Minnesota singer, violinist wins NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk’ contest

DULUTH, Minn. – A Minnesota violinist with a haunting voice has beat thousands of other performers to win National Public Radio’s Tiny Desk Contest.

NPR reports Gaelynn Lea’s original song, “Someday We’ll Linger in the Sun,” was chosen from about 6,100 video entries.

Lea will travel to Washington to film a segment for the Tiny Desk concert series, which has featured artists such as Ben Folds and Andra Day performing at the desk of NPR Music host Bob Boilen.

Lea is a 32-year-old music teacher in Duluth who issued her first solo album last year. She told the Star Tribune she’s still trying to wrap her mind around the win. Lea, who has brittle bone disease, also is a disability rights advocate.

Judge Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys said Lea “set about absolutely obliterating your heart.”