Last week, talk show host Wendy Williams celebrated the release of her new book Ask Wendy and her Broadway debut in Chicago at NYC’s The Pink Elephant. The event’s guest list read like a round-up of her popular “hot topics” segment, including reality show stars Yandy Smith (VH1’s Love & Hip Hop), Carla Facciolo (VH1's Mob Wives), Vashtie Kola, rapper French Montana and R&B singers Melanie Fiona and Chrisette Michelle.

The hold-no-bars host decided to turn her Ask Wendy segment into a book that reads like a friend in your head. Ask Wendy (HarperCollins/$25.99) is described as a no-nonsense, guilt-free guide to life’s ups and downs, including relationships, body image, work, sex, parenting, style and ​beauty—all with the vivacious but honest attitude audiences have grown to love Williams’ for having. The book also reveals never-before-heard stories from some of the challenges she had to overcome in her own life.

While Ask Wendy may have been an obvious next step for Williams, her decision to make a debut on Broadway is definitely a bold one for the former radio-show host. Guests at the event toasted in her honor, as she assumes the Broadway role as matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago.