Janelle Monáe turns 37: a look back (41 images)

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and actress Janelle Monáe, known for her music and roles in films and series such as "Hidden Figures" and "Homecoming" Season 2, turns 37 on Thursday. Monáe next stars in Netflix's mystery sequel "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," which comes to the streaming service on December 23. Here's a look back at her career through the years.

Janelle Monáe arrives at the Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 8, 2009. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

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Patti LaBelle (L) and Monáe perform "Purple Rain'" during the tribute to Prince, who was presented a Lifetime Achievement award at the BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 27, 2010. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

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Monáe arrives at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 13, 2011. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

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Monáe entertains Carolinafest at the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on September 3, 2012. Photo by Molly Riley/UPI

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