Not many people had heard of jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding before she won best new artist at the Grammy Awards last night, but thanks to some immature Justin Bieber fans (are there any other kind?) she’s getting much more publicity for her win. Bieber failed to take home any Grammys last night despite being nominated in a couple of categories. This pissed off his tween fans, who took to twitter and Wikipedia to express their outrage.
Spalding, an emerging jazz artist with a less fervent following than Biebs, saw her Wikipedia page attacked by the little hackers. At points, her middle name on the page was changed to both “Justin” and “Quesadilla.” Someone also wrote: “Justin Bieber deserved it go die in a hole. Who the heck are you anyway?”
Beliebers, as Justin’s fans are called, went through various phases of revolt following his loss. First, they were very, very angry and acted out on Twitter and Facebook by calling Spalding a variety of expletives, some of which were upsettingly racist.
Following the anger, the Beliebers tried to rationalize what had happened to them and their hero. Bieber fans seemed vaguely confused about how one goes about winning a Grammy. Isn’t it based on how popular you are on Twitter? They seemed lost that someone like Spalding, who has much fewer followers on the networking site, could have been given the award.
“So the Esperanza Spalding has only 8 thousand followers on twitter and how many does justin bieber has?” one fan tweeted and many agreed.
During this time, a small sleeper cell of fans plotted the sneak attack on Spalding’s Wikipedia entry. By this morning, most of Spalding’s page had been restored with its pre-win information.
Bieber himself was gracious about the loss. It is actually win-win for him, since martyrdom typically translates into cash. This will no doubt inspire his army of sometimes wicked fans to try to support the Biebs in other ways. His biopic ‘Never Say Never’ topped $30 million at the weekend box office. His devoted fans now have more of a reason than ever to visit theaters, if only to say, “Esperanza Spalding doesn’t have a 3-D movie.”
[From Popeater]
I’ve tried to make minor edits to Wikipedia pages and there are so many people watching those things that it’s impossible to get even legitimate changes made unless you adhere to their very stringent guidelines. Esperanza Spalding’s Wiki page is still unlocked so obviously this wasn’t a big issue.
Am I the only one hoping that Justin Bieber goes away soon? Like where are the Jonas Brothers anyway? They used to be all over the place and now we’re subjected to Justin Bieber. I never realized how good we had it with them. Maybe Bieber’s voice will finally change and his singing abilities will evaporate. Or maybe another kid will come along to capture the fickle interests of the preteen set. As much money as Bieber makes, it’s not like the industry is embracing him. He’s got a backup plan though, the kid’s nail polish is a best seller and he’s now shilling flowers.
Here is Esperanza Spalding on the CBS Early Show in 2008. She seems so nice and she’s obviously very talented. I love her voice!
Photo credit: WENN.com
Esperanza is an actual ARTIST (as opposed to the Bieb) — she is a talented singer, instrumentalist, arranger, and songwriter. She is gonna be with us for the rest of this century. The Bieb will be in a “Remember 2010” documentary for my children to smirk at when they are middle-aged.
Have to admit I was surprised as I had not heard of her.
Sadly it isn’t only Bieber fans who attack. Say you like one artist over another and watch out! Attack by the crazy crows who act as if you can’t have an opinion of your own on what you like. Very Sad. Very immature – and hopefully it is only young BOYS and GIRLS, not adults!
I hope Justin will speak out and ask them to stop, say he doesn’t approve. If he is as nice as they say he is, he will!
It saddens me that we live in a world where people will pay to go see a movie about the life story of a 16 year old pop singer who looks like a 12 year old girl and who has not overcome an ounce of adversity or done anything to make his life worth studying. And that hair. I can’t even.
I think Esperanza is great ARTIST 🙂 can’t say that for Justin
Real hackers hate the little girly dweeb.
@texasmom – Well said!
They are as different as oil and water. It is unfortunate that people feel the need to bash one to love the other. I’m not a BELIEBER but I have to admit, he delivers something to his followers and I do think he has talent. Who knows where he will end up? Esperanza was unknown to me until last night and I will buy her music. She offers something else for a different audience. Be kind people – if we were all the same it would be pretty boring and that goes for our entertainment as well! Happy Valentine’s Day!
