One of the benefits of being a bit of an OG on the blogging scene – I can look back and truly appreciate how much things have changed and how far I’ve come. Not just for myself, but for others I’ve encountered along the way. Take for example, the talented and beautiful Janelle Monáe. I first laid eyes on her in Outkast’s video for Morris Brown, and I had the opportunity to interview her in 2006. Janelle Monae was one of my earlier celebrity interviews, back when I lived in Miami and had a regular day job. And in those days she wore bright colors and was an up and coming singer/songwriter who couldn’t fit into the typical boxes that radio DJs might have wanted her to. We even met briefly, after she played an outdoor set at the Delano in Miami in 2006 or 2007 (so long ago I can’t remember). I do remember that she was sweet and approachable and just absolutely oozed star power.
Flash forward to 2012. Janelle Monáe is a powerhouse. She’s an acclaimed singer and songwriter, a trendsetter in music and style, and now she is officially a COVERGIRL. Wow! Click here to read all about it from Vogue.com – makeup by the incredible Pat McGrath, natch!
Photo via Billboard.com.
She’s such a perfect fit. Gorgeous, visionary, sharp as a tack – I love it! I recently was able to catch up with Janelle about life, music, style, and being a COVERGIRL.
Afrobella — Janelle, I’m sure you’ve done SO many interviews since then but you were one of my first big interviews on Afrobella.com. It’s so amazing to think of how much has changed for you since 2006! Now you’re a COVERGIRL. You’re now alongside some of Hollywood’s most beloved celebrities, including Queen Latifah, Drew Barrymore and Sofia Vergara! What does that title mean to you?
Janelle Monáe — Thank you so much Patrice! I love Afrobella. I really appreciate your love and support. I am incredibly honored and humbled to part of this distinguished group of COVERGIRLS. These are strong, independent, accomplished women, and I’m excited to work with a beauty brand that celebrates individuality and embraces both inner and outer beauty.
Afrobella — Your fashion palette remains black and white, tell me what your makeup palette is like – you look incredible in these COVERGIRL shots. Is it fair to say that Janelle Monáe loves a pop of color in terms of makeup?
Janelle Monáe — Thank so much sweetheart. At the present time, I’ll wear any color as long as it’s black, white, and bold. I am loving COVERGIRL’s LipPerfection Lip Color in Hot for my signature red lip. It gives the richest bold pop of color!
Exclusive photo provided by CoverGirl
Afrobella — I know you’re all about individual expression and style but if there were three must have products from the COVERGIRL collection that one of your fans could use to get the Janelle Monáe look, what would they be?
Janelle Monáe — I love the COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara! It gives me bold, full dark lashes. I also use and love the COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lip Color in Hot for my signature red lip. Lastly, the COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Bronzer gives a sculpted, natural glow to my skin.
Afrobella — What’s your beauty philosophy?
Janelle Monáe — One of my beauty philosophies is that you are your most beautiful when you are doing genuinely beautiful things from the heart for people other than yourself.
Photo via HuffPo
Afrobella — What message do you hope your being a COVERGIRL conveys to fans (like myself) who look to you as a beauty icon and style tastemaker?
Janelle Monáe — One of my main focuses is to help redefine what it means to be a strong and beautiful woman in the music and fashion worlds, and to empower the wonderful things that make us unique. I want women to feel even more inspired to embrace and rock their style with confidence because we are all COVERGIRLS!
Afrobella — Any new exciting musical or film projects coming up that your fans can look out for?
Janelle Monáe — Yes, my creative partners and I have a lot of big ideas we’re excited to ship out into the world. Starting with my follow-up album to “The ArchAndroid” which is honestly sounding very inspiring to hear and is really. really jamming. This “emotion picture” will not only be a reflection of my growth as a singer, songwriter, performer, and thought thrival, but will be designed to tap into the core of the listener and hopefully help you become your highest self; becoming an agent of change in your own community. Unfortunately I can’t give you many more details until my soul clock says it’s time. I can’t wait for you all to hear.
Neither can I! Janelle’s new project sounds AMAZING. She truly inspires me, as a woman who marches to her own beat and sets trends on her own terms. I’m loving her shots in the Covergirl campaign and I can’t wait to see what she does next. Check out her official iTunes site and make sure you follow @JanelleMonae and @CoverGirl on Twitter to see what’s next!
Are you loving Janelle as the latest Covergirl, bellas? I sure am!
She’s the epitome of adding a POP of color to an already AMAZING black and white palette. So happy for her!
Yes love her CG Stuff and I love CG in general.
Janelle make black and white FRESH!
Hey Bella, Wow you are so lucky to have been able to interview her not only once, but twice! She is a gorgeous women, and her beauty not only lies within, but also externally. What other celebrities have you had the chance to interview, and who was your favorite? 🙂
Janelle Monáe is a powerhouse of confidence that radiates from her core. She is an inspiration to us all and shows us that if we follow our spirit and remain true to ourselves, all will work out fantastically. I really admire her. Thanks for this wonderful post.
We know Janelle’s a female what we don’t know and don’t see is her exhibiting any genuine femininity. She clearly exhibits the androgynous aura of the familiar drag queens.