Alessia Cara Launches Her Own ‘Giant Desk’ Concert After NPR Rejections
Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara has revealed that she is creating her own version of NPR’s popular Tiny Desk Concert series after being turned down multiple times by the platform. The Brampton native shared the news on social media, telling fans that she decided to take matters into her own hands after not receiving an invitation to perform for the acclaimed music series. Her alternative, titled “Giant Desk,” will premiere June 10 and feature a six-song live performance recorded in an office setting alongside her band.
Cara, who first rose to prominence with her 2015 breakout hit “Here,” remains one of Canada’s most successful music exports. Despite her international success, the Grammy Award-winning artist said NPR’s Tiny Desk team had declined her participation more than once. In announcing the project, Cara jokingly explained that she had “exercised free will” and built her own version of the series instead.
The announcement comes during a busy period for the singer. Cara is scheduled to perform alongside Alanis Morissette at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Toronto on June 12. She also recently contributed to producer Boi-1da’s Canada Soccer tribute album, What If It All Goes Right?, and released her jazz-inspired album Love or Lack Thereof in March, following her 2025 project Love & Hyperbole.











