, Marvin Hamlisch beat a group that included Bad Company. Nowhere in that time era were Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, Billy Joel, or many other famous names even nominated. Following Marvin's win was Bette Midler. There is no rhyme or reason to who gets this award. Bob Newhart won in 1961.
It was great to see REAL musicians getting awarded this year!
Why is this such a shocker? We all know the Academy has been commercialized, but even they aren't stupid enough to pick Justin Bieber over the other nominees they had for Best New Artist. Speaking critically, JB's album was easily the worst nominee in the category. The threw it in to appease the masses, not because he had a chance to actually win it.
I've actually seen her perform live here in NYC about 2 years ago. She was amazing live and this award is well deserved.
Who judges what art is? Are we going to boil this down to a hipster ideology that the least known is unquestionably the best? Should a painter come about that creates magnificant works be thought of as a hack simply because he/she is not Van Gogh? I don't like Bieber or Drake, but I don't like Spalding either. None of those artists speak to me. Should I speak out that they all suck? I think people need to stop trying to act like they know what being an "artist" is unless they are one.
Beiber is not exactly a new artist either... didn't he release the first part of his 2 part album in 2009?
thank goodness! 🙂
She's was very gracious in her Victory, He was very gracious in defeat when he went backstage to introduce himself and congratulate her.
Everyone fully expected him to win (or Drake) including Esperanza. Let's not dog-pile on the kid too much here.
Esperanza is freakishly gifted. I read somewhere (I think it was in the New Yorker article) that she can write one song while listening to a completely different one. That's NOT FAIR!!!
I'm glad the award went to somebody that earned it with actual talent and work.
Having had the opportunity to work with Esperanza last year, I can say that she is an astonishingly good musician and quite possibly one of the kindest and most down-to-earth people I've ever met. Her degree of professionalism and and poise is what you might expect to see from someone twice her age. This is an award well-deserved. Brava!
Don't worry Justin, Madonna can't sing worth a cr@p either and she's in the R&R HOF. Just keep sounding like a '80s video game, rake in the dough, and get out of that male body that you're trapped in.
Oh my god that sucked
well deserved
Well ......one is a talented artist and the other is the latest product of the marketing hype machine.
Witnessed her skills at the 2010 Atlanta Jazz Festival http://atlantafestivals.com/?p=946 . What can I say, "The Girl Got Skills".
This irritates me because I feel like it was used as a way to legitimize the awards ceremony. Esperanza is definitely not the most recognized of the best new artists, but she isn't the most innovative at all. In the end Justin Bieber, whether you like him or not, was in all rights the best new artist of 2010 and if you're going for someone who didn't have the glitz and glammar attached that Bieber has it should have been Mumford and Sons. Sorry if this offends any Esperanza fans, but as someone who does know who she is, I don't think this was the right choice. Although I admire the academy for not going with the popular choice.
Sorry to rain on your parade but The Bieb was NOT the best new artist. He may have been the most popular but that doesn't make him the best.
This was definitely a dumb award, I would say Drake or Florence should win because they were actual new comers to the music industry, Spalding has had music released since 2005, but at least she is a real musician...jump of the biebs bandwagon already!
ROCK IS THE WAY TO GO
METAL MILITIA!!!
If Justin Beiber had won this award, I would have lost ALL respect for the Grammy Awards.
As if Milli Vanilli winning didn't destroy any respect for this award?
I'm a belieber. I just farted. Shooooo : )
I'm glad this Award revealed this artist to me, she was unknown to me, and at last something I can listen to that doesn't insult my sensiibilities as a functioning adult. Please, go set up the BubbleGummy Awards, a puberty-relevant music award show, and I'd be vote to see Bieber win that.
These awards suggest the music I hate.
i dont know how any of you can listen to any of that music. pop rap or jazz. they all suck and boring as hell.. metal like Within the Ruins beats all of them
I'm just glad Kanye West wasn't there to go and take the mic away from her and say something like "Drake should get this award" Congratualtions Esperanza!
hahaha poor Bieber ! At least his movie made $30 million over the weekend and this black woman can go back to oregan to her waitress job
you mean back to Massachusetts and go To her Job of teaching other Kids that have Actual talent at Berklee College of Music where she is a Professor probably making more money than you.........YOU should get your facts straight.
Loved that clip!
Face it ... Best New Artist might as well be the kiss of death award!!! Since like the mid 70's anyone that has won this award (with few exceptions) has drifted into the land of "whatever happened to...." You've got winners like – Starland Vocal Band, Debbie Boone, Christopher Cross, Sheena Easton, Marc Cohn, Hootie and the Blowfish, Shelby Lynne, and who could forget Milli Vanilli!!!! As I said – there ARE some exception: Carrie Underwood, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, and LeAnn Rimes. But by and large - you're better off NOT winning THIS award!!!!! lol
Esperanza's win came as a pleasant surprise to me. She has shown up on a few PBS shows, but I first was turned on to her when she appeared on David Letterman. Paul Shaffer called her "the coolest person we've ever had on the show" (or something close to that; that's a paraphrase). A well deserved award; for once, popularity was not the determining factor.
Lady Antebellum rocks too!
