Charles Sykes, AP Although Nicki Minaj has been rumored to be the newest addition to the panel of "American Idol" judges , it appears there may be a slight hitch . According to reports, Nicki's endorsement deal with Pepsi may bar her from appearing on "Idol," which is sponsored by competitor Coca-Cola. Apparently Pepsi, who tapped Minaj to appear as the face of their "Live For Now" ad campaign, and is sponsoring her Pink Friday Reloaded tour, will not allow her to appear on the show. While Minaj's representatives and the soda company's honchos sort things out, auditions for "Idol" will begin shooting as early as next week, so Fox network executives are understandably anxious to finalize the deal and make their announcement. The New York Post cites a source , who says that they "want to see that drama between Nicki and Mariah Carey. It'll make for good TV." See Photos of Nicki Minaj's Fashion Evolution All Black Eve

NEWS by Alvin aqua Blanco (@aqua174) August 31, 2012, 11:14am Nicki Minaj has long been rumored to be a new American Idol judge , but there has to yet to be a formal announcement. Speculation has long been that the YMCMB rapper's deal with Pepsi is holding up the process since Idol is sponsored by Coca-Cola. The New York Post has reported on the matter with some inside source saying a deal should be worked out soon, with hopes of taking advantage of any potential rivalry between Minaj and confirmed new host Mariah Carey, too. Nicki Minaj 's American Idol contract is almost signed, but her deal with Pepsi is holding it up. Pepsi sponsors her tour, but Idol is sponsored by CocaCola, so they're hashing out how to get around the sticky cola issue. We're told Idol execs want to announce Minaj as a judge as soon as possible, before the auditions start filming in the next week or two. Sources say producers want to see that drama between Nicki and Mariah Carey . It'll m

Randy Jackson's American Idol career has finally come to an end, potentially paving the way for Nicki Minaj to join the judging panel, as is expected. Randy Jackson will remain a part of the show as a mentor, though the actual extent of that role is currently unclear. According Tmz .com, there's still some concern amongst Idol top-brass that Jackson is not well suited to the mentor role, though he's kept American Idol firmly together in recent years and executives will need a safe pair of hands on the forthcoming season. The Nicki Minaj deal is described as being "99 per cent done", though head honchos are acutely aware that Mariah Carey does not want her at the table. Nevertheless, producers are rubbing their hands together, hoping the tension will translate to conflict on the show and make great television. American Idol will go with a fourth judge this year, with someone from the country music world their preferred choice. According to Tmz .com, P Diddy and

Nicki Minaj s American Idol contract is almost signed, but her deal with Pepsi is holding it up. Pepsi sponsors her tour, but Idol is sponsored by CocaCola, so theyre hashing out how to get around the sticky cola issue. Were told Idol execs want to announce Minaj as a judge as soon as possible, before the auditions start filming in the next week or two. Sources say producers want to see that drama between Nicki and Mariah Carey . Itll make for good TV. It seems there will now be four judges country singer Randy Travis was in consideration until he had his epic booze-fueled meltdown. Now Keith Urban and Brad Paisley are in talks. Idol producers had hoped to get Enrique Iglesias , but, Hes a private guy and doesnt want to expose his life to the show, our source said. Getty Images Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj isn't stopping any time soon. The Young Money rapstress has announced the fall international tour dates for her ' Pink Friday: RELOADED Tour .' The second leg of the tour will start in October 21 in Notthingham, UK and will close in Perth, Australia on December 8. According to different sources, including Hip-Hop DX and Rap-Up , her Young Money label mate, Tyga , and Misha B will open for Nicki Minaj on select dates. Check out the international 'Pink Friday: RELOADED Tour' dates below: Oct 21 - UK Nottingham @ Capital FM ArenaOct 22 - UK Manchester @ Manchester ArenaOct 24 - UK Liverpool @ Liverpool Echo ArenaOct 25 - UK Newcastle @ Metro Radio ArenaOct 27 - UK Birmingham @ LG Arena BirminghamOct 28 - UK Newcastle @ Metro Radio ArenaOct 30 - UK London @ O2 ArenaNov 2 - UK Manchester @ Manchester ArenaNov 3 - UK Sheffield @ Motorpoint Arena SheffieldNov 5 - Ireland Dublin @ O2 ArenaNov 7 - UK Cardiff @ Motorpoint Arena CardiffNov 24 - NZ, Auckland @ Vec

