Nicki Minaj Defends Idol Harshness, Doesnt Want To Give False Hope [Video]

Nicki Minaj is kind of mean onAmerican Idol, isnt she? Shes kind of the new Simon, but since shes not English, she cant really get away with it. Still, the new judge has defended her often harsh criticism ofIdol hopefuls, arguing that she tells it like it is because she doesnt want to give anyone false hope.

After joining theIdoljudges dais last year, Minaj has made headlines consistently for her often harsh words for contestants and her heavily-reported feud with fellow judge Mariah Carey. On the issue of harsh criticism, Minaj says that softening her blows would be a disservice to the aspiring singers onIdol.

She explained toThe Hollywood Reporter that shes not sorry for dealing in the honest truth because she cares for the contestants and their futures.

When I speak in a blunt way, like I do, people take that as me not loving or caring about these people, but I really do. They are family to me. I feel like Im not doing them a service if I blow smoke up their a. I refuse to do that.

Minaj has never been one to mince words, and has definitely brought some fire toAmerican Idol.

Still,Idolsratings have been in a free-fall that has only recently slowed down! . After weeks of sharp decline, the competition show seems to have leveled off after the last two episodes aired. Both entries were even slightly up from the previous week. Is the new judges dais, perhaps even Minajs poor appeal, partially to blame?

TV Guide opines thatIdols drop in popularity is simply due to age. The genre is getting a bit tired, and other shows likeThe X Factor andThe Voice have dividedIdolsmonopoly on the concept.

Why do you thinkAmerican Idols ratings have dropped? Are you a fan of Nicki Minaj?

[Image via:Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com]