I still think the grammys are stupid.
Esperanza is an accomplished musician, Berklee professor/music educator. Maybe this is a good point to begin restoring sensibility/credibility to the music industry, giving credit to true bonafide musicians and artists who have sacrificed, studied and not sold their souls and use their skills to for the purpose of building up.
@ Davidk, nicely put. Products of Berklee come out being too advanced for the musical society. Also, i think Mumford and Sons rock!
No one cares. One hit wonder that looks like a cross between buckwheat and Lauryn Hill. FAIL.
First of all, why are people even shocked he was beaten? I was shocked he was nominated. Just because someone is popular, doesn't make them the best or most talented. I'm sorry. There's a reason we have radio, so all the crappy artist have a forum.
I don't know who is Esperanza Spalding I don't know who is Beiber, but I know who is balloon boy, ha.
I can't believe he was beaten by a drag queen.....
I think she's way better looking than Justina. In that outfit Bieber looked like the love child of Rob Halford and Tom Brady. Bieber should star in a remake of Pinocchio because someday he wants to be a real boy.
I don't even like Beiber and I can tell you he was robbed. Go look at the historical listing of artists that won this award. All were well known well selling artists. Given that directly after the award they promo'd their "Grammy Camp" thing and had Esperanza plastered all over it, I am going to go ahead and say Michael Jackson could have been reborn and made a triple platinum album as his reincarnated zombie self and Espreranza was going to win this year. What a shame. I guess it has been said previously, this is just the Grammy's patting themselves on the back. And for everyone questioning Bieber's musical integrity I will leave you with this nugget:
Milli Vanilli won this award in 1990.
Justin B. didn't need an award to be a chart topping musical artist but I'm glad the grammys highlighted someone we HADN'T heard of because I love jazz and enjoy the fact thats she's my age. I can see why his fans are angry but any 15-16-yo could perform his songs if they were mentored by an artist already in the field (i.e.-Usher). Biebs is a younger version of Usher. Who is Spaldings equivalent?
Talent won out over image... A Great Day indeed! Congrats to Esperanza!
justin is gay
Seriously does anyone keep up with music or artisit bios if you did you would know that beiber is also a child prodigy as you all call it so I think he deserve to win instead of some unheard of artist
Just because you haven't heard of her does not mean she is "unheard of". Mindless pop artists like Bieber need to go away. Just because his fan base is comprised of 10 year old girls doesn't mean he deserves to win or anything at all.
thank you! hip hop is great music i like jazz maybe some of you should listen to what is popular! lol get off your oldies channel and give this nice boy some props he def. deserves it look at his sales i see the little green monster here in most of ur comments
I don't know what the uproar is about. Esparanza Spalding is an AMAZING artist. Justin what ever his name is has nothing on Ms. Spaldling. I am glad to see a "new" jazz artist win a grammy. I am tired of crappy music getting recognition they don't deserve. You can't deny true art.
thanks
If you watched the ending credits the decision is that of 12,000 members out of the US total consumer population in 2010 of 308,745,538. They should catergorize it for jazz, r & b, hip hop, pop, etc..it would have made for less news today and better received by those of us outside of the 12,000 voters. Whether you like him or not, Beiber is a headliner and will be for years to come, much longer than some of the winners last night. Esperanza should have personal achievement if anything that cannot be taken from her and she should treasure this award forever.
That was terrible!!
That was an awful clip. I cant believe that she won. I am glad that the Bieber didnt win. But I can believe they picked her.
YOU SIR HAVE NO SOUL
Esperanza has recorded some beautiful music. Check out her work with guitarist Mike Stern.
I am ALL about her beating Bieber but in all seriousness what is the cutoff for Best "New" Artist? She cut an album in '08...
The award is called 'Best NEW Artist'. It's not the 'Best WELL-KNOWN AND MORE ESTABLISHED Artist'. If you haven't heard of Esperanza Spalding, all the better. And that's the point.
And another thing, this isn't terrible. The only people who have said this is terrible music are only accustomed to, and have not yet weaned themselves from, the sounds of Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Esperanza Spalding is helping to bring in a new type of jazz. Deal with it, everyone.
Esperanza who and who in the heck is Arcade Fire????????????
How can everyone immediately ask "Who is she?", and in the same breath comment on her talent and say she didn't deserve an award. If you never heard of her or her music, how can you assess whether she is deserving? Sorry, but the worlds basis of judgement is not leveled on the majorities limited exposure to manufactured artists.
For once..talent beats hype.
I won't say WHO I voted for in this category....but I WILL say that this win is very well deserved.
I lost faith in the Grammy's when they gave it to Michael Bolton, though I must admit, for my money, there's nothing better then when he sings, "When a Man Loves a Woman".
Hooray for Ms. Spalding!
Actually Guiness, I don't believe Michael Bolton won the Best New Artist .... but I do agree that for my money there's nothing better than when he sings "When a Man Loves a Woman" lol
This is not news. This should not be the head story on the front page.
And thank god a real musician won instead of one of these corporate mainstream sellout "artists".
