NPR announces the 2026 Tiny Desk contest winner
Cure For Paranoia has been named the winner of NPR Music’s 12th annual Tiny Desk Contest. Led by Dallas rapper and music educator Cameron McCloud, the alternative hip-hop project also features producers Tomahawk Jonez and Jay Analog. Their winning submission, “No Brainer,” impressed judges with clever lyricism and a bold creative approach.Sounds Like Detroit is back!
Sometimes not getting picked for something isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning. Ten Detroit artists may not have made the Tiny Desk cut, but now they have a shot at a Detroit stage as WDET’s Sounds Like Detroit returns for its fourth year. Detroit listeners will once again help decide who takes the stage at the live showcase at Batch Brewing Company on Aug. 13, 2026, voting begins June 3. This year, WDET’s MI Local host, Jeff Milo will also bring his own curated picks to the Sounds Like Detroit stage, spotlighting even more of the artists shaping Detroit’s sound.Sounds Like Detroit finalists
Vahn Black – R&B
Michelle Held – Folk
Ilajide – Hip-Hop
Rose St. Germaine – Rock
Laurie Love – R&B
CHECKER – Rock
Aisha Ellis – Jazz
Jubilee Jackson – Hip-Hop
KTCHN – Jazz
Mild Pulp – Rock
Listener voting begins June 3.
Ticket details coming soon.