(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Justin Bieber admitted he was disappointed not to take home Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards.

The 16-year-old was favourite to win the award at last nights prestigious ceremony, but in a surprising turn of events, the popular singer lost out to jazz bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding, 26.

Justins unexpected loss was even more shocking given his stand out performance earlier in the night. The star teamed up with his mentor Usher and Jayden Smith and he was given a standing ovation from the crowd.

I had no clue what was going to happen; I worked really hard these past few years and you know, Im not going to lie I was disappointed, he told MTV News. But, you know, Im gonna come back [next year] and well take a few home.

Despite leaving the awards ceremony empty handed, Justin was proud of his crowd-pleasing Grammy performance. The singer was also reflective, revealing his loss has made him more determined to work harder for fans.

I got a standing O, which was amazing. Usher and Jayden did incredible, and Im really excited. Tonight was an amazing night, he said. Im inspired to work harder than I did last year. Bieber fans, dont get too upset.

Meanwhile, fellow artist Nicki Minaj was also in a relaxed mood at the popular awards ceremony. The 26-year old rapper and singer who was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group My Chick Bad (with Ludacris) - failed to take any awards home despite her ever-increasing popularity over the past year. However, she insists the immense success of her debut album Pink Friday is far more important to her than winning awards.

It doesnt matter what Im nominated for! Im working! I am a working artist in the freaking worst economy ever, she explained. To sell, like, a million records, in this economy, thats crazy. (C) Cover Media