Justin Beiber and Drake musicians? Not even close, they have no talent. Let me know when the academy or who ever decides this crap actually gets a ****** clue and they start recognizing real talent and artists who actually have skill.
where is the name of the person who wrote this article? i'd just like to point out to mr/ms anonymous that i have no idea who drake is. just wanted to correct your point about how it was impossible to never have heard of those particular artists. i have heard of justin bieber, though.
I was kind of bewildered with the "who?" response by the media on Esperanza's nomination and victory as best new recording artist. For those who have not heard her or her music, you are missing out on alot. She is superbly talented and can sing like you would not believe. I saw her first last year in a White House event which was televised by PBS.
Lady who? If you want a real voice, check out Esperanza. By the way, esperanza is Spanish for hope.
I never listened to Justin Bieber but I can't avoId tnot to listen to his music because it is played by my friends' daughters all the time. I love heavy metal and Alternative music or ALL music
I am music lover. If I am Justin Bieber's parent. I will be very proud of him/ better than a kid with pierce tongue or on drugs
For once, talent beats hype.
Justin who????
Finally true talent won over popularity. Ms. Spalding is a great musician and she deserved to win case closed.
Finally!!!..... we see some light in our culture!
She is a musician. Bieber is just a media created money machine. There is a difference.
And by the way, kids – stop calling people who disagree with you a hater. Very juvenile.
SUP
So, someone with actual musical talent won for a change and people are in an uproar?
Esperanza Spalding's musical abilities were unrivaled in the category and I'm glad she received the award, it was/is very much deserved. The industry marketing machine could convince fans to like just about anyone, so topping charts or massive sales really doesn't mean a whole lot.
Drake should have won, but good for her she beat the bieb. Ha the bieb, thats so dumb.
I could care less who won, so long as beiber lost. That's what matters. She/He has no talent. Getting a mob of tween girls screaming may generate cash but has little to do with talent.
Good, I hope he continues to lose.
Let's see now...he's 16; he'll be flipping burgers at Mickie D's in two years anyway. The dude is manufactured crap...
Maybe u wish u had girls screaming and spending money to c u. Jealousy is not a good thing u know...
Wait! Wait! Do you mean to tell me that an actual musician won a Grammy as opposed to some kid that pretends he's MJ? Truly amazing...
Betcha wish u could dance like that...
I think justin deserved the grammy . Everyone knows him.
Esperanza won because she has actual music ability. Just because you're popular does NOT mean you deserve an award that's supposed to go to a MUSICIAN.
THE GRAMMYS IS NOT A POPULARITY CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!! AUTOTUNING DOESNT COUNT AS SINGING OR TALENT!!!!!!!!!
All the world isn't into hiphop music and it's past time that other artist are recognized for their true talents.
Yes she is a good artist or musician but we are not talking about 7 to 18 years old screaming kids.
There is nothing wrong with Justin Bieber – His music are CATERED TO Kids especially girls.
People are so Hyprocrite nowadays. Just like when Menudo, Backstreeet Boys or Justin Timberlake was still a Kid.
But for sure Justin Bieber will be with us until he's matured enough to sing Music catered to People who doesn't like him.
Good for her!!! Glad to see SOMEONE has taste!
I'm glad she won. I'm so sick of the Johnny Bravo's (showing age with Brady Bunch reference) that corprate music throws at us. I'm so sick of these cookie cutter teen beat cover boys even being considered for the grammy's. Well what can I say the grammy's use to be about talent, now it is nothing put a popularity contest.
I found it funny that those who don't even know her in the maintream then automatically assume that she shouldn't deserve the award. Maybe you should expand your horizon in music like jazz then make your call later. I thought she was very talented.
Saw Spaulding at the Chicago Jazz Fest a year or 2 ago – she's a little mainstream for me but glad to see that serious music got some public respect for a change
Esperanza soooo deserved this award. She is an incredible ARTIST (notice the emphasis). So glad the Grammy's finally got this right. I am ecstatic she won over Drake and Beiber. I first saw her perform at the White House and was immediately taken and thought, Wow, what an incredible voice and performer. I had to get her music on my iPod. It is gratifying to see that an artist known primarily in the jazz tradition beats out all the bubble gum pop stuff that passes for music these days. Again, congrats to Esperanza and thank you Grammy's for getting it right. This was by far, the best moment of the Grammys this year!
drake had an excellent year as far as topping the charts and breathing some life back into hip hop. ive only really heard 1 justin bieber song but biebs winning would be like hanson taking the grammy- he never had a chance. it shouldn't come as a surprise as a hip hop/r&b acts are overlooked year after year (no matter how popular they are) as this grammy is handed out to female solo acts more often than not. maroon 5 beat out kanye (ridiculous as much as I dislike kanye as a person), evanescence beat out 50 cent at the height of his popularity... the list goes on. drake topped the charts repeatedly in 2010 and will be in the lime light for years to come as esperanza is all but forgotten.
She is much better than the little twink!! He will be history in a few years.
You go Esperanza! I didn't know you before but I sure know you now! A great talent who obviously deserved the award. I don't think the Bieber will suffer too much, in fact his popularity may even increase if that's possible.
