Grammy week is poppin right now and Janelle Monae already won her first award!

Last night (February 9, 2011), the 25 year old recording artist was honored at the second annual Essence “Black Women in Music” event at the Playhouse Hollywood in Los Angeles, California.

Janelle poses on the red carpet with the two men who helped launch her career, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton.

Big Boi and Janelle have collaborated on quite a few songs, including “Tightrope” [official video] from Janelle’s The ArchAndroid album and “Be Still” (one of my personal favs) from Big’s Sir Lucious Leftfoot project, but most aren’t aware that it was Big who introduced Janelle to Diddy… and the rest is history.

Janelle spoke about it at length during a private listening session for The ArchAndroid last year.

[Janelle Monae “The ArchAndroid” Listening Session ~ PHOTOS/VIDEO]

After receiving the honor, Monae thanked both stars for giving “a girl from Kansas” a shot. Monae is nominated for best contemporary R&B album for her debut CD, “The ArchAndroid” and best urban/alternative performance for “Tightrope” with Big Boi.

Lots of celebs come out to support Janelle, including Leona Lewis, Melonie Fiona, Musiq Soulchild, Anthony Hamilton, Estelle & More.

Photos below:

Mary Mary

Musiq Soulchild

Tocarra, Melanie Fiona, Estelle

Big Boi (and his favorite scarf)…

Anthony Hamilton

Janelle plants one on Diddy…

Congrats Janelle!

PHOTOS: WireImage

FULL PHOTO GALLERY