I haven’t heard of Esperanza, but it’s hard to be exposed to new music, where I live (boy, do I miss college radio stations).
As for Bieber, I am annoyed by everything about him. Everything. The hair. The attitude. The rumors of blow jobs from tweener Disney stars. The songs. The notion that someone stopped rolling his or her eyes long enough to invest in a movie about the life of this person who is younger than my first car (and I am only 30).
But, like all teenybopper sensations whose music is aimed at just one age group, I can’t see him sticking around (unless he finds a way to stay relevent like Justin Timberlake).
Until his fans get older, Justin Bieber will continue to annoy the ever loving crap out of us. Thank god for the mute button.
What Katie said!
OMG! You mean they gave a Grammy to someone who is incredibly musically gifted instead of some kid who is famous for some reason I don’t understand?? Where is my pitchfork!
“Quesadilla”? Wow, that’s not racist at all. Stay classy, Bieber fans.
Well said Texasmom.
I love Esperanza!
I am so happy she won, she is a true musician.
She can play the clarinet, oboe, taught herself to play the violin…and the list goes on. Her voice is amazing too. What a well deserved Grammy win.
Wow… I never knew her before last night. What an amazing talent! So glad she won over the boober.
For the first time, I am in total agreement with the comments here. I am doubly shocked and proud. Now,.. if you turn off the TV and read a little bit more, your comments on political and social issues might share the ring of truth.
SHoES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s sad that people would think popularity will actually get u to win an award-
It is called quality music and hope that his fans get an understanding on that.
i love esperanza. she has an endless supply of talent, and i am glad that she won and all, but she’s been around forever. i’m not sure i understand how three albums in wins you a best new artist award, but i’m glad she will get the recognition she deserves.
The Judge,
Are you saying that because someone has a different opinon as to what is best for the country that they are uneducated? There are pleanty of people on both sides of the aisle who are well educated, well read, bright, and thoughtful they simply see different paths to basically the same outcome, making the country the best they can. If you can’t accept that other people have different opinions, yet are still thoughtful, well read and educated then perhaps you should consider that you are the one with the problem not them. It is after all possible to listen to and even disagree with other opinions without being insulting, or at least it is something to strive for. I have no idea what your personal political leanings are, nor do I need to, but to make sweeping generalizations about ‘the other guys’ no matter which side you are on doesn’t do anyone any good.
I’m with Katie!
Don’t care who wins grammys and Beibee Boy has brought my 7 year a lot of fun dancing to his music in hip hop class BUT Esperanza is amazing. I know the music I will be BUYING.
It’s disappointing but hardly surprising Beebs fans reacted the way they did, they’re either tween/teen girls or middle aged mums having an identity crisis. I consider neither group to be 100% emotionally stable, sorry Mums.
@ The Judge… I caught 10 minutes of a TV programme where Whoopi Goldberg and Co were discussing her disappointment at the NEW YORK TIMES totally screwing up and omitting Ms Goldberg (a household name to anyone over 30, and an age group I assume the NYT film critics are in) from the list of African American Oscar winners. I guess reading information instead of listening to information doesn’t guarantee correct knowledge.
Oh please! The only reason the Bieb was nominated was because the Grammy producers were hoping to cash in on getting his fanbase (whackbase? nutjobs?) to watch the show. Not for a second do I believe they genuinely think Bieber is a talent worth giving awards to.
Now this is music. I instantly fell in love with her voice and the music. Hers is an album I’d actually buy. Must download and Youtube her.
As to Justin’s followers, Christ! You mean there are fans that are actually MORE annoying than Twihards??!!!
I weep for mankind.
Good thing the Grammys are not decided like e.g. the MTV Movie Awards, where every Twihard voted repeatedly for Robsten in every category the were nominated.
These delusional Superfans are annoying, be it Beliebers, Twihards, Gaga’s monsters etc etc.