WHEN IS THIS BEIBER THING IS GOIN TO GO AWAY. THE KID HAS NO TALENT HE'S BEEN CHOSEN BY THE POWERS THAT BE TO BE THE NEW "IT" KID. HE HAS NO STYLE...HE'S JUST SOME RICH WHITE GUYS TAKE ON WHAT TALENT IS. WHAT A WASTE!
U may not think has talent, but enough people did for him to be nominated. Do u have any CD's or movies out? No? Well at 17, he has done more than u. I'm sure he has beat u moneywise oh let's say by the time he was 14 or 15. Maybe some of these men are jealous. He has done more in 5 yrs. than most of u do all your lives. JB can be a good role model for our new tweens if he stays grounded. Why is it that adults seem to put down what children believe so much in? STUPID'....Just leave JB alone.
Another typical trash comeback... "oh you're jealous of the money"
No one cares. As if money meant everything in this world... Sure he's made films and sold albums... has he done anything else worthwhile such as helping communities, saving lives, etc.? A lot of us haven't done those things either, but I'm sure he's not that far ahead in that category... just because someone sells records doesn't mean they're better off than we are...
...case in point... Britney Spears... yeah all that money really did her good when she found K-Fed, got knocked up, and then BAM. Her life spiraled. Of course she made a comeback, but yeah... wouldn't say I would want that life, to be honest.
Have u done any research to see if he has done anything with his money to make a difference? If so, u must have some interest in him. If he doesn't give his money, maybe just his message on reaching for your goals in life and never give up would be his donations for todays young people. They need some sort of directions and unfortunatly they look up to this type of people. I don't understand either why adults are getting so upset about him. Every generation goes through the "goo-goo" phase and then they grow up and move on. Let kids be kids. What about Elvis? yeah, that's a great one. Drug addicted, can't act worth a crap...but there was a generation who thought he was "king". Whatever!! and by the way you don't need money to give back to society. Just us regular people could if we wanted to...but usually don't. Oh and by the way...I'm not trash. I just don't get why adults slander people that they don't even know (escpecially our young generation) but if it makes you feel better about yourself...you are the one that has the problem.
I was like who? Best part of the show was Mick!
Looking at her career and credentials, it's clear to see that she is a "real" artist. Unlike Justin, while talented, had no real "art" inside him.
Congratulations, Esperanza Spalding!!
good, don't care who she is. Drake and Justin don't deserve any sort of music award.
Esperanza totally deserved this win and I was screaming last night when they announced it. I was pleasantly shocked – The Grammys got it right finally!!! Talent over marketing! I do not discount all of the nominees talent – but Esperanza is truly gifted. Go to itunes purchase her song precious – and enjoy just a taste of her talent. Congrats to a true musician!!
HOW TRUE....HOW TRUE.
BIEBER WHO???????....GET SOME TALENT KID. STOP DEPENDING ON THE POWERS TO MARKET YOUR USELESSNESS!
Good for her.
I'd like to thank the Academy for getting this one right! Musicians are not divas of just the studio, or popular favorites, they are people who put years of hard work and dedication to their craft. Yessss! This is a step in the right direction after giving the award to Alicia Keys when India.Arie had a more proven talent. If Justin Bieber and Drake continue in the business they will have more chances to win Grammys going forward.
Her publicity people beat his publicity people! You'll find more talent at your local karaoke bar.
Finally some one with real talent won, and not just a pr machine's fantasy!
The award is based on the quality of music not the recognition by a group of brain dead tweens!
A group of which you were once a member...
...Kids like what kids like. Why must you (an adult I assume) be so vitriolic about it...
brain dead tweens! please you are very old and cluesless, reminds me of when the younger crowd liked elvis, i am guessing you probably remmember this. the old folks hated on him too. please jb isn't going away
II'm thrilled to pieces a musician won! I wouldn't have minded Florence + The Machine winning, though – Florence Welch is quite a singer, which is why she was selected to participate in the tribute to Aretha Franklin. If you don't know Florence, you've probably heard "The Dog Days Are Over" a million times in that commercial for "Eat Pray Love", and those crazy kids on "Glee" covered it.
It's time for the beiber to pull up his pants. Nothing looks more stupid than baggy pants on all the rapper types. Enough already. They are all going to be permanently deformed with their weird walks in order to keep their pants up. Dress with respect for the public who is making you rich listening to your "sound".
Thank you Grammy for getting this so right!!!I had heard her name before, but did not take notice until I saw her perform at the BET Awards in the tribute to Prince, she blew me away and hers (along with DeBarge) was the performance that I remembered, even though Patti La Belle, Alecia Keys, etc were all there, so while looking at the Grammys, i said to my family, she should win this award but I figured either Drake or Bieber would, so my brain exploded when i heard her name! She is RICHLY deserving of this award, a TRUE artist and a fantastic musician. While Bieber and Drake are popular, they are not unique IMHO. Spalding is!
I was thinking the same thing while watching. Having 'discovered' her last year after BET, I said 'would be cool if she won' I didn't expect it, but think it was the right choice. Her music is mesmerizing...
Nice Hair!
