NPR's Tiny Desk Contest team has begun early planning for the 2027 Contest and is asking fans to suggest who should judge it.
In a newsletter, the team said judges have "a big job: They watch your many entries, picture who could reinvigorate the Desk and select the winner." The panel is made up of Tiny Desk hosts and producers, member station DJs and artist alumni of the Tiny Desk.
Past judges have helped launch careers. Brittany Howard discovered then-entrant Yasmin Williams and invited her on tour, while Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff wrote about the optimism and joy they felt watching Contest entries for their blog, Resist Psychic Death. The team asked readers to respond to the email with their dream judge.
The newsletter also listed October shows by artists in the Contest community. On Oct. 1, 2026 #DeskOfTheDay feature Detzany, who makes Latin pop music, performs at the International Lounge in Salt Lake City, Utah. On Oct. 2, 2025 Nashville opener Leah Marlene begins a European tour after releasing her new single "My Girl," with a show at the Kulturrampe in Berlin.
Cure For Paranoia plays Austin City Limits on Oct. 3, and another #DeskOfTheDay feature, coco smith, heads to D.C. for an Oct. 8 show at DIY venue Rhizome. On Oct. 10, 2026 finalist Les Greene and the Swayzees play the Big Bang Vintage Festival in Spain.
On Oct. 26, 2025 Top Shelf feature The Brudi Brothers open for Kacey Musgraves in Seattle at Climate Change Arena. From Oct. 2 to Nov. 21, 2016 Contest winner Tank and The Bangas tour the South and Midwest.
The team also noted it is in the midst of Latin Music Month and said it will share reader updates monthly until the next Contest season begins.