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A Decade in the Making: Durand Bernarr Clinches First Career Grammy for 'BLOOM'

  • Writer: Ashley Slade
    Ashley Slade
  • 6 days ago
  • 2 min read

LOS ANGELES — Entertainment Desk - In a night defined by "Black Queer Joy" and the triumph of independent artistry, Durand Bernarr officially became a Grammy-winning artist at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. After two decades of grinding in the industry—from YouTube covers to backing vocals for Erykah Badu—the Cleveland-born powerhouse took home the trophy for Best Progressive R&B Album for his third studio effort, BLOOM.


The victory marks a full-circle moment for Bernarr, who was nominated in three categories this year, including Best R&B Song ("Overqualified") and Best Traditional R&B Performance ("Here We Are").



The Speech That Shook the Room

Joined on stage by his mother and father, Bernarr delivered one of the evening’s most poignant and spirited acceptance speeches. Dressed in his signature avant-garde style, he dedicated the win to the "Butch Queens" and independent artists who have often been told they are "too much."


"I am the proof that you needed and the sign that you have been waiting for, be YOURSELF -" Bernarr told the crowd. "Happy Black History Month for the rest of my life! I want to thank myself, because this was some hard work, y'all—20 plus years."

Video Credit: Recording Academy / GRAMMYs




Why 'BLOOM' Won

Released in February 2025 via Create Music Group, BLOOM was hailed by critics as a masterclass in vocal agility and emotional transparency. Unlike his previous works that focused on romantic entanglements, BLOOM centered on:


  • Platonic Friendships: Celebrating the "loves" that sustain us outside of romance.


  • Self-Acceptance: Navigating the industry as an unapologetically queer Black man.


  • Genre-Bending Soul: Merging funk, gospel, and theatrical flair into a cohesive R&B narrative.


Grammy Winning Album: "BLOOM" - Durand Bernarr


The album featured standout collaborations with T-Pain and the R&B duo GAWD, solidifying Bernarr's reputation as a "musician's musician" who finally found his way to the mainstream spotlight.





2026 Grammy Awards: R&B Category Breakdown

Category

Work

Result

Best Progressive R&B Album

BLOOM

Winner

Best R&B Song

"Overqualified"

Nominated

Best Traditional R&B Performance

"Here We Are"

Nominated

Sidebar: Leon Thomas took home Best R&B Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance, while Kehlani won Best R&B Song for "Folded."







What’s Next for the Superstar"?

With a Grammy now sitting on his mantle and a GLAAD Media Award already in his pocket, Bernarr has moved from the industry's "best-kept secret" to a certified icon.


Industry insiders suggest a headlining world tour and potential Broadway ventures are on the horizon.

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