Nicki Minaj‘s mainstream status is cemented in the latest issue of Elle magazine.

The Young Money maven ditches the outlandish ensembles for a more demure look in the April issue of the publication, which was previewed on Access Hollywood today.

With Nicki stating that album #3 will take a more stripped-back/back-to-basics approach, could this look be one the ‘Starships’ rapper will be pushing moving forward? If so, we wouldn’t oppose; she looks stunning.

Check out a behind the scenes look at the shoot after the jump…

Catch Nicki judging on American Idol every Wednesday and Thursday night on FOX.

Your thoughts?