Nicki Minaj Arrives Late for Live American Idol Show
Nicki Minaj
Jonathan Leibson/WireImage
When American Idol's live performance episode started at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday, Nicki Minaj was nowhere to be seen.
"We are coming to you live and on time," host Ryan Seacrest said, before asking the crowd which top 10 finalist could win this season. After the cheering subsided, Seacrest added, "Keep that energy going for three of your four judges who are here tonight."
Keith Urban, Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey were all in their seats. But Minaj, it seems, was stuck in traffic.
"I hear she's seven minutes out and there's some congestion o! n the 405," Seacrest said. "She should be here momentarily."
After the first singer and during the first commercial break Minaj arrived 13 minutes into the show.
"I love you Nicki!" one audience member yelled as Minaj was getting primped by a makeup artist. She waved at the fan.
Dressed in a black hood and dark sunglasses (not enough makeup, perhaps?), Minaj took her seat and critiqued the second singer of the night without mentioning her tardiness.