This was rig.There is no way a unknown person won over drake and bieber.If people had to google her that's the biggest problem.When she comes out with a album that is as big as Drakes or as famas as biebers hair than you can talk. in the mean time I can sleep forever because that will never happen!!!!
"Famas"? What's "famas"? Is that a new word you made up? Is Beib's hair "famas"? You need to learn how to write, man.
She was b/c she's talented, not b/c she's popular. If the award went to the most popular, then the kid would've won.
Just because you are musically ignorant, doesn't mean that Esperanza Spalding is not a well known artist in her own right. This came as no surprise to me, as she is an overwhelming talent. NOBODY that I know said "Who"? They said, "Congratulations to a deserving talent". Maybe you need to turn off your AM radio......
The fact that she won means that the Grammys might for once be gaining a tiny bit of meaning. They have picked the most popular or the best selling way too often, regardless of the actual talent or the quality of the music. This (and a few other awards from last night) show that they aren't just paying attention to money and fame anymore...
I have no idea who Drake is and wouldn't know about Bieber if he wasn't in the news all the time. Only listen to music that I like, and apparently Drake and Bieber never stood out to me.
had the pleasure of seeing her in Seattle. 35 years as a pro musician and she's the best I've ever seen. Nice a real musician beat the pop entertainers.
- Oh get over it Bieber! Go sit in a corner and suck on your baby pacifier. Here is a life lesson: Accept defeat with class.
I think Bieb is accepting the defeat just fine. It's his fans that need to relax, put on their headphones, stick their noses back in their text-phones and try to forget about it.
Did you even read the VERY short story? Nowhere did it say Bieber is upset about anything...
I can't say I know who she is. Actually, the ONLY one I've heard of is Bieber. I didn't say I listen to him, I have just heard of him.
As usual, the hype about the grammy's is overblown. It's the music industry patting themselves on the back. It's a meaningless as the Oscars. Why not forget all this nonsense and let people listen to whatever they choose?
If it actually was the music industry patting itself on the back, Bieber would have won.
This is a person with unbelievable work ethic and talent. Not that the others didn't deserve to win, but she does deserve to be recognized. I'm glad this award was not a popularity contest, but rather an award based on her innovative approach to modern music. Congratulations Ms. Spalding! I'm gonna go online now and buy her album.
Seems racist to me
That's because you're racist.
she looks like a young chaka khan kudos and accolade to her . beiber is struggling to be the new ltom jones of his generation.
Who's this?
YAY!!, SHE BEAT BABY BIEBER!!!!
Who?
She is hot!
Not quite sure how Esperanza fits criteria for a new artist, but if she fits the category, she definitely should win. Pop acts may have huge record sales and be big concert draws, but that doesn't necessarily make them the best artist of the year. Bieber is this generation's Donny Osmond. If he's the best we have to offer, that's a pathetic statement. I would give the nod to someone creating music that will stand the time, not just be the answer to a trivia question in a few years.
You hit the nail right on the head!
What's to know? She won over that no talent hack bustin jeeber. Good 'nuff. Fans of that loser can eat it.
What's wrong with being black? Or is that supposed to be an insult?
While I am not a fan of Bieber's music (primarily because his music is for pre-puberty boys and girls), I disagree that Mr. Bieber is talentless. He plays piano, drum, guitar, and trumpet, and plays them quite well. He can sing, dance, and act. He has done all that before he was 12! So, someone without talent can't accomplish that much, nor can they master multiple instruments from such an early age.
Mr. Bieber, while tremendously popular, is a growing musician. You may not like his music, but talentless he is not. I wish him the best.
BTW, Sam, that talentless brat only a made a dime from that travesty of a movie because of brain-washed, prepubecent children like yourself who are to wet behind the ears to know what real music sounds like. Wait a few years – every one of them will want to know what on Earth they were smoking to make them crazy over that kid.
Inspirational movie, my a s s... Beiber is nothing but a middle-class brat who's career is being funded by a washed-up singer (and yes, I have heard Usher's latest works; they're as commercially unimaginative as ever).
If everyone said "Who", then she didn't deserve to win.
You're an idiot.
Tell that to The Who.
It's not a popularity contest.
Obviously not everyone asked "who". She did, after all, win the award. Good for her.
Popularity does not always correlate to actual talent. See: Justin Bieber.
The catagory was "BEST new artist"...
NOT "Most Popular new artist"
NOT "Most Well Known new artist"
NOT "New artist with the most 14 year old twitter followers"
...but the "BEST new artist".... got it?
Hopefully this awards makes all the tweenies understand that contrary to how important advertising and mtv sitcoms make you feel... you really don't have as much influence on the world as you are made to believe.
Thankfully talent still trumps the fad driven whims of children.
Forgive me if I'm wrong but the award is for best new artist!? I did indeed say 'who' when her name was called, but that's part of why I watch the Grammys, to find new, good artists! After reading this it's clear that she deserved the award much more than a over-produced tween who will be in a new field of employment as soon as his voice changes.
If everyone said, "Who?", it just goes to show you how much "everybody" has to learn. A TRUE musician is not measured by the amount of redundant radio-play they receive, the number of pre-pubescent girls in the audience, or how many diamonds they have in their grill. SHE is what real music is all about.
