Durand Bernarr’s 2025 is unfolding as a career-defining chapter. The openly queer R&B virtuoso launched his highly anticipated YOU GON’ GROW, TOO! tour on Wednesday, 23 April, in Sacramento, California, setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifying global run.
The tour spans 34 shows across seven countries, with 17 dates already sold out, and features an eclectic roster of supporting acts, including Shae Universe, Gawd, Desz, Gene Noble, and Jack Freeman. It’s a celebration of artistry and community,
built around Bernarr’s magnetic presence and musical evolution.
The tour arrives on the heels of Bernarr’s first-ever Grammy Award nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album, thanks to the success of his critically acclaimed album Bloom. The buzz surrounding the release of his new “Flounce” music video only adds to the momentum.
A Journey Rooted in Gratitude
Reflecting on nearly two decades in music, Bernarr remains humble and deeply grateful.
“I’ve never not been doing what I’m doing,” he tells Out. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have an amazing support system and village that believe in me and what I do. They extend themselves to whatever capacity they have at the time, and it’s just been an awesome thing to do.”
That sense of community includes his continued role as a background vocalist for R&B icon Erykah Badu — a gig he holds with pride.
“I don’t feel that I’ll ever get to a point where I wouldn’t want to do background,” Bernarr explains. “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.”
Citing Whitney Houston’s background singing for BeBe Winans as inspiration, he adds, “I love singing just for the sheer enjoyment of it. I don’t always have to be in front.”
The Grammy Moment That Caught Him by Surprise
Bernarr’s Grammy nomination was a surreal, almost silent moment, discovered not through an industry contact, but a stranger online.
“I didn’t think that it was me,” he recalls. “I found out from a complete stranger on X congratulating me. And I’m confused as to why I’m being congratulated. Then I got hit with the screenshot.”
The twist? He was already seated for a flight when he learned the news. “I couldn’t yell, couldn’t scream, couldn’t slap my arms. There was definitely somebody sitting next to me. I was sweating the entire time.”
Parents Who Believed When He Couldn’t
Much of Bernarr’s success is rooted in the unwavering support of his parents, who are both musically gifted.
“They breathed for me when I didn’t want to breathe for myself,” he shares. “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 if they didn’t always understand me, there was never an option of throwing me away.”
Staying True in a Commercial World
As a Black queer artist, Bernarr has had to navigate the tension between authenticity and marketability — a challenge that came to a head in 2015.
“There was a point where I was like, ‘You know, this really isn’t doing it. Maybe I need to take the auto-tune route… get a little trap in there… maybe an alias.’”
But a conversation with a close friend helped him re-centre.
“He pretty much was like, ‘There is absolutely a way for you to be yourself, and to be commercial, and it makes sense.’”
With the Grammy nomination, a sold-out international tour, and an unwavering commitment to creative honesty, Bernarr is proving that staying true to yourself is not just viable — it’s powerful.
