“It was just two big ol’ divas, I guess,” said Nicki, who explained how it all started. “I heard them saying Mariah doesn’t want you on the panel, but I was saying, ‘No, I’m friends with Mariah.’ And I was like arguing with people, like, ‘Don’t believe everything you read. You’re crazy!’”

While she didn’t want to believe it, she eventually noticed the awkwardness. “I went there and I started feeling a little bit of the shade. I overcompensated by being crazier.”

According to Nicki, the dueling divas have buried the hatchet. “We’re fine. I cannot hold a grudge against Mariah Carey. What people don’t understand is that I’ve looked up to her for so many years. … I don’t know if she’s gotten over it, but I have.”

However, she is not looking forward to the live shows because of the potential conflict. “I don’t want anyone on the panel to say something crazy ’cause I don’t want to look like a crazy psycho again,” said Nicki, who insisted she is not crazy.

While she claimed the ring on her finger is not a wedding ring, she remained coy about her love life. “I don’t have anyone,” she smirked, adding, “It has to be someone very secure because it’s so easy to feel insecure.”

With a pink mic in hand, Nicki hit the stage to perform her Re-Up single “Freedom” underneath chandeliers.

She told Jay about her first acting gig, where she was paid $750. But despite her charm, she wasn’t able to steal the spotlight from her co-star, who was a porn star.

If she was president of the United States, the self-described “aggressive” driver’s first order of business would be to legalize illegal U-turns.

She also spoke about the crazy “Idol” auditions and one of her favorite contestants, a girl she nicknamed “Big Crazy Barb.” Tune in to the two-night premiere on Wednesday to find out why Nicki is “obsessed” with her.

We head back in time to the American Music Awards, where she mingles with stars like Usher, Christina Aguilera, and Tyga. She heads to “106 & Park” on the day of her album release, where she presents a $15,000 check to the Food Bank of New York City. She gives back to the community at a turkey drive at her old elementary school, P.S. 45 in Queens, and reunites with her favorite teacher, Ms. Smith.

Dressed head-to-toe in pink, Nicki arrives at “GMA” and “LIVE! with Kelly and Michael” for interviews and then it’s off to Macy’s for the launch of her fragrance “Pink Friday.”

The “American Idol” judge closes out the week with several radio station interviews before jetting to New Zealand for her “Pink Friday: Reloaded” tour.

[RAP-UP]

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HOME > ♥ APPEARANCES & EVENTS > 2012 > JAN 3/NICKI MINAJ CELEBRATES NEW YEARS EVE AT PURE LAS VEGAS

With 20 minutes to go until midnight, Nicki walked the red carpet at PURE before counting down to 2013 as fireworks lit up the sky. She danced and toasted in VIP with her friends including Scaff Beezy.

After the celebration, she grabbed a Rascal scooter and drove through the halls to her hotel room.

See what it’s like to spend a night in Vegas with Nicki.

“I’ve been told no a billion times and I think it’s very important you have someone that knows what it’s like to be disappointed and have to try again, and that’s a big part of the audition process,” said Nicki.

Also get a sneak peek at the outspoken judge’s many wardrobe changes, hats, and hairstyles.

The new season of “Idol” kicks off January 16 on Fox.

Big And Best of 2012: Last Fans Standing

We’re crowning the Last Fans Standing, the best fans of 2012! Share this photo to advance the Barbz and Nicki Minaj to the next level during the Big And Best of 2012 on 12/12/12 at 12 pm EST.

In her ad for the collection, Minaj floats in a pool of purple lipsticks, sporting a sunshine-yellow retro-inspired swimsuit and coral stilettos.

MAC revealed the ad via Twitter with the hashtag #LavenderIsTheNewPink, drawing attention to a trend that has been gaining momentum in the fashion industry, as brands embrace female trendsetters with rock ‘n’ roll edge.

Musicians like Azealia Banks and Rihanna have already rocked versions of this edgy, violet hue, with Rih opting for a rich bordeaux tone, while Banks went