Biebs = style; Spalding = substance
So glad substance finally won one.
true talent over childish popularity … wow what a shock
“Or maybe another kid will come along to capture the fickle interests of the preteen set” that boy’s name is Cody Simpson, he’s the next Justin Bieber, or so I heard.
What have we done to deserve this?
Well, his fans are children, which would explain the childish behavior. BTW I love her hair.
Justin Bieber = annoying twat who’s testicles haven’t descended yet, with very little actual talent who will be around for two more years, then replaced by the next new thing
Esperanza Spalding = an actual talented performer who will have a career that will continue as long as she wants.
Feebee,
I didn’t see the show (I generally avoid the View like the plague) or read the article, but I did hear that they were speaking of Best Actor/Actress specifically, not the Oscars for supporting roles. That being said, if that is true, it seems unfair that they didn’t include the supporting role Oscars as those are often the best performances in a film. If it is not true, the fact checkers at the NYT need to learn about this nifty new thing called GOOGLE.
I was shockingly happy when Bieber didn’t win. Like many others I googled Esperanza after the show and I swear I couldn’t stop listening to her voice. I was relieved that popularity didn’t have a say in this one.
this kid makes my ass itch.
I’m seriously having second thoughts about going into education. I’ve always known I’d have to compete against MTV and environmentally induced ADHD, but this is just too fucking depressing.
I weep for our future.
I think that you guys are being mean to him, you think That it’s ok to harass him because of something That his fans did? He’s just a kid living his dream, and whats so wrong about That folks?
what does he care he’s loaded now. Sold like a product and laughing all the way to the bank along with his manager etc etc… He is a kid….his fans are kids so they really are going to act like them. It kills me that the little shit from Stratford is even at the Grammies. Neil Young brought it for Canada anyway. Go Bieb!! Give em hell and take the money. the poster who said something about tween blowjobs at Disney? come on….really? Thats how that shit gets started.
I was shocked that all of the blogs and shows were saying Bieber was a show-in for new artist. I can’t remember any recent teen idol winning. The closest was Christina Aguilera but she has talent. Britney Spears and Jonas Brothers were nominated because of their popularity not talent. I’ve heard of Esperanza before the Grammys but I thought for sure Mumford and Sons would win. Grammys like to throw curveballs.
Ugh Justin Bieber. Before him it was Jesse Macartney (whatever happened to him?) and before that Aaron Carter… In about a year or so there will be a new tween pop singer girls will be fawning over. None of them last very long, thank God!
I love how people equate popularity with talent. Our country is going down the toilet.
Esperanza is gorgeous and supertalented! Glad she won!
Say, is that Bieber kid aging backwards? Or is it that he looks even younger when he’s not making a wise-guy face?
He looks 10 here. This kid is really supposed to be “on the edge of 17”? Hmm.
Kind of rude that no one in his entourage could see to it that the kid’s shirt was appropriately tailored so it fit his neck. Dress shirts and bow ties that are too big make guys look like pencil-necked geeks.
And how come Usher’s playing with all these little kids nowadays? I’m about ready to give Chris Hansen a ring.
ESPERANZA is sooo beautiful & talented, she deserves it. Proud of her.
Justin is soo played out, i’m tired of hearing about him in the media!
Love what Katie said!
People care about Grammys?
All I care about in this story is Esperanza Spalding’s hair.
I love it and want to build a fabulous, funky life in it.
Why does no one work the afro anymore?
ok I am like 40 years old. Bieber is not my ideal singer…but my kids like him…i checked him out and his music….hes clean…music is clean etc. We were all kids once who had our teeny bopper musician we liked. so lets not rip on a teen who actually has it together. On that note I have no clue who this lady was that beat out Bieber. not saying shes not talented but no one knows who she is. I dont base nothing off twitter…i go by what I hear on radio…see in stores….on talk shows…..late night shows and what teens talk about….that win did belong to Bieber because he was clearly the winner… now I dont agree with bashing this woman…its not her fault. trust me I like alll artist….Up to including Reba…Usher….yanni..steve vai, etc…
These kids think Twitter has anything at all to do with the Grammys?