NEWS by Latifah Muhammad (@TheLatifah) August 28, 2012, 19:16pm Good news to international Nicki Minaj fans: she's coming (back) to a city near you. Minaj announced tour dates for the second leg of her international trek , which starts in late October. The Harajuku Barbie just wrapped up the stateside version of her Pink Friday: Reloaded tour and after a short break will cross foreign waters once again. We're finishing up the summer tour with 2 Chainz in America and then we're doin' the overseas tour with Tyga , she told MTV News . I'm very excited about that. This is the first time I get to tour with somebody from Young Money, since I branched out on my own. In a separate interview, Minaj promised that the second international trek will be at heightened level. I can't wait to blow the stage out bigger and better and crazier. I promise you this is gonna one for the books. Aside from promoting her Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded release, Minaj has also crossed in

Nicki Minaj isn't stopping any time soon. The Young Money rapstress has announced the fall international tour dates for her ' Pink Friday: RELOADED Tour .' The second leg of the tour will start in October 21 in Notthingham, UK and will close in Perth, Australia on December 8. According to different sources, including Hip-Hop DX and Rap-Up , her Young Money label mate, Tyga , and Misha B will open for Nicki Minaj on select dates. Check out the international 'Pink Friday: RELOADED Tour' dates below: Oct 21 - UK Nottingham @ Capital FM ArenaOct 22 - UK Manchester @ Manchester ArenaOct 24 - UK Liverpool @ Liverpool Echo ArenaOct 25 - UK Newcastle @ Metro Radio ArenaOct 27 - UK Birmingham @ LG Arena BirminghamOct 28 - UK Newcastle @ Metro Radio ArenaOct 30 - UK London @ O2 ArenaNov 2 - UK Manchester @ Manchester ArenaNov 3 - UK Sheffield @ Motorpoint Arena SheffieldNov 5 - Ireland Dublin @ O2 ArenaNov 7 - UK Cardiff @ Motorpoint Arena CardiffNov 24 - NZ, Auckland @ Vec

Back before Nicki Minaj was a kaleidoscopic music sensation, she was a teenager growing up in Queens, trying to glam it up for a dance. "When I went to my prom, I went to the MAC counter and got my makeup done. That was the first time I had makeup professionally applied to my face. I was young and in school and I could not afford it at the time," she says. "I'm a big makeup girl. Makeup makes me come alive. When it's done the right way, it can change your mood. I'm all about contouring and shimmer and glitter and pink blush." Two hit albums later, Minaj finds herself fronting the MAC "Viva Glam" campaign, with fellow entertainer Ricky Martin. Her lipstick, dubbed "Nicki," alongside Martin's "Ricky" lip conditioner, have helped the campaign - launched in 1994 - raise an impressive $250 million to help people living with HIV/AIDS. All proceeds from the "Viva Glam" products go directly to charity; Minaj and Martin

Days after Nicki Minaj was first reported as ready to join the American Idol judges table, it is being reported that country star Keith Urban will be the fourth judge for the show. A source close to Fox confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter Friday that both Minaj and Urban are set to join the Fox singing competition, which will be entering its 12th season in the fall. This confirms Us Weekly s report from Aug. 20, in which a source said that the Starships rapper was 100 percent confirmed to judge American Idol . THRs sources add that she is being signed for $8 million and that she could sign the contract this week. Urban could sign for $3 million to $4 million. He became a frontrunner after fellow country star Brad Paisley dropped out after Idol producers learned that Paisley wanted the same amount of money as Minaj. It was also reported this weekend by TMZ that Katy Perry was offered to join Idol for $20 million, but the Part of Me singer just isnt interested and money is not an is

Nicki Minaj performs on the NBC Today Show at Rockefeller Center in New York City on August 14, 2012. UPI/John Angelillo License photo Published: Aug. 26, 2012 at 9:42 AM HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Pop star Nicki Minaj and country singer Keith Urban are close to inking deals as judges for season 12 of "American Idol," The Hollywood Reporter reported. Minaj had been in talks with producers at Fox, FremantleMedia and CORE Media Group's 19 Entertainment for weeks, but advertising allegiances held things up, the entertainment industry publication reported. Minaj's Pepsi sponsorship had irked "Idol" partner Coke, though the issue has been resolved, the source, whose name was not reported, said. Minaj could sign a deal worth about $8 million as early as Sunday, the Reporter said. Urban is expect to take a judge's seat for about $3 million to $4 million, the source said. Even with Mariah Carey 's $18 million salary, the judges' costs represent a pay

It's been a busy week for Nicki Minaj . After debuting her first fragrance, "Pink Friday," and co-starring in B.o.B 's video for "Out of My Mind," the Young Money rapstress releases the visuals for Hit-Boy produced track, "I Am Your Leader." The Colin Tilley directed video features Minaj, standing side-by-side two rap heavy weights, Cam'Ron and Rick Ross , in colorful, characterture-inspired rooms. "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded," feautring "I Am Your Leader," climbs the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart from No. 10 to No. 6 with 253,000 copies sold.

