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Home • News

Girlfriends: Our Favorite Celeb ‘Friends In Our Head’

Some celebs are so darn likable it’s easy to imagine what it would be like if they were actually our close girlfriends. Here at ESSENCE, we call those women our “friends in our head.” These are the dynamic women our editors are most fond of.
By Charli Penn · Updated October 28, 2020
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01
Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams
Our Favorite Celeb ‘Friends In Our Head’
02
Beyoncé

“We both have Texas roots and we’re girls who love dudes from Brooklyn. Plus, our young daughters could have play dates. On our mommies-only nights out, we’d search out the best BBQ in the city and then eat Blue Bell ice cream. See, we have so much in common!” — Cori Murray, Entertainment Director

Our Favorite Celeb ‘Friends In Our Head’
Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
03
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith
Our Favorite Celeb ‘Friends In Our Head’
Getty Images
04
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys
Our Favorite Celeb ‘Friends In Our Head’
Getty Images
05
Estelle

“I love Estelle’s energy. She’s super fun to interview and always has a smile and great answers for you on the red carpet. Plus, she’s cool with, like, everyone in music. That says a lot about her character!” – Yolanda Sangweni, Entertainment Editor

Our Favorite Celeb ‘Friends In Our Head’
Maury Phillips/Getty Images
06
Elle Varner
Elle Varner
Our Favorite Celeb ‘Friends In Our Head’
Michael Rowe
07
Lianne La Havas

“I’m obsessed with her debut album Is Your Love Big Enough? The title track was inspired by a night on the town in one of my favorite neighborhoods — New York City’s East Village. Sometimes I zone out with my headphones on and pretend I’m dancing in the middle of a grungy lounge with Lianne, until we end the night screaming on Second Avenue, like she describes in the song.” – Charlise Ferguson, Partnerships Editor

Our Favorite Celeb ‘Friends In Our Head’
Felix Kunze/WireImage
08
Sanaa Lathan

“In my mind, Sanaa and I are thick as thieves. Honestly, I think I just identify with her look — her face seems friendly and she has cute nose. Also, she seems cool and down-to-earth on red carpets. Yup, we’re totally friends in my head.” — Crystal Martin, Beauty Contributor

Our Favorite Celeb ‘Friends In Our Head’
Jason LaVeris/ FilmMagic
09
Tracee Ellis Ross

“From her sense of humor to her killer style, Tracee Ellis Ross was instantly my ‘girlfriend’ — the type you share closets with, which I do for nobody. But for her (and a few of Mama Ross’ pieces), I would.” – Celia Smith, Fashion Editor

Our Favorite Celeb ‘Friends In Our Head’
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
10
Jill Scott

“There aren’t too many celebrities I’d dream of calling my family. But Jill Scott absolutely should be my aunt — no lie! She’s always so warm, bright and encouraging. She’s just the kind of friend or auntie everyone wants in their corner during trying times. She knows how to keep it real while lifting you up.” — Derrick Taylor, Associate Editor

Our Favorite Celeb ‘Friends In Our Head’
Mark Sullivan/WireImage