Grammy-winning artist Janelle Monae looks gorgeous on the cover of Essence magazine's May 2013 issue. The tagline says it best: "Flawless Beauty."

On the cover, the 'Tightrope' songstress rocks her signature pompadour hairstyle, an Yves Saint Laurent blouse and eye-catching Chanel vintage earrings. Her infectious smile makes the whole cover pop. You go girl!

In the magazine, Monae talks about her musical influences, her family life and her brush with the law that changed her life. The Cover Girl spokesperson also explains why she doesn't expose too much skin in the outfits she chooses.

"People don't ask Jay-Z to take his shirt off when he rhymes," she tells the mag. "Showing my skin is not what makes me sexy. I like skirts and dresses just like everyone else, but I had a message I needed to put out there. It was up to me to show people and young girls there was another way."

During her cover shoot for the magazine, Monae reveals what she finds is the most beautiful. "I think that people who give and give their time are some of the most beautiful people I know," she says.

As for her fascination with tuxedos, Monae feels it's a wardrobe that will never go out of style. "They're timeless. They're transcendent, I think from the 18th century, 19th century, 20th century -- all the way to 2719 -- I think the tuxedo will outlive us all!" she states.

Meanwhile, Monae is working on her second album, 'The Electric Lady.' Looking at the cover, she's certainly an electrifying woman.

The May 2013 issue of Essence Magazine will be available on newsstands April 5.

Watch Janelle Monae's 'Tightrope (Wondamix)' Video Feat. B.o.B & Lupe Fiasco

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