Alicia Keys, Son Egypt Out In NYC; Coke & Pepsi Fight Over Nicki Minaj

The battle to make Nicki Minaj an American Idol judge has begun plus Alicia Keys and son Egypt were spotted taking a stroll in New York City.

Nicki Minaj has sealed her position as the most sought after female hip hop artist in the world. Naturally mega brands like Pepsi and Fox are vying for her attention. The “Super Bass” rapper has already endorsed Pepsi but if she occupies a judge’s chair on Idol Pepsi’s rival Coke will have a problem.

According to a source with close ties to the show, longtime rivals Coke and Pepsi are at war again — but not about market share, rather over hitmaker Nicki Minaj. The rapper and singer, whose colorful, cartoon-like style has made her among the most successful new acts of the past three years, is at the top of the list for the open seat on season 12 of Idol. But as the new face of Pepsi, an endorsement deal that includes commercials along with touring and album promo, Idol sponsor Coke is none too thrilled at the prospect. The leading soda company has been an Idol partner since season one, at a cost of $26 million per year, according to reports. The show ran into a similar problem when longtime sponsor Ford got wind of judge Jennifer Lopez’s commercial deal with Fiat.

Meanwhile Alicia Keys, her 1-year old son Egypt, her stepson and other family and friends took a casual stroll through NY’s SoHo neighborhood yesterday.

They were down in Manhattan’s Soho district, where Alicia and friends were enjoying a lovely day in the city. Alicia was keeping it casual, wearing leggings a pink vest. Little Egypt also had on a vest and shorts.

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