LOS ANGELES (AP) — Even if Janelle Monae goes home empty-handed after Sunday’s Grammys, she’ll already have at least one award to take back home.

The critically acclaimed performer was lauded by Essence magazine on Wednesday night at the magazine’s second-annual “Black Women in Music” pre-Grammy event. Among those in attendance included Diddy, who is a backer of her label, and rapper Big Boi, who was an early supporter of Monae and performed with her at the event.

Monae lauded both 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.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.