S. Samuel
Young Money's Nicki Minaj may be following in the footsteps of former Island Def Jam CEO L.A. Reid with reports claiming she is headed to reality show music competition show "The X Factor."
According to reports, the self-proclaimed Barbie is set to hook-up with the show’s head.
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 Wayne and nothing has been finalized. (Rap-Up)
An inside source has also provided insight on Minaj’s next possible 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)
Earlier this week, it was reported L.A. Reid decided to leave Def Jam for the show.
Island Def Jam will continue to be run by Steve Bartels. Barry Weiss, the former Sony Music executive joining Universal Music Group this month, is expected to add oversight of Island Def Jam to his duties. The question remains, however, whether Reid will eventually join his former Universal boss Doug Morris, who becomes CEO of Sony Music on July 1. Sony Music has vested interest in the competition: Recordings of the show’s contestants will be controlled by Simon Cowell’s Syco and Sony Music and the winner will receive a $5 million contract with Sony Music. Auditions begin March 27 in Los Angeles. (Billboard)
While a confirmation will have to wait, Minaj’s Pink Friday debut album is still making its rounds on the sales charts.
Young Money star Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday also fell four positions to No. 16 with 25,300. With four full months under her belt, Minaj’s debut release has now sold 1,213,900 pieces. (SOHH Sales Wrap)
Check out some recent Nicki Minaj footage below:
