CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland’s own Durand Bernarr won “Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist” at the 36th annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on Friday.
In 2019, Bernarr was the runner-up on the BET reality music competition “The Next Big Thing.” The 36-year-old singer-songwriter is best known for his work with Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Kaytranada and The Internet.
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He’s quickly amassing his own formidable body of work. Bernarr earned a nomination for 2025 Grammy Award for “Best Progressive R&B Album” for his album “En Route.”
“Growing up on 93rd and St. Clair shaped so much of who I am,” Bernarr said in an exclusive interview with Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
“So to be recognized not just for being myself, but for pouring my heart into the art I love, is deeply affirming. It encourages me to continue the journey.”
That journey began in 2008 as an internet sensation, posting YouTube videos of his vocal prowess. It now includes a stop on his “You Gon’ Grow, Too” tour at House of Blues on Sunday, May 4. Bernarr said it’s a dream come true.
“Receiving the award for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist is an incredible honor,” Bernarr said, thanking GLAAD for their “unwavering commitment” to advocacy.
“[GLAAD] created a space that not only celebrates our art but also empowers us to stand firm and unapologetic – especially during this unsavory political climate.”
This year’s GLAAD Media Awards winners span 33 categories; the annual tradition began in 1990. GLAAD is the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization.
At the ceremony, Cynthia Erivo received the iconic Stephen F. Kolzak award. There were also appearances by Joshua Jackson, Lil Nas X, Patti LuPone, Maren Morris, Dylan Mulvaney, Zachary Quinto, JoJo Siwa and others.
The 36th annual GLAAD Media Awards will stream exclusively on Hulu beginning Saturday, April 12.
Tickets for Durand’s House of Blues show next month can be found at houseofblues.com/cleveland; VIP upgrades for the event are also available.