When Brandi Carlile took the stage at the 2019 Grammy Awards to perform her award-winning song "The Joke," it wasn't without some jitters. The singer-songwriter admits that she was "so freakin' nervous" for the big moment -- but she kept her eyes on one famous audience member in particular to help calm her nerves.

"I looked out in the audience, and I saw one person standing up, looking at me with total peace on her face," Carlile said backstage at the 2019 Grammy Awards. It was Janelle Monae, who had risen out of her seat in anticipation of Carlile's performance. "It really touched me me, and I lost all my nervousness, and I just sang it to her ... I don't think I'll ever forget that."

Carlile's performance was a smash. Midway through, as she sang the poignant lyrics of "The Joke," the crowd gave her a standing ovation; many of the big names in the crowd could be spotted looking on in approval.

"I was just so overwhelmed. I was so grateful," Carlile shared of the response she recived. "I don't think I've ever done anything of that magnitude."

Carlile was the most-nominated woman at the 2019 Grammy Awards, followed closely by Kacey Musgraves, who took home four trophies at the end of the night, including the coveted Album of the Year (for which Carlile was also nominated) and Monáe herself, who was nominated in two categories. Carlile won three of her six categories: Best American Roots Song, Best American Roots Performance and Best Americana Album.

2019 Grammy Awards: 5 Epic Country + Americana Moments

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