Rapper/singer/lipstick wearer Nicki Minaj is about to close an $8 million deal to join the judges panel on the next season of American Idol , which so far only includes Mariah Carey . That's a fairly big get for the network! And, hm, maybe not the wisest move for Minaj ? She's on the way up, isn't she? Not the way down. An American Idol judging gig is for people on the way down, people who still haven't quite resigned themselves into settling into just a regular old rich life without all the constant fame but aren't really known anymore for doing what they used to do. That doesn't really describe Minaj, does it. But, what can you do. Eight million dollars is eight million dollars, after all. There's also word that country singer Keith Urban will be joining the panel, beating out fellow countryman Brad Paisley , which ought to go a long way in sewing up the coveted and crucial Nicole Kidman vote. So that could be your panel, America. Mariah Carey , Nicki M

4:56 PM PDT 8/24/2012 by Sophie A. Schillaci Nicki Minaj easily boasts two core fan bases: those who love Starships and those who hate Starships. For the latter, the first lady of Young Money Cash Money has released her latest music video. PHOTOS: Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Deadmau5 Rock London's Wireless Festival The clip for I Am Your Leader is visually stunning, featuring bright colors, neon lights and slightly off-kilter geometric shapes in the background. The whole set takes place inside a pink mailbox, where Minaj hangs with Rick Ross and Camron in a bizarre, gothic, shape-shifting house. The video, directed by Colin Tilley , premiered on VEVO on Friday prompting enthusiastic response from fans on Twitter. Creative, Bold, Fun, Artistic and still all YOU! lovelovelove the video soooo much!!! gushed one fan. VIDEO: Nicki Minaj Brings Fans Home to Trinidad in 'Pound the Alarm' Clip According! to Billboard , Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded , which features "I Am Your L

Nicki Minaj 's video for new song I Am Your Leader features Cam ' Ron and Rick Ross , reports Billboard.com A busy week has culminated in a new music video for Nicki Minaj. The rapper's video has excited fans at the end of a what would have been a stressful week for the Trinidadian-born American rapper, singer, songwriter, and voice actress. Debuting her first fragrance, "Pink Friday," which featured an innovative new bottle (a miniature Minaj fem-bot) would have been big news for any celebrity, but for Minaj, it was just the start of the working week: a busy Monday. The perfume apparently smells like angels playing. She also co-starred in B.o.B's video for "Out of My Mind," where she donned a risque outfit, posing as a 'naughty medic'. And now, to top it all off, she's released the video for latest track, and it features some famous friends. Colin Tilley, who has made music videos for Justin Bieber , Mary J Blige , Lil Wayne and Jls

Wenn A few days ago the news of Nicki Minaj joining Mariah Carey on the American Idol judging panel seemed like it was a done deal, with insiders claiming she was 100% on board to appear. However, recent stories indicate that delays in any major contract singing come as a result of Minaj's difficult relationship with the Creative Artist Agency (CAA) who look after talent associated with the show including it's host Ryan Seacrest. Nicki Minaj herself was signed to CAA but fired them last year and the current relationship between the rapper and her former agency are said to be frosty. Speaking to The New York Post , an insider said: If she hadnt fired them last year, this deal would have been a lot easier. The insider added: "There is some heated debate. There are some producers who really want her. Others have been trying to block it," And by others, it's rumoured Mariah Carey herself is one them! Allegedly the singer is furious with the notion of Minaj being cons

Nicki Minaj has unveiled the bottle for her new fragrance - and it looks exactly like her with a long pink wig and cleavage. The 'Super Bass' hitmaker took to her twitter account to show her 14.2 million followers the image of her Pink Friday scent's container, which bears a striking resemblance to the rapper when she sports a long pink wig. It also has a significant cleavage. Nicki has described the smell of the fragrance - which will be released in late September - as similar to 'angels playing' and she says it will come packaged in 'dope box sets'. She said in a statement: 'I am so excited about my fragrance debut, and am proud to partner with Give Back Brands for such a personal project. 'I have always been a huge fan of great fragrances; this is yet another extension of my creative expression and I can't wait to share it with the world. I designed this scent and bottle with my Barbz in mind; I know they will love it!' Give Back Brands is

