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Who is Janelle Monáe?

SINCE taking the music world by storm, Janelle Monae has also ventured into acting.

The entertainer has made waves in the music industry, receiving over ten Grammy Award nominations, including one in 2024 for the album, The Age of Pleasure.

Janelle Monae is a multitalented entertainer from Kansas
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Janelle Monae is a multitalented entertainer from Kansas

Who is Janelle Monáe?

Born on December 1, 1985, Janelle Monáe is a native of Kansas.

They began singing as a child while growing up in church.

After graduating from FL Schlagle High School, Monáe moved to New York City to study theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

Monáe dropped out the next year and headed to Atlanta to further their education.

In 2003, Monáe self-released their first album: a demo that they allegedly sold out of the back of their car.

By 2006, Monáe was signed to Sean Combs' Bad Boy Records.

What is Janelle Monáe's net worth?

According to , Monáe has an estimated net worth of around $12 million.

On May 18, 2010, Monáe released their first full-length studio album: The ArchAndroid.

Monáe's other discography includes: The Electric Lady (2013), Dirty Computer (2018) and The Age of Pleasure (2023).

Monáe is also known for their appearances across film and television, with roles in several projects, including:

  • Rio 2 (2014)
  • Moonlight (2016)
  • Lady and the Tramp (2019)
  • Antebellum (2020)

In 2010, Monáe appeared on Dancing with the Stars.

Monáe was a musical guest on Saturday Night Live in a 2013 episode with Edward Norton and worked on the narration for Sex, Explained (2020).

Janelle Monáe is an award-winning singer and songwriter
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Janelle Monáe is an award-winning singer and songwriterCredit: AP:Associated Press

Is Janelle Monáe married?

Janelle Monáe is not married and has no children.

Monáe identifies as pansexual, someone who is attracted to all genders, regardless of biological sex, and is nonbinary, or someone who does not identify as exclusively a man or a woman.

They have been open about their identity, music, and acting work, but told that they avoid discussing their relationship status.

"I can talk about my identity, I can talk about my sexuality. I can talk about all things Janelle Monáe without having to go into detail," they said.

Who has Janelle Monáe dated?

Despite their aversion to discussing relationships, Monáe has been linked with a couple of different celebrities over the years.

Monáe sparked dating rumors with musician Nate Wonder in 2021 after the pair were spotted kissing on a boat in Mexico. However, neither of them has publicly commented on the relationship.

Monáe was previously linked to actress Tessa Thompson, though the pair never formally confirmed their relationship.

"We love each other deeply," Thompson said via . "We're so close, we vibrate on the same frequency."

Thompson continued: "If people want to speculate about what we are, that's okay. It doesn't bother me."

In April 2022, Monáe spoke on Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith about their identity.

"I'm nonbinary, so I just don’t see myself as a woman, solely," Janelle said.

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"I feel all of my energy. I feel like God is so much bigger than the 'he' or the 'she.'"

Monáe added: "I am everything, but I will always, always stand with women."

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