If I could "like" comments...I would like usernaem's and db's 1,000 times!
I saw Ms. Spaulding on "Austin city limits" last year. I was very surprised and happy that she won – she's talented, doesn't have any in-your-agendas, and actually keeps all her clothes on. Now I sound like an old lady.
I saw her live last April and the woman has CHOPS! She deserves that Grammy for the quality, diversity and brilliance she brings to music. Perhaps not as well known as the other (also deserving) nominees but a breath of fresh air nonetheless. Esperanza is an innovator on the rise & guarantee you'll be hearing her name & her music a LOT more from now on.
Oh yea.. Heh, oh well. I agree, I think it went to the right person. Like I said, Jazz typically trumps most other genres in my opinion. Especially pop.
I'm not sure who Florence & The Machine are but isn't Drake the guy who does that "Baby please don't go" song? If so, I don't think he deserved to win either.
It was Mike Posner that sang that song, but Esperanza still definitely deserves a Grammy over Drake as well.
KC and the Sunshine Band did "Baby, Please don't go" thirty years ago... LOL
shes my neighbor.
wouldnt ya like to be ..........my neighbor
She's not a new artist–she has been releasing CDs for the past few years. The Grammys area sham–although Spalding is more talented than Bieber, he was robbed.
Wait... how in the world was he robbed if she's better than he is? I have yet to hear anything of his that isn't completely canned and artificial sounding. She's singing, with an unaltered voice, and playing upright bass at the same time. I somehow think Bieber should be happy he was even nominated in the same category as she was.
I'm glad an authentic artist beat out a manufactured commercial act. You should be too. Beiber is just another mask for the same teeny-bop generic junk that's been shoveled out by the music industry since the '80s.
galfridus73,
I'm thinking he is saying he was robbed since the person who won it actually isn't a new artist. She is someone he claims has been putting out records for years. Meaning she shouldn't of even been in the running.
Best New Artist is not given to artists who have just entered the music scene, but to artists who have (in the year of consideration) come to the attention of the general public. It doesn't matter how long the band/person has released music beforehand. Usually this means playing larger(or more well-known) venues or releasing an album on a major label as opposed to an independant one.
She's not a new artist, but only established herself recently, hence, she should be eligible for the award. The same is true for any artist, how many years do they write and perform before getting recognition ? It could be one year or it could be 5 or more. None of her CD's gathered serious attention from all but a few fans until recently.
I don't like the Grammy new artist rule and think it should be changed. Yes, Spalding is infinitely more talented than Bieber, who is a purveyor of pop garbage, but he better fits the "new artist" designation.
I was thinking that they have both been around. Would be nice to pick a "new" artist.
The Grammys are a sham, I completely agree. The fact someone like Bieber was even NOMINATED blows my mind. Just because you're the most POPULAR new artist in the world, doesn't mean you are the BEST, or even a TALENTED new artist.
There are many problems with the Grammys. Google my blog: 'Reading Through the Blindfold' and read my latest article to get my opinion of what the Grammys have become.
Looks like they finally gave an award based on talent. She rocked Houston @ DaCamera Jazz last year.
'better known' and 'more established' are not criteria for this award (heck, if they were... bieber prob WOULD have won). the award ought to be about talent and quality..... esperanza has both in spades.
that aside – congrats to ALL nominees. each has achieved a level of excellence in their chosen genre.
Agreed! She has been on the cover of Strad Magazine several times. Her talent is outstanding!!!
It depends on the year and times. When I was in HighSchool Sheena Easton, Culture Club, Men at Work and Cindi Lauper won. The nominations who lost included Men without Hats, Human League, etc. In the meantime my sisters favourite jass artist didnt show up, my favourite U2 (whose members were in their last year of high school when they recorded Boy) and my brothers favourite Michael Jackson (whos off the wall/thriller were not considered new artist because of his child band) didnt even come close to being nominated. The nominees mostly never made it past the next couple of years while many other solid artists made it. The did get serious in the later 80's but drifted back to Hootie and the Blowfish. All in all the criteria are not defined well so it just depends.
Personally I think the new artist of the year must write his or own materials regardless of how pop they are. Beiber never wrote music as a child, never wrote poetry or verse as an early teen and had all his songs manufactured up till his last album. Now all of the sudden its come out that he wrote all the songs in this album – but song writing usually evolves over years so Im sure he's got a whole team behind him. Of course you have to perform too and he's quite a performer and talented on several instruments. I dont think he should have won but I think he easliy could have depending on what the flavor of the year is.
Agree with the last comment, but c'mon she beat Drake and Florence & The Machine too. The academy completely messed up on this award.
How do you justify overlooking all those better known and more established artists?
She is a child prodigy, became a professor at the Berklee College of Music at the age of 20, and has a work ethic unlike anyone else. I would like to see Drake, Florence & The Machine, or Beiber last a day at Berklee. This award was not an upset.
@TJohn - None of the others can hold a candle to Esperanza; they wouldn't last at Berklee because they're entertainers and products of the marketing machine - Esperanza is a musician, plain and simple.
