The 2019 Grammy Awards: Live updates - CNN

She's up for a Grammy as best new artist. But lots of people are still discovering H.E.R.

Part of the mystery can be chalked up to the 21-year-old artist herself.

She's been pretty outspoken about wanting people to focus on the music, and not -- wait for it -- her.

To that end, she wears sunglasses and doesn't share her real name.

But fans figured out early on that H.E.R. is Gabi Wilson, a former child prodigy who blew viewers away when, as a 10-year-old, she performed the Alicia Keys hit "If I Ain't Got You" on "Today."

Ironically, Keys is hosting this year's Grammy Awards.

Is it a sign?

H.E.R. told CNN's Stephanie Elam Sunday that she shies away from the spotlight because she "just wanted people to love the music."

"With five Grammy nominations I think I made my point," she said

And with so many firsts Sunday night -- first time nominated, first time at the Grammys, first time performing -- the young singer was taking it all in.

She said she thinks it's a good time to be an R & B artist.

"I think a lot of people want authenticity in music," said H.E.R. who plays multiple instruments. "People want something that they can feel again."

She won her first Grammy during the pre-show when she and Daniel Caesar won best R & B performance for her single "Best Part."

H.E.R. is up against Chloe X Halle, Luke Combs, Greta Van Fleet, Dua Lipa, Margo Price, Bebe Rexha and Jorja Smith in the best new artist category.

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