NPR Announces the 2025 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
The winner of this year’s Tiny Desk Contest is Ruby Ibarra from the Bay Area. Their song Bakunawa stood out among more than 7,000 entries—the largest in the contest’s history—earning the top spot.
Among the national submissions were over 150 performances from Michigan, spanning genres like rock, hip-hop, soul, country, pop, and more. Detroit’s vibrant music scene was well-represented, showcasing the immense talent across the region.
Spotlighting Detroit’s Talent
WDET is amplifying local Tiny Desk Contest artists through Sounds Like Detroit, an annual showcase dedicated to celebrating the city’s rich musical landscape. WDET music hosts will select several standout contest entrants, inviting Detroit listeners to weigh in by voting for their favorite. Those selected will take the stage for a live performance at the 2025 Sounds Like Detroit showcase.
Now in its third year, Sounds Like Detroit continues WDET’s commitment to spotlighting regional artists, bringing fresh talent to new audiences.
Detroit’s musical legacy is unmatched. From Motown to techno, punk rock to hip-hop, the city’s artists have shaped music across the globe.
Stay tuned—listener voting begins June 7, and ticket details for the August 2025 Sounds Like Detroit showcase will be announced soon.
2024 Sounds Like Detroit: You can also watch the 2024 Sounds Like Detroit artists who are now making waves within the music scene.