Just as it looked as though American Idol fans were going to get treated to a double dose of diva, with Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey both landing a spot on the judging panel, it seems that all is not well in Camp Idol. Tmz have reported that Mariah Carey is less than happy with the suggestion of Nicki Minaj as her fellow judge on the show. Sources connected to the show have told Tmz that Mariah had been led to believe that she was going to be the only female on the panel, so she's understandably annoyed that she might now be joined by the much younger and. dare we say it. more current artist that is Nicki Minaj. Apparently, Mariah even hung up the phone when she learned that Nicki was the favourite to take the slot. Mariah's known for playing the diva and it certainly seems that she's throwing a classic Carey strop over this one. However, Nicki's appointment is by no means a closed deal; apparently a couple of different scenarios are being played out; one of which

Nicki Minaj's delay in joining American Idol is reportedly due to her "difficult relationship" with an agency that looks after talent on the show. The superstar rapper is one of the high-profile names in the running to join new judge Mariah Carey on the hit TV talent show. However, the New York Post reports that because of Nicki's "difficult relationship" with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the decision is being carefully deliberated. CAA represents various finalists from the show as well as its host, Ryan Seacrest. The talent agency also used to look after Nicki. "If she hadn't fired them last year, this deal would have been a lot easier," one insider told the publication. Sources also revealed that there has been a "battle behind the scenes" on whether or not to hire the star. "There is some heated debate. There are some producers who really want her. Others have been trying to block it," the insider explained. There has b

Just as it looked as though American Idol fans were going to get treated to a double dose of diva, with Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey both landing a spot on the judging panel, it seems that all is not well in Camp Idol. Tmz have reported that Mariah Carey is less than happy with the suggestion of Nicki Minaj as her fellow judge on the show. Sources connected to the show have told Tmz that Mariah had been led to believe that she was going to be the only female on the panel, so she's understandably annoyed that she might now be joined by the much younger and. dare we say it. more current artist that is Nicki Minaj. Apparently, Mariah even hung up the phone when she learned that Nicki was the favourite to take the slot. Mariah's known for playing the diva and it certainly seems that she's throwing a classic Carey strop over this one. However, Nicki's appointment is by no means a closed deal; apparently a couple of different scenarios are being played out; one of which

Nicki Minaj has unveiled the bottle for her new fragrance - and it looks exactly like her with a long pink wig and cleavage. The 'Super Bass' hitmaker took to her twitter account to show her 14.2 million followers the image of her Pink Friday scent's container, which bears a striking resemblance to the rapper when she sports a long pink wig. It also has a significant cleavage. Nicki has described the smell of the fragrance - which will be released in late September - as similar to 'angels playing' and she says it will come packaged in 'dope box sets'. She said in a statement: 'I am so excited about my fragrance debut, and am proud to partner with Give Back Brands for such a personal project. 'I have always been a huge fan of great fragrances; this is yet another extension of my creative expression and I can't wait to share it with the world. I designed this scent and bottle with my Barbz in mind; I know they will love it!' Give Back Brands is

Nicki Minaj has already inked major deals with M.A.C. Cosmetics, and a line of nail polishes with O.P.I. Now she can add perfume fragrance to her long list of products. The "Pound the Alarm" rapper showed a photo of her perfume on her twitter account, and it is currently her avatar. The bottle is shaped like, who else? Nicki Minaj. It is gold-plated with Minaj's pink hair, bangs included, and a white bustier, along with a "Nicki Minaj" necklace. "I have always been a huge fan of great fragrances; this is yet another extension of my creative expression and I can't wait to share it with the world. I designed this scent and bottle with my Barbz in mind," Minaj stated in a press release. Nicki recently tweeted that the perfume smells "like angels playing." Follow us Follow Button"> The scent is scheduled to hit stores this fall. In the meantime, many twitter users seem pretty excited about the perfume. "When I get the perfume,

12:16, Wednesday, 22 August 2012 Nicki Minaj has unveiled the bottle design for her debut fragrance, Pink Friday . The Pound The Alarm singer took to Twitter to tell her Barbz all about the scent, with Minaj revealing a picture of the perfume. The fragrance takes it's name from the Young Money star's debut album and has a bottle that is as provocative and out of this world as Miss. Minaj herself. Complete with her signature baby pink wig, the bottle looks like a futuristic, golden version of the Super Bass singer, with an ample bust and a gold Nicki Minaj necklace. The fragrance, which she tweeted smells like angels playing," will be released late September at Macys retailers and, there's no doubt that it will be sold out and that every girls dresser will have a mini-Minaj on top. The 29-year old has also been in the news this week after reports linked her to the American Idol judging panel. Despite sources claiming Nicki is "100 per cent" confirmed to

