Since 2020, the Top Shelf series has been a great way for the Contest judges to share a handful of the many entries that catch their attention. This year, with a panel stacked with NPR Music producers, member station personalities, plus Tiny Desk and Contest alums, we can’t wait to see which entries moved them to dance, laugh and maybe even cry a little (it’s happened before). While Top Shelf is an excellent way to receive feedback and words of encouragement from the judges, it’s also a great opportunity for everyone in this community to get a behind-the-scenes look at how we select a winner and to support each other from afar.
Top row: Bobby Carter, Anamaria Sayre, Robin Hilton; bottom row: Madison McFerrin, Tierra Whack, Celia Gregory
It’s not uncommon to find the winner, a potential Tiny Desk concert artist or even a tour opener among the entries that get featured on Top Shelf. Bobby and Robin shared Ruby Ibarra’s “Bakunawa” in the very first episode. Similarly, all three of the artists from the inaugural Tiny Desk Contest takeover — FORAGER, Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, Ollella — were highlighted on Top Shelf. Even Yasmin Williams — who didn’t win, but came and played the Desk anyways — landed an opening slot on Brittany Howard’s tour because Howard fell in love with Williams’ video on the first year of Top Shelf.
Beginning at the end of the month, each episode will stream live on Thursdays on NPR Music’s YouTube channel at 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. PT). There will be a live chat so we can watch and discuss together. Tune in, offer some words of encouragement to your fellow entrants, and let the judges know what your favorite entry is.
Click the episode link and ring the notification bell to get a reminder before each episode goes live.
The 2026 Tiny Desk Contest is presented by Capital One and supported by Rivian.
Newsletter continues after sponsor message
For the past few weeks, and until the first episode of Top Shelf airs, we’ll be featuring some standout performances on NPR Music’s Instagram through our #DeskOfTheDay series. It's a great way to check out some especially creative and wonderful entries before our judges share their favorites. So far, here’s the lineup:
You received this message because you're subscribed to Tiny Desk Contest emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
