10 Past Winners of The NPR Tiny Desk Contest and How They Won
- Max DeVincenzo
- Jan 16
- 5 min read
Since April of 2008, NPR Music has hosted a contest now infamous in the music world called the NPR Tiny Desk Contest. Since its inception there have been over 1,000 tiny desk concerts produced and it has been the catalyst for the success of several well-know artists like Tank and the Bangas, Naia Izumi and Ruby Ibarra.
Since recording a video for the Tiny Desk Contest is almost a musical 'rite of passage' for musicians, Fox Tracks Music has recorded several dozen of these for artists in Nashville and Colorado.
We wanted to see what exactly it was that caught the attention of the NPR Judges (especially Bob Boilen) so we found the last 10 submissions and winners to find exactly what it takes, what that 'special sauce' is.
Read on to discover what it is...
P.S. - here is a playlist of all the winners with their entries and concerts
Past 10 Winners of the NPR Tiny Desk Contest Playlist:
Entries and Concerts
10 Winners of The Tiny Desk Contest and How They Won
1. Gaelynn Lea — 2016 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
What earned her the win:
“The melody of this song wouldn’t let go — it just stuck with me… It conveys an overwhelming emotion of yearning and love that’s unforgettable.” — Bob Boilen on Gaelynn Lea’s winning submission.
Submission Video:
"Someday We'll Linger in the Sun" by Gaelynn Lea [Submission for NPR Music's 2016 Tiny Desk Contest]
NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Bio:
Gaelynn Lea is a Minnesota-based violinist and singer-songwriter known for her inventive playing style and deeply expressive songs. Her 2016 Tiny Desk Contest win propelled her into international touring and wider recognition.
2. Tank and the Bangas — 2017 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
What earned them the win:
“This video just leapt from the web. There was a joy filled interaction that had spark and surprise. Tank and the Bangas’ music has personality. The image of them performing in that art class stuck with me — that matters. It’s what makes me want to dig deeper into their music. And I will.”
Submission Video:
NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Bio:
Tank and the Bangas are a New Orleans collective blending spoken word, funk, soul, and hip-hop. Their 2017 Tiny Desk Contest win helped launch them into festival slots, touring, and Grammy nominations.
3. Naia Izumi — 2018 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
What earned him the win:
Naia Izumi’s electric guitar artistry is somewhere between the growling tones of Jimi Hendrix while at the same time has the rhythm and melodic prowess of someone playing an African kalimba. He has a tenderness to his voice that feels both aged and innocent with a talent that is bubbling and ready to blossom.
Submission Video:
NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Bio:
Naia Izumi is a virtuoso guitarist and songwriter whose genre-defying guitar work caught NPR judges’ attention. Since winning the 2018 Tiny Desk Contest, he has toured nationally and signed with Sony Masterworks.
4. Quinn Christopherson — 2019 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
What earned him the win:
Quinn Christopherson is a vulnerable performer with a powerful voice and a mighty message. His song “Erase Me” comes from his unique perspective. It is thoughtful and heartfelt. Quinn is truly a one-of-a-kind talent and I can’t wait to hear more from him.
Submission Video:
NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Bio:
Quinn Christopherson is an Athabaskan and Inupiaq singer-songwriter whose insightful lyrics reflect his Alaskan upbringing and personal journey. His 2019 Tiny Desk win brought national attention to his focused songwriting voice.
5. Linda Diaz — 2020 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
What earned her the win:
Linda Diaz has a heavenly voice. Her song “Green Tea Ice Cream” encourages us all to live life to its fullest and appreciate what’s around us. It’s a song about slowing down, trying to find moments to enjoy life. Hearing her sing the line, “you should be living out your dreams / instead you’re tearing at the seams,” is particularly poignant in 2020 as we all struggle to find balance in our lives.
Submission Video:
NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Bio:
Linda Diaz is a singer-songwriter from Manhattan whose warm, soulful style won over NPR listeners and judges in 2020. Her victory helped expand her touring and recording opportunities nationwide.
6. Neffy — 2021 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
What earned her the win:
"Neffy’s song stood out amongst the thousands of Tiny Desk Contest entries as a universal cry to break free of constraints and celebrate nature's beauty."
Submission Video:
NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Bio:
Neffy is a folk/R&B singer and multi-instrumentalist whose heartfelt lyrics and rich voice captured judges’ hearts. Her 2021 win reinforced Tiny Desk’s reputation for identifying deeply expressive emerging voices.
7. Alisa Amador — 2022 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
What earned her the win:
"For me, Alisa’s voice is what put her entry above the thousands of others we received. I don’t speak Spanish, but Alisa’s yearning conveyed what I needed to know about her entry – a song I think of as wondering and questioning one’s place in life."
Submission Video:
NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Bio:
Alisa Amador blends jazz, funk, Latin, and folk influences into intimate yet powerful songs. Her 2022 Tiny Desk Contest win marked the first time a Spanish-language song topped the competition.
8. Little Moon — 2023 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
What earned them the win:
“Little Moon’s 'Wonder Eye' was a clear and unanimous winner amongst our judges and for a good reason. The song is a dynamic and explosive tune with a deeply emotional story.”
Submission Video:
NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Bio:
Little Moon is an indie folk/pop band known for soaring vocals and emotional storytelling. Their 2023 win led to national touring and deeper industry interest.
9. The Philharmonik — 2024 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
What earned them the win:
Submission Video:
NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Bio:
The Philharmonik is a Sacramento-based multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer whose genre-blending entry “What’s It All Mean?” earned them the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest title and a major boost across streaming and live platforms.
10. Ruby Ibarra — 2025 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
What earned her the win:
"Ruby’s stunning submission, 'Bakunawa,' covers all the bases: beautifully arranged music, passion and, above all, authenticity. We’ve never seen or heard anything like Ruby Ibarra. She’s special and she’s ready."
Submission Video:
NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Bio:
Ruby Ibarra is a Filipina-American rapper and storyteller whose culturally rich song “Bakunawa” blends mythology, identity, and resilience. Her 2025 win significantly raised her profile and led to national touring.
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