Esperanza Spalding: Grammy Best New Artist!

Esperanza Spalding accepts the Best New Artist trophy at the 2011 Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on Sunday (February 13) in Los Angeles.

The 26-year-old jazz singer beat Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence + The Machine, and Mumford & Sons for the accolade!

“I know I don’t have a lot of time, so first, thank you to the Academy for even nominating me in this category,” Esperanza said during her acceptance speech.

“I take this honor to heart so sincerely, and I’ll do my damndest to make a whole lot of great music for all of you,” she added. “It’s such a blessing and an honor. God bless. Thank you.”