Hailed as the new age Lauryn Hill and redeemer of R&B, Gabrielle ‘Gabi’ Wilson, most notably known as H.E.R, is the 24-year old Filipino-American singer songwriter that just bagged 4 Grammy awards and is now nominated for an Oscar award.
Big hair, big sunglasses, and big dreams. H.E.R made a choice to keep her identity unknown, never fully revealing her face. “I’m not hiding,” muses the Fil-Am singer in a past interview. “Concealing my identity came from me trying to find ways to be super honest in my music and for people to hear the music for what it is and not have any judgment or make any assumptions.”
Ironically, H.E.R stands for “Having Everything Revealed,” A moniker she decided to take on when she was going through heartbreak while creating her first self-titled EP. Her music (pun intended) has been constantly described as full of soul, a post-breakup gift brimming with vulnerability and self-assurance all at once—and it’s not hard to see why given the countless nominations and awards she has won, touring with Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown and Childish Gambino, all before she turns 30.
But this isn’t the first time a Filipino won in the Grammys. Alongside H.E.R, celebrated musicians such as Larry Ramos, who was the first to win the award in 1962, Bruno Mars who has 13 nominations and 11 gramophones and Jhett Tolentino in 2017 for Best Musical Theater Album. In case you need more convincing, here are 5 more reasons why you should definitely stan H.E.R.
RELATED: The 2021 Grammy’s Was A Pop Culture Parade of Your Favorite Cartoon Characters
1. She appeared on TV in The Today Show and Adobo Nation at age 10 and proved that she was always a musical prodigy
You heard that right. H.E.R. plays the guitar, the drums, the piano, AND BASS. As a 10-year old, how do you even have that type of confidence, let alone being on television?
2. She joined Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing contest at 12 years old
After the success of Hannah Montana, Disney was on the hunt for their next superstar. 12-year old Gabi Wilson was chosen as one of the 5 finalists. Little did she know that she’d win the Grammys years later.
3. She published a poetry book when she was 8
Published in 2005, H.E.R.’s pen game was always strong. She even had a short author’s note for her readers!
4. She’s already on her way to the Oscars
After winning Song of the Year & Best R&B Song at the Grammys 2021, H.E.R. is nominated at the 2021 Academy Awards for Best Original Song.
5. H.E.R. knows how to cook (and pronounce!) Filipino dishes
Did she even stutter? Girl knows her stuff. In fact, H.E.R. has revealed on her interview at Genius that it’s the reason why her parents even met in the first place—their love for food.
