Nicki Minaj‘s 2012 Grammy performance of ‘Roman Holiday’ garnered a slew of controversy from fans, music pundits and the Catholic League. While Nicki was hoping to make a grand debut for her alter ego Roman Zolanski featured on her sophomore album ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded’, it turned out to be more of a Lady Gaga copy – which she also received criticism for.
Nicki called into Ryan Seacrest radio show where elaborated on her performance
“Well, [that religious character I walked the carpet with] is a major part of the story and the movie that I’m writing about one of my alter egos; his name is Roman,” she said when asked about the actor dressed a pope escorting her on the red carpet.
“Basically, the religious figure is there because he was called on by Roman’s mom to rehabilitate him. I wasn’t going to do the red carpet, so you know I was backstage prepared … my people wanted me to do it.
Nicki revealed the Grammy organization chose Roman Holiday after hearing it in the studio, “The Grammys chose ‘Roman Holiday.’ They heard ‘Roman Holiday’ and I could not play them another record after that. They went crazy. I could have chosen to do a no-brainer pop song, but I can’t do it anymore. I have to stay true to what I’m doing.” While many were taken aback by the performance and the apparent Gaga influences, Minaj insisted it was a longtime in the making and her true fans understand.
“It’s funny because it was the most comfortable I’ve been in my entire life. I have to stay true to what I’m doing … My fanbase, they understand every single thing. Roman was created two years ago. I’ve been writing the story for a long time and yesterday was his coming-out party. It just was very literal and streamlined if you know who Roman is and if you don’t know the Roman character, you have to digest it.”
Nicki also shares her “disappointment” over M.I.A’s Super Bowl middle finger fiasco.
Listen to the audio below:
