Bon Iver's Justin Vernon on Winning Best New Artist Grammy: 'I'm Glad I Came'

Last year, the Grammys shocked the public by choosing Esperanza Spalding, a musician who wasn't very well known, as Best New Artist. While the 2012 winner, Bon Iver, has a much bigger audience, their win was hardly a shoo-in by any means, given the popularity of fellow nominees Nicki Minaj, Skrillex, J. Cole and the Band Perry. After the ceremony, though, it seemed no one was more shocked at the big win than frontman Justin Vernon.

Upon accepting the Grammy, Vernon appeared both elated and confused, and later admitted to feeling out of place. "I didn't deserve to be in front of y'all," he told Spinner of the thoughts running through his head after winning. "I had a lot of confusion going in but I'm glad I came." Despite his nervousness, Vernon said that he was "honored" to be invited to the ceremony.

Now that he has the Best New Artist award under his belt, Vernon can expect to be introduced to a whole new fan base. According to Spalding, it's important not to get caught up in the hoopla. "Well, just remembering what got you there," Spalding told us about the post-win feelings. "Remembering that it's a work, it's an art that feeds your soul. All of this hype will be gone in a couple of weeks and you're left with your art again. I would just remind people it's not about rewards or awards, it's about the music and the blessing that we all have. It's incredible. We're already the chosen few, everybody here, so just enjoy that truth."


Watch Justin Vernon and the Roots Perform 'Perth'

Grammys 2012 Coverage

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