Nicki Minaj Criticizes 2012 Hit Song ‘Starships’ on New Year Eve

Nicki Minaj Sparks Controversy by Dismissing Hit Song “Starships” Ahead of Pink Friday 2 Tour

Nicki Minaj, the dynamic and chart-topping rapper, found herself at the center of controversy during her electrifying New Year’s Eve performance in Miami. In a surprising and unexpected move, she openly expressed her disdain for one of her biggest hits, the 2012 single “Starships,” sparking a heated debate among fans and music enthusiasts alike.

The moment, captured and shared on TikTok, quickly went viral, showcasing Minaj passionately singing along to “Starships” before abruptly halting the performance. Addressing the audience, she labeled the chart-topping track as a “stupid song” and declared that she no longer includes it in her setlists.

The announcement reverberated through the crowd, leading to audible displeasure. However, Minaj appeared unfazed, casually shrugging off the reactions with a nonchalant remark: “I don’t like it, what y’all want me to do?” This unexpected revelation sent shockwaves through social media, with fans expressing their disappointment and sparking intense discussions on whether artists should distance themselves from the songs that catapulted them to stardom.

“Starships” was more than just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon, reaching an impressive No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2012. Despite its undeniable success, Minaj’s recent comments have fueled speculation about whether the iconic track will make an appearance in her upcoming Pink Friday 2 Tour setlist.

The Pink Friday 2 Tour, named after Minaj’s latest album released just last month, stands as one of the most highly anticipated solo tours in recent memory. This marks her first solo venture since The Pinkprint Tour in North America from 2015 to 2016 and the 2019 Nicki Wrld Tour with Juice Wrld in Europe. With the 40-city tour scheduled to kick off on March 1 in Oakland, California, it signifies a pivotal moment in Minaj’s extensive and illustrious touring career.

The decision to dismiss “Starships” raises intriguing questions about Minaj’s artistic evolution and the relationship artists have with their earlier works. It’s not the first time she has expressed dissatisfaction with her own creations. In a revealing 2020 Q&A with Pollstar Live, Minaj admitted to disliking her 2010 track “Your Love” and her 2014 single “Anaconda,” even though she still expressed appreciation for their respective music videos.

As fans eagerly await the Pink Friday 2 Tour, the uncertainty surrounding the inclusion of “Starships” in the setlist adds an additional layer of intrigue to the upcoming performances. Will this iconic song, which played a significant role in defining Minaj’s career, be notably absent from the repertoire, or will she surprise audiences by incorporating it into the live experience?

The controversy surrounding Minaj’s candid remarks opens up a broader discussion about artists’ autonomy over their creative output. Should they feel obligated to perform songs that may no longer resonate with them, or is this a natural part of an artist’s evolution? Fans remain divided, with some defending Minaj’s right to curate her setlist according to her current artistic preferences, while others express disappointment over the potential exclusion of a beloved anthem.

As the countdown to the Pink Friday 2 Tour continues, the spotlight remains firmly on Nicki Minaj, a trailblazer in the music industry, as she navigates the delicate balance between honoring her past successes and embracing the evolution of her artistry. The unfolding drama adds a layer of complexity and anticipation to an already eagerly awaited tour, making it a must-watch spectacle for fans and critics alike.