When you’re dealing with post-breakup emotions, it’s a roller coaster ride. You’re sad, angry, relieved, and reflective, then eventually, you’re ready to be outside in the world again. Black Panther star Lupita Nyong’o recently confirmed her split from Selema Masekala. In October, she took to Instagram to reveal that she was in “a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception.” We don’t need to know how the Oscar winner is handling her breakup, but it definitely seems like she’s moving toward the “feeling herself” part of recovery.
On Monday, the actress posted an Instagram video of herself dancing to Janelle Monáe’s “Lipstick Lover,” writing, “My official audition to be @JanelleMonae’s next #lipsticklover.”
The Us star is close friends with the singer/actress, so it makes sense she would be listening to her music while she’s processing her post-breakup emotions. And if this award-winning acting career doesn’t work out, she’s definitely got a future as one of Monae’s backup dancers. The 2024 Grammy nominee replied to Lupita’s video with the message, “A leading lady…the role is YOURS.”
Back in May, as rumors were circulating about a romantic pairing between the two, Nyong’o discussed her friendship with Monáe.
“She has [a] magnetism that they were obviously picking up on,” Nyong’o told Rolling Stone. “She is that enigmatic. People are curious about enigmatic people. I was not surprised. And I don’t mind being associated with her in any capacity.”
Monae’s The Age of Pleasure is among the star-studded Album of the Year nominees at the 2024 Grammys, so maybe the 12 Years a Slave star will make an appearance during Janelle’s performance?
With memorable roles in Hidden Figures and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Monae has built up a successful film career, so it seems like it’s time for these two powerhouses to collaborate on-screen, on stage or both.