Durand Bernarr reflects on 1st Grammy nomination & supportive parents

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When reflecting on his 18-year journey in music, Bernarr remains grounded in gratitude and authenticity.

"I've never not been doing what I'm doing. I've been fortunate enough to have an amazing support system and village that believe in me and what I do," Bernarr tells Out. "They extend themselves to whatever capacity that they have at the time, and it's just been an awesome thing to do."

In addition to headlining his own shows, Bernarr continues to hold down his long-standing spot as one of R&B legend Erykah Badu's most cherished background vocalists — a role that he embraces with pride and purpose.

The R&B singer explains, "I don't feel that I'll ever get to a point where I wouldn't want to do background. My thing is, as long as I have an avenue for me to express myself like that, that is quenched, I can sing with other people. It doesn't always have to be about me. Just like how Whitney Houston was singing background for BeBe Winans on their tour. I love singing just for the sheer enjoyment of it. I don't always have to be in front."

That same humility and passion were present when Bernarr learned that he had been nominated for his first Grammy — a moment that felt both surreal and understated.

"I didn't think that it was me. I found out from a complete stranger on X congratulating me. And I'm confused as to why I'm being congratulated," Bernarr says. "And then I got hit with the screenshot. I couldn't do anything when I discovered this news, because I had just sat down in my seat on my flight. I was sweating the entire time. Couldn't yell, couldn't scream, couldn't slap my arms. There was definitely somebody sitting next to me."

A large part of Bernarr's artistic strength comes from his roots. Born to musically gifted parents, he credits their unwavering belief in him as the foundation for his success.

"They breathed for me when I didn't want to breathe for myself at certain points in my life," he reveals. "They instilled so much self-assurance, and self-esteem, and gave me space to be heard and seen. I was allowed to ask questions. Even though they might not have always understood me, there was never an option of throwing me away."

As a Black queer artist, Bernarr has faced the pressure to mold himself for commercial appeal. However, a close friend helped remind him of the power in staying true to his sound and identity.

"That crossed my mind back in 2015. I got to the point where I was like, 'You know, this really isn't doing it. Maybe I need to take the auto-tune route.' You know, get a little trap in there, you know, get a little alias. I had a conversation with the homie about that, and he pretty much was like, 'There is absolutely a way for you to be yourself, and to be commercial, and it makes sense.'"

For tickets, dates, and more information about Durand Bernarr's new tour, YOU GON' GROW, TOO!, visit DurandBernarr.com.