We asked, you voted! All December long, you -- the music lover -- voted for your favorite new artists that emerged in 2016, and the results are in!

We are lucky enough to have had all five best new local bands of 2016 stop by The Current studios or hosted events. From in-studio videos and recordings to live performances, these artists proved they're in it for the long haul.

Be sure to tune in to The Current's listener-curated Top 89 countdown on Dec. 31, 2016 starting at 5 p.m. CT with a rebroadcast on New Year's Day starting at 10 a.m. CT.

5. Jay Smart

It was a risk to invite an artist into The Current with only hearing their take on Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and Haley Bonar's "Kismet Kill," but the reward was great. Andrea Swensson, host of The Local Show, was thoroughly impressed by Jay Smart, a Minnesota-based musician by way of Kenya. Smart plays the first night of The Current's 12th Birthday Parties at First Avenue on Jan. 27.

4. Holidae

Believe it or not, Holidae's first show was spontaneous and improvised performance at bar close in Uptown Minneapolis. They won 2016's Are You Local? contest and spent the summer on major block party bills, where they won over new fans with their impressive live show. Holidae were invited to perform on The Local Show following the release of their debut album Tantrum.

3. Monica LaPlante

Playing the second night of The Current's 12th Birthday Parties at First Avenue on Jan. 28 is Monica LaPlante who released Noir on Halloween. You could assume black is her favorite color.

2. Fraea

Singer/songwriter Jessie Daley (Roma di Luna) and producer Drew Preiner call their new band Fraea, an homage to the Norse goddess Freyja. The Local Show host Andrea Swensson describes their Bend Your Bones as "six songs of dreamy, beat-driven pop" and "a can't-be-tamed project full of tranquil sounds."

1. ZULUZULUU

No doubt it's ZULUZULUU's energetic live shows that have proven them to be the best new local act of 2016. Following their What's the Price release and performance in The Current studio, the six-piece was named City Pages' number one Picked to Click act and won The Current's Local Music Exchange. Momentum for ZULUZULUU will surely carry through the new year.