S. Samuel
Turns out Young Money's Nicki Minaj will not be appearing on music competition reality show "The X-Factor" just days after being linked to the program.
While details are still emerging, Minaj’s involvement on the show is no more.
Don’t plan on seeing Nicki Minaj at the judges table on “X Factor” — TMZ has learned the rapper will NOT be taking a gig on the show. Rumors of Minaj’s participation on the show have been spreading like wildfire … with Simon Cowell himself fanning the flames … but sources connected to Minaj tell us she won’t be a judge on the show …adding, “There’s nothing going on with [X Factor].” (TMZ)
This week, executive producer Simon Cowell confirmed that meetings with Minaj did take place.
“I think it’s incredible to have a talent like L.A. on the show, it only brings more credibility and excitement to The X-Factor. He’s arguably one of the greatest hit-makers in the world,” Cowell said in an interview. “He was one of my first choices to bring on. After years in the music industry, you have look at who has continued to stay relevant — I’m just extremely happy that L.A. will be joining me. He’s really almost like a producer on the show, now…We’ve spoken to [Nicki] but we’ve met so many people that’s it’s just a long, exhausting process that we have to deal with. It’ll be announced in the next week. We were actually introduced a few weeks ago.” (VIBE)
Over the weekend, rumors emerged linking Minaj and Cowell.
The Young Money raptress is reportedly in talks with Simon Cowell to be a judge on the U.S. edition of his talent competition “The X Factor”. The Harajuku Barbie met with Cowell in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. The hip-hop diva’s casting as a judge would help the show appeal to a younger and more diverse audience. She is currently touring the country with Lil Wayneand nothing has been finalized. (Rap-Up)
An inside source also provided insight on Minaj’s power move.
“Nicki has a large following and she fits well with the ethos of the show, which plans to usher in a new generation of musical talent. ‘X Factor’ is aiming for a younger audience. Those aged 12 and over can audition, and [the English version has] launched successful artists from other genres of music than pop…This isn’t a done deal yet, but Nicki would be great for the show. She fits the ideal that ‘X Factor’ will be exciting, vibrant and different. And the show would also be great for her career.” (New York Post)
Check out a recent Nicki Minaj interview down below:
