Wendy Williams Gets Sung Happy Birthday by Paparazzi

Wendy Williams‘ last year has had a lot of ups and downs … but some paparazzi just gave her a big up singing “Happy Birthday” to her a day before she hits a milestone.

The talk show host was looking like a princess Wednesday — quite literally — as she walked out of a NYC TV studio wearing a giant tiara and a hot pink outfit, in which she showed off some leg. She was all smiles as she got into her waiting vehicle, and for good reason too … the surrounding paps belted out a heartfelt ‘HB’ a day before she hits the big 5-5.

Yes, Wendy is turning 55 Thursday … and the crush of photogs let her know how much she meant to them with a song (for a soundbite, of course). She seemed to appreciate the gesture though, thanking everyone who sang as she climbed into the car.

Wendy’s got every reason to celebrate — her family drama seems to be simmering down after her son, Kevin Jr., was cut loose by prosecutors after he got into a scuffle with his dad.

Of course, she’s still in the middle of an up-and-down divorce with her estranged husband/biz partner, Kevin Hunter, but even in the love department … she’s doing alright.

Wendy’s been hanging with a young buck, who seems to be keeping her busy from coast-to-coast. He’s already said he’s not using her .. just enjoying her company, and vice versa.

If anything … her smile here is a most welcome 180 flip from what we saw her doing about a month ago, when she was shedding tears on camera over her family.