After Nicki Minaj‘s 2012 Grammy performance it may be time to retire her alter ego Roman Zolanski. For the second time in one month Nicki Minaj has been slammed by the critics for Roman’s antics. Last night’s Grammy performance of ‘Roman Holiday’ was no different. In a moment that would make Lady Gaga proud, Minaj walked the red carpet in a blood red cape designed by Versace with their head of Medusa logo on the front along with an actor dressed as a Pope as her escort.
After her surprising lost in the Best New Artist category to surprising winner Bon Iver, Nicki continued to push the envelope when her performance clip opens with Nicki/Roman scaring off a priest with “I Feel Pretty”, moments later the ‘The Exorcism of Roman’ begins – it goes down hill from there. Cue in Nicki climbing a wall, a group of dancing monks singing, Nicki strapped to a leather lab table, a choir singing ‘O Come , All Ye Faithful’ and finally a levitation.
Minaj quickly became a trending topic on Twitter with several of her barbies backing her performance. Despite their support the overwhelming consensus was negative.
“This nicki minaj performance makes me want to fill my ears with cement then super glue my eyelids together and punch myself in the face,” tweeted one viewer.
UPDATE: Donohue of the Catholic League released statement via the Gothamist. Here’s the statement in part:
“Minaj’s performance began on stage with a mock confessional skit. This was followed by a taped video depicting a mock exorcism. With stained glass in the background, she appeared on stage again with choir boys and monks dancing.
Perhaps the most vulgar part was the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer.
Whether Minaj is possessed is surely an open question, but what is not in doubt is the irresponsibility of The Recording Academy. Never would they allow an artist to insult Judaism or Islam.”
What did you think of Nicki Minaj’s 2012 Grammy performance – should she leave these skits to Lady Gaga?