Nicki Minaj: I'm going to toot my own horn

Nicki Minaj claims she's "been spectacular" on American Idol.

The Starships rapper, 30, was subject to scathing criticism earlier this month when she was absent from the judging panel for the first 13 minutes of the show's first live taping.

It is rumoured that Nicki is perpetually late to the TV talent contest. Late last year, she was also involved in a public feud with fellow judge Mariah Carey.

Nicki thinks she has done a wonderful job thus far.

"I don't have a worst Idol moment. I've been spectacular. Yes, I'm going to toot my own horn," she told USA Today.
"And my best moment is every single moment - I'm going to toot it again."

Nicki hopes that viewers aren't criticising her blunt judging style.

The star reveals it has been a big challenge critiquing other people's talent.

"I'm absolutely just being me, at least they're getting to know who I really am," she explained.

"There were moments in the audition process where I would say, 'I can't do this anymore.'

"What people see me doing with the contestants is exactly what I do with my fans. Well, I don't critique my fans. I play with my fans and speak to my fans as if they're my friends. That's why I started giving the contestants nicknames."

Nicki won't comment on whether she would return for another season of Idol.

She does confirm that it's been a very fun experience overall.

"I think people would rather be surprised [if I came back]," she mused. "I like to save the mystery and the drama. I never give that away. The people behind the scenes at Idol have been like a dream to work with."