Beiber and Drake were beaten because they they are not true singers / musicians.....Beiber is a screaching little twerp....his voice is not unique...any 14-17 year old sounds like him..once his voice changes his career is over.....Drake is a talent but more a rap artist and his recordings are highly overproduced....the Academy is supposed to award true musical talent and thats what they did here.
So, popularity over true talent? C'mon now, I'm so tired of "artists" with all this notoriety but skills. The award went to the right "Artist"
Have you ever heard her perform or are you just making a blanketed statement?
You answered your own question. This award is for new upcoming artists. Drake and Beiber have been around for a while.
Better known and more established doesn't make one a better artist.
Better known? More established? How about just plain BETTER, period. This klid will be history in a couple of years. That's not Grammy material. Eperanza is the real deal....if you don't like jazz, TOUGH. Jazz musicians are the best musicians on this planet, whether you understand jazz or not.
You're just what the music industry loves. Better known and more established? .... so that's what makes a grammy winner? not the music or talent?
saw Esperanza a year ago at a concert hall near here ... she's really unbelieveable at that age, to have that degree of talent , and her personality matches the smile on this picture.
To "UM"...how funny...not a Beiber fan but he hasnt been around as long as she has.....so to say he's been around is so dumb.....but then who really cares.....
Vic – This was for BEST NEW ARTIST. ES is by leaps and bound the best new artist (oh, and Florence & The Machine aren't even still working together, so they might qualify for the best new not an artist anymore). DRAKE? You have got to be kidding...what instrument does he play? None.
You cant be an established artist and be "best new artist" that contradicts itself... Also you really think beiber is an artist, just singing shouldnt cut it. Now if he wrote his own anything or composed the music himself then i say he is an artist but he isnt. Esperanza creates this music for people not blinded by corporate radio and Mtv...
@Vic What you are comparing are 2 seperate things. She is an accomplished Berklee trained artist and instructor while Drake and the others you mention are pop/hiphop pieces of fluff. She may well be the only one nominated in that category that can even read music let alone have conquered said skill. I suspect from your comment that I have ice cubes that are older than you are.
Brad proves the point: most have heard of Bieber, but not his music. That should be the point, quality of music, not number of teeny-bopper fans. He is not crying.
'Artist' is such a nebulous term. If it's art that's not appreciated, it's a dicey argument for Esperanza. Clearly Beiber was snubbed for an unknown, unappreciated artist.
Q:How do you justify overlooking all those better known and more established artists?
A: She has MORE TALENT!
all u old farts are just haters, did u not see how beiber learned to play drums so young, face it he is awesome my daughter loves his music go back to your oldies station. get over his success he is a good kid.
@TJohn... When did BEST NEW ARTIST become a contest for who can last at a school? Last I checked this award wasn't about education. To everyone else, yes I agree none of the other artists deserved this, especially Drake, I mean come on.. he's just like every other rapper to come out in the last 10 years. Junk. Unfortunately, Bieber, I don't like him either but he does have talent, in many areas, and will always be more popular... tough to deny in my eyes...Jazz, please.. snore. I'd rather listen To "Baby" any day.
How do you justify overlooking all those better known and more established artists?
She's a REAL Artist/Musican.... not a Pop Idol.
She beat Beiber so she's a hero in my book.
Yup, I am going to buy her record. She is a jazz musician right? Even if I don't like it, I can play it at parties to make myself seem interesting 🙂
Her victory restores credibility back to this award.
Yes Esperanza love you all the way!!
Mumford and Sons was definitely best new artist...its a shame no one appreciates real music and creativity these days.
I totally agree!! I am so happy that it wasn't a popularity contest, but recognition of a true musician not a recording studio phenomenon...She perfomed on several BET events. I hope she continues to gain recognition. There are so many Beiber fans that are upset..its ok to be upset but you don't have to diss her to love him as an artist.
I would like to know the names of the people that "vote" on who should get the award.
Excellent winner! Good to see that music and real talent win over artificial celebrity! Attended Esperanza's concert last year, which sure was absolutely fantastic! she really shows the passion for music and how to share that with others!
Such a joy to see a TRUE talent win it & not the money making puppets of the record companies. "...becoming concertmaster at 15 & ... Berklee School of Music offered Spalding a full scholarship...!!!!!!" No one knows about her because the media only follows the puppets & I'm so glad she is shinning NOW so brightly. Let's buy her CD & send a message to the beeber crowd.
Beat Beiber Down
Thank GOD for some talent! Hope Justin is saving his $....once he hits puberty his "15 mins" of fame will be over.
It just shows to go ya.......
It's not who you are...it's who you know.
She is a breathe of fresh air, absolutely. Creatures like Bieber should be rocking the halls at 6 Flags and the like, but national music awards? Viva Esperanza!
I had never heard of Esperanza but after watching this clip, it is not fathomable how Justin Bieber or any of his fans can claim that they were "robbed" of the Grammy.
1) A Grammy is not intended for Pop music only.
2) I and my circle of friends are well aware of the magic of Esperanza Spalding's music and her impact on the Jazz world. We have been fans & listeners since her first album.
3) People who have questioned, "Who?" are showing their musical shallowness.
4) If you have any doubt, please buy one of her albums (or both) and give her a listen. If you have any musical taste, you will appreciate and fall in love with the muscial talent, the musical genius, and the musical diversity of Esperanza Spalding.
To all the bieber fans... you can't ask "Who ?" then whine that she is already an established artist. She has only gotten recognition over the past year for her efforts, hence, she should be eligible for best new artist. bieber may be new, but he hardly meets the crtieria for being 'best' or for being an 'artist'. If the award solely went to a new 'pop star' then Bieber might have a case.
i have never heard of esperanza... if she is so good then why have i and everyone else i watched the awards show last night never heard of her??? Beiber has taken the country by storm and that deserves to be best new artist. His acoustic singing is still just as tremendous as hers and he is getting the fame for some reason. You have to be into Jazz to know this girl... you have to be a hermit not to have heard Beiber's name.
Just purchased a copy of her album. I'm thrilled an actual artist won this award and not that stupid, ridiculous child.
My sentiments. Great things come out of Portland and I can't stand the boy's girlish voice anyway.
I never heard of her. What does it take to get a grammy? Apparently fame and name recognition is not part of the grammy formula.
What does it take to get a grammy? Apparently fame and name recognition is not part of the grammy formula. never heard of her.
WOW! Someone with real talent actually wins!
She's my new hero too. Bieber is just a teen idol trend, here today, rehab or jail tomorrow. Besides his right-wing christian propaganda is sickening. What a hypocrite. Nice to see someone with REAL talent win for a change.
As someone who has worked backstage I can say I was watching a young boy doing Brittney.......Using a DAT machine instead of his voice. When he has the vocal range that Esperanza Spalding has then he and his fans have a reason to complain. She is new, she is talented, she has a command of her voice, and a magical ability to work her vocal range in a way that cried out; "New Talent" Beber is just a kid moving his lips to fewer notes than fingers on my hand. He should learn from Timberlake. Stop the phony lip-syncing and the "I'm so hot" dance moves and try singing. She won because she can sing.
1) Justin Beiber is NOT an artist.
2) In no way, shape or form, is Justin Beiber an artist.
3) since he is not an artist, he does not deserve an award that is for *artists*
Who is Justin Bieber?
Who is Justin Bieber?
Grammy has been stolen!
http://przezwlasciciela.pl
I agree with Greg
"two artists that you couldn't be unaware of if you tried. " Wrong . never heard of them.
It's very easy not to listen to the radio. When they start playing Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold,Coheed and Cambria, Unitopia, Phideaux, IQ instead of the corporate BS and T & A. Then I will listen.
Do the other two even play an instrument?
who gives a crud about Justin Bieber? I am so sick of hearing about this. Is this really headline news? What is up CNN? With all that is going on in the world they put this as one of their top stories?
Will someone tell me who this pager kid name Justin Beeper is????
Ok, let me start by saying I'm not a bieber fan or a jazz fan. No bias here either way, but the bashing of Justin Bieber is just ridiculous and to say his "15 minutes of fame" will be up is just crazy talk. Do a little research. He also has many talents as a musical artist not just as a superstar that the little girls love now but once his voice changes its over. He can play the piano, the trumpet, the guitar, and many other instruments, as well as having an excellent singing voice. All instruments he learned to play on his own I might add. I believe giving this award to Spalding is a slap in the face to Justin honestly. She might have amazing talent and I believe she does, however, so does he and he has a much larger fan base at a much younger age in such a short time. I just don't see the justification. If you're going to give a best artist award to someone, it should at least be someone that 90% of the country doesn't say "WHO?!?!?" Alot of people have musical talent, do they deserve best artist over Bieber even if they don't win the popularity contest? Give me a break.
"if she is so good then why have i and everyone else i watched the awards show last night never heard of her"
Because you and your friends are ignorant with very limited musical horizons? Just a guess.
You're a fool, J. They gave her this award SPECIFICALLY to trick you into thinking that it was something prestigious "again". Next year they'll give it to some stupid pop singer as usual.
Sorry guys, she kind of sucks....I guess I need to hear a little more of her music.
The sad thing is, there are undoubtedly several Esperenzas who will never be discovered.
For 19+ years I have been a full-time jazz musician, and I actually had never heard of Justin Bieber until this article. (I guess I should get his record to stay current.) Needless to say, I have been a huge fan of Esperanza Spalding since I heard her CD a couple of years ago in a coffee shop, and have actually have to pleasure of meeting her, and she is quite approachable and nice to talk with.
For once a REAL artist won. the Beiber kids should just shut their mouths. Just because he's popular to them doesn't mean he has talent. I can walk down my hood and find another one just like him; dime a dozen. But ES IS REALLY GOOD and it's about time we hear more oringinal music instead of stuff that's been sampled 50 different times.
I'm excited she won. I was so excited in fact, I decided to buy her cd for an extra Valentine's day gift for my wife. The problem is the cd doesn't exist ANYWHERE in brick and mortar stores. Granted the days of buying actual cd's are almost gone, but you can't unwrap a download. There were plenty of cd's of every other artist in the major categories, but not a single one of hers in 4 different stores. Just saying...