Bon Iver: Best New Artist at Grammys 2012

Surprise! Bon Iver have won Best New Artist.

Frontman Justin Vernon and the rest of the indie-rock band walked away with one of the Grammys' biggest honors, beating out Nicki Minaj, Skrillex, the Band Perry and J. Cole. After getting a big following with their 2007 debut album, 'For Emma, Forever Ago,' the group hit it big this year with the release of their self-titled second LP. The record debuted at No. 1 on the charts in June 2011, thanks in part to Vernon's contributions to Kanye West's masterpiece, 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.'

The win comes with a bit of backstory, as Vernon had previously made some negative comments about the Grammys. In an interview with the New York Times, he criticized the fact that the awards show effectively turns music into competition. He also revealed recently that the Grammys wanted him to perform with another band during the ceremony and wouldn't let them play their own songs. "We kind of said 'f--- you' a little bit," he told Billboard.

During his acceptance speech, Vernon didn't shy away from his remarks but also graciously showed his gratitude. "It's really hard to accept this award but well there's so much talent out here and on the stage. And there's a lot of talent that's not here. But with that discomfort comes gratitude."

"When I started to make songs, I did it for the inherent reward of making songs so I'm a little bit uncomfortable up here," he added.

Vernon also thanked his parents, his label, Jagjaguwar, and his hometown of Eau Claire, Wis. He then got a laugh with, "I'd like to thank all the nominees and the non-nominees that will never be up here. I'd like to thank all the voters -- sweet hookup!"

Congrats to Bon Iver for a well-deserved win, their second of the night after taking home Best Alternative Album. Now we'll wait for the inevitable "Who is Bon Iver" tweets, and more confusion as to why a band that's been around for five years is considered "new."


Watch Justin Vernon and the Roots Perform 'Perth'

Grammys 2012 Coverage

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