Gayle King 's got a new crush ... and it's on Cardi B !

We caught the famous journalist in New York City Thursday -- one day after the Grammy-winning rapper announced she's pregnant on "CBS Mornings" -- and she had nothing but praise to sing for her.

Check out our clip -- Gayle says she's got a "girl crush" on Cardi after sitting down with her, noting people should never underestimate her because "she knows what she's doing" as she juggles her "Am I The Drama?" album promotion and prepares to welcome her 4th child.

GK also defended Cardi holding back the pregnancy news, reminding us the "I Like It" hitmaker said she wanted to tell her story on her own time, as she should be able to.

As you know, there were rumors spreading like wildfire that Cardi was pregnant for weeks befor

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