Hip hop queen Nicki Minaj is sporting a seriously dramatic makeunder for the cover of Elle’s April 2013 issue. The superstar and new American Idol judge recently got rid of her stylist and I love what we’re seeing so far! Instead of her usual over-the-top bold prints, heavy makeup and crazy wigs, we get a sneak peek at Nicki’s true beauty in the magazine. Doesn’t she look gorgeous? Find out how Nicki felt about the makeover below.

Nicki Minaj’s Nude Makeup for Elle Magazine Cover 

On her more natural look for the cover: When I saw myself with barely any makeup at, it was such a… like, I’m so, so attached to my pink lipstick, it’s hard. I feel that it’s become a part of me. To go in front of the camera, without pink lips or big ol’ crazy lashes— you know, nothing— I felt naked. It was scary! So this photo shoot was a real accomplishment in my eyes.

On how to gain respect: My advice to women in general: Even if you’re doing a nine-to-five job, treat yourself like a boss. Not arrogant, but be sure of what you want— and don’t allow people to run anything for you without your knowledge. You want everyone to know, Okay, I can’t play games with her. I have to do right by this woman. That’s what it’s all about.

Which look do you like best on Nicki Minaj? I hope she wears more looks like her Elle cover in the future!

Michelle Obama looks just as beautiful for her second Vogue cover as she did for her debut in 2009, however this time she paired a sleeveless Reed Krakoff dress with her now-iconic bangs. Annie Leibovitz shot the President and First Lady for a spread in the magazine’s April issue and said during the shoot, “You’re a very different kind of president and First Lady.” To see what the famed-photographer really meant, check out a few down-to-earth soundbites from FLOTUS on everything from fashion to family below (click here to read the interview in its entirety)!

FLOTUS Michelle Obama’s Vogue Cover Revealed

On fashion: “I always say that women should wear whatever makes them feel good about themselves. That’s what I always try to do. . . . I also believe that if you’re comfortable in your clothes it’s easy to connect with people and make them feel comfortable as well. In every interaction that I have with people, I always want to show them my most authentic self.”

On priorities: ”Our job is, first and foremost, to make sure our family is whole. You know, we have small kids; they’re growing every day. But I think we were both pretty straightforward when we said, ‘Our No. 1 priority is making sure that our family is whole.’”

On what she has learned from her husband: “Well, patience and calm I’m borrowing. Or trying to mirror. I’ve learned that from my husband, that sort of, you know, ability to not get too high or too low with changes and bumps in the road. To do more breathing in and just going with it. I’m learning that every day.”

On unexpected life changes: “And to the extent that I’ve made changes in my life, it’s just sort of stepping back and seeing a change not as something to guard against but as a wonderful addition. . . that can make life fun and unexpected.”