Hang on, LeAnn Rimes probably told them it does.
His fan base is primarily young and they don’t grasp the difference between accomplishment and popularity. As he speaks directly to his fans via twitter and in speeches, interviews, et al, it would show maturity and integrity if he were to ask them to cease these unnecessary and childish attacks. She did not award herself the Grammy and she is his professional peer, though they have few similarities in terms of how they got to where they are now.
And just because McDonalds is one of the most recognized and iconic ‘restaurants’, has franchises all over the world, and rakes in billions of dollars does not mean they serve gourmet food worthy of an award.
Oh my, I didn’t know this little boy had a movie out.
I think that you guys are being mean to him, you think That it’s ok to harass him because of something That his fans did? He’s just a kid living his dream, and whats so wrong about That folks?
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I’m perplexed by the random capitalization of the word “that.”
And who’s harassing him? Harassment is what happened to Esperanza’s wiki page.
LOL! As if anyone really cares about not winning a friggin’ Grammy award.
I think it is a sorry state of society when little girls go absolutely spastic and maniac over this gender-bender person. I swear I’ve never seen such desparation and hysteria as I have seen over this boy who has yet to reach puberty (has his voice cracked yet???). The threats and anger over him losing Best Newcomer should bring in the FBI! And where are the parents of the girls who are foaming rabid mad about this “affront” to Justin? Personally I’m glad he didn’t win. He’s quite got his head full of himself now–a movie about himself and an autobiography all before he hits 17? I wouldn’t be surprised if Justin crashes and burns pretty soon or turns into some freak or weirdo.
so the grammys actually awarded a REAL artist, and the dumb FK tween idiot bitches want to wage a war.
I must admit, i have never heard of Esperanza but girlfriend is talented. WHY? because our MTV and radio stations are filled with sooo much shit you dont hear about real artists anymore.
its all about image and doesnt matter if they cant sing, just use autotune.
1. she can sing and doesnt need autotune, which is so rare these days.
2. she doesnt flash her boobs or lady bits to get attention
3. she doesnt have a leggings, nail polish, perfume line to milk dumb tweens out of their $$$
4. she doesnt have to arrive in an egg or wear meat dresses.
5. she doesnt sing about sex and horny stuff aimed at 12 year olds.
I have nothing against bieber, i dont listen to him, i mean 100% good for him for making $$$ from his lack of talent.
no offense, but his fans are mostly of these girls are losers in high school.
i have a 13 yr old niece and she says none of the girle at her high school admit to liking bieber, cuz its not cool.
usually the 12-16 yr olds you see on tv crying and almost dying over him are the losers types at high school.
losers and “passive aggressive” mean types. they are worst then the popular girls, because they have deep seated hate and you dont know what your dealing with, because they seem sooo “nice”.
i love Justine he is looking so cute and innocent, i know he is very talented he is such like a rockstar.
What award is Bieber going to have. For what? For the same monotonous crap song that he sings, that has barely ten lyrics other than ‘baby-baby-baby?’
This Bieber is a fake arrogant little shite who, if he can get away with it, will upstage anyone (including Johnny Depp, as he recently did during Depp’s media conference) for attention. A little snot nosed brat who deserves a bitch slap or three.
JANELLE MONAE! she rocked it. Unfortunately she was nominated several years ago for a collabo in writing a song thus she was not nominated. I’m glad it wasn’t a popularity contest but please celebitchy personnels, look her up! (:
LOL! As if anyone really cares about not winning a friggin’ Grammy award.
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You’d be surprised. A Grammy Award still holds some cache in the music industry.
I love reading such mean spirited posts about a 16 year old boy. Not. What’s wrong with you “adults”? Wow. Sad.
I was hoping Florence and the machine would win that category to be honest but im happy for esperanza. Its good exposure and publicity for her.
@hmmmmmm I know! Janelle Monae is amazing! I was wondering why she wasnt nominated.
Can’t wait for the next tween fad so bieber can go away. Jonas bros didnt last, Miley didnt last, hopefully bieber wont either ugggghh
What does anyone expect from thousands of hormonal teenagers?
OMG look at Bieber’s shoes. Did he get those lifts from Tom Cruise?
“On that note I have no clue who this lady was that beat out Bieber. not saying shes not talented but no one knows who she is. I dont base nothing off twitter…i go by what I hear on radio…see in stores….on talk shows…..late night shows and what teens talk about….that win did belong to Bieber because he was clearly the winner…”
Basing quality music on what you happen to hear on the (likely mainstream) radio ? You might want to rethink that. Branch out a little, you might actually discover some good music.
It’s a positive thing to see the Grammy’s not be a popularity contest. After all, it’s not the Teen Choice awards we’re talking about here.
Jazz isn’t really my cup of tea, but there is no disputing that this woman is very talented.
Esperanza did a set at the Savannah Music Festival last year and I ran into her doing a private show at one of the local BBQ/music hubs. Super nice, appreciative, and talented up the wazoo!
“On that note I have no clue who this lady was that beat out Bieber. not saying shes not talented but no one knows who she is. I dont base nothing off twitter…i go by what I hear on radio…see in stores….on talk shows…..late night shows and what teens talk about….that win did belong to Bieber because he was clearly the winner…”
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What “teens talk about” is hardly the harbinger of what is good music. And teens aren’t the only people who listen to and purchase music. That win did not “belong to” Bieber, it was not earned by him, it was won by someone else. Build a bridge and get over it.
A friend told me that some little Bieberite got on Spalding’s Facebook page and wrote “DIE!” about 30 times. With fans like this, he doesn’t need detractors.
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@Strawbw: How old are you, honey? Thirteen and a half?
@TaylorB
I always listen with an open mind. It doesn’t take very long, however, to realize if someone is a critical thinker or if they are simply regurgitating something that they saw on TV. I am not generalizing, I am simply making an observation.
If CB did a story on Imelda Marcos, the tenor of the conversation would be about her shoes. PERIOD.
Its kinda ridiculous that these fickle fans do not understand that Justin is a manufactured artist. I personally think that he can not sing nor dance and all the success should go to the songwriters and composers who make his music. Bieber is a gimmick just like the Backstreet boys and Nsync. As you see…the Backstreet boys cannot sell albums to save their lives. You know why? Because they were not true recording artist. They did not write one song or compose any beats that made them stars. So when their popularity dwindled they could not afford to buy any good songs from top songwriters.
Check out this crazy fan that is threating to kill herself because Beiber lost to a real artist with talent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLVmWCu-PvM
ugh. I would say he needs to finish puberty, but he looks like he hasn’t started it yet!
He’s just more useless twaddle and doesn’t realize yet that he is simply fodder for the money cannon, to be jettisoned when the next big thing comes along. Few musicians survive the transition from “teen idol” to lasting talent, which really, is sad. It’s always been the case and I think it always will be.
I really wish most of you people would grow up and leave the poor kid alone! that is what he is a kid and most of the people slating him are probaly just jealous and that is just sad, get a life! and get over it, the abuse that poor kid gets from people is unreal, if anyone treated your kids like that you would not be happy! he has never hurt anyone its his fans that are out of order! you people are supposed to be adults? start acting like it!
shame on all you pathetic adults bashing this kid. I do not care for his meh music, and i wish his hair will fall off, but seriously do you think its ok for grown people like you to go off on this kid and his teeen crazies? Stop….you all sound pathetic.
THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU HAVE BEEN TO KIND.
justin bieber is not a hip hop artist hes a crappy corny popstar
i think it’s so sad that people get on here and trash celebrities who they know nothing about. i’m not a tween and i saw never say never and it really was inspiring to see a young kid try to make his way to the top. his mom was a teen mother, got him involved in music, and at a young age he became crazy talented. how dare all of you bash the film before you’ve seen it. people hate justin bieber just for something to do. so why don’t you spend your time NOT reading/writing articles about him that are just dumb. he’s successful and has done things to be proud of. if you can’t give him that than you are just ignorant.
Love ya!
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