“I know I make some people cringe. But I also know my willingness to expose myself, warts and all, is part of the reason people are drawn to me. With me, what you see is what you get…”—Wendy Williams, ESSENCE

She was voted off “Dancing With The Stars” last night, but it’s not dimming her shine.  Radio heroine turned talk show diva Wendy Williams is covering the upcoming May 2011 issue of ESSENCE magaizine…with double covers!  It’s their first ever “Gilfriends issue.

Maybe the cross-country traveling and being a mom to a pre-teen boy and a wife and shooting 2 shows at once was a bit much for Mrs. Wendy.  She was voted off “DWTS” last night.  But she says she’s extremely proud to have done it–despite being bogged down with being every woman at the same time.

And because she’s been doing it all while mainting her upbeat easy-to-relate attitude, The “Wendy Show” host and “Love Games” host graces ESSENCE’s first-ever “Girlfriends Issue” dedicated to friendships.

Wendy dishes to ESSENCE about friendship, family and the driving force behind the talk show queen’s appeal. The issue also features quotes from other celebrity besties—including Beyoncé and mom Tina Knowles; Sherri Shepherd and Niecy Nash; Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah; Kelly Rowland and Brandy; Monica and Keyshia Cole and more.

ESSENCE will also declare April 13th as “Girlfriends Appreciation Day” in honor of “besties” everywhere. And they’re throwing a party for Mrs. Wendy–sponsored by Essie and Swarovski Elements celebrating the Girlfriends Issue.