As rumors swirled about the next "American Idol"judge, hip-hop-leaning pop star Nicki Minaj took to Twitter on Tuesday to unveil the details on her latest venture: her perfume bottle. A letdown? Maybe, but remember, a fragrance remains the ultimate accessory to fame. Lady Gaga has one on the horizon, Mariah Carey released one, and even Justin Bieber couldn't deny the power of scent. So just what is the Minaj odor like? "Like angels playing," she tweeted, although such a description would seem to appeal more to the sense of sight or hearing rather than the sense of smell. Perhaps it's best for now just to focus on the pretty bottle of her "Pink Friday," which features a brassy mini-bust of Minaj with her trademark pink hair and, for added class, a push-up bra. INTERACTIVE: 'Pick the next Judge' As for the topic everyone is more interested in, if Minaj does join "Idol" she would be the second new judge announced this summer, as

NEWS by Latifah Muhammad (@TheLatifah) August 21, 2012, 20:19pm Nicki Minaj has officially entered the fragrance business. Young Money's star female rapper has revealed her Pink Friday perfume , named after her successful debut which has gone on to sell more than 1.7 million copies domestically. "I am so excited about my fragrance debut, and am proud to partner with Give Back Brands for such a personal project,"Minaj said in a statemen t. Give Back Brands LLC is a New York basedcompany whosefirst licensing agreement was for Justin Bieber's Someday fragrance. "I have always been a huge fan of great fragrances," Minaj continued. "This is yet another extension of my creative expression and I can't wait to share it with the world. I designed this scent and bottle with my Barbz in mind; I know they will love it!" The bottle, which is a made in her wig-wearing likeness, smells "like angels playing," this according to her description on

As rumors swirled about the next "American Idol"judge, hip-hop-leaning pop star Nicki Minaj took to Twitter on Tuesday to unveil the details on her latest venture: her perfume bottle. A letdown? Maybe, but remember, a fragrance remains the ultimate accessory to fame. Lady Gaga has one on the horizon, Mariah Carey released one, and even Justin Bieber couldn't deny the power of scent. So just what is the Minaj odor like? "Like angels playing," she tweeted, although such a description would seem to appeal more to the sense of sight or hearing rather than the sense of smell. Perhaps it's best for now just to focus on the pretty bottle of her "Pink Friday," which features a brassy mini-bust of Minaj with her trademark pink hair and, for added class, a push-up bra. INTERACTIVE: 'Pick the next Judge' As for the topic everyone is more interested in, if Minaj does join "Idol" she would be the second new judge announced this summer, as

Nicki Minaj is on the verge of joining the American Idol judges, it has been claimed. A source close to the Starships singer said Nicki has been in talks to judge the Fox TV competition and that a deal is in works. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to publicly discuss the deal. If Nicki - known for her colourful hairstyles, wardrobe and antics - signs on, she would join Mariah Carey as a judge on Idol, which returns in January. Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announced their exits from the show last month. Nick Jonas and Pharrell Williams have previously been rumoured to be in the running for a judging spot and stars including Charlie Sheen, Aretha Franklin and Snoop Dogg have all expressed an interest in signing up. Press Association Comments that are judged to be defamatory, abusive or in bad taste will not be approved and contributors who consistently fall below certain criteria will be permanently blacklisted. Comments must be concise and t

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 08/20/2012 Nicki Minaj will reportedly serve as a newjudge on American Idol 's upcoming twelfth season.ADVERTISEMENT "I'm not sure the deal is completely done yet, but yes, she is definitely doing it," a source told Us Weekly . "A few more slight things to sign off on but it is happening." Minaj is "100% percent confirmed to judge American Idol ," added another source. Fox and Minaj's representatives reportedly declined comment on the singer and rapper's alleged participation. On Friday, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Idol producers have been eyeing Minaj to be a judge on the show alongside Mariah Carey and she'd potentially be part of a four-person judging panel which would also include two open spots for a Latin and country artist. Enrique Iglesias and Keith Urban are reportedly the frontrunners for those two seats on the panel respectively. However, a conflict in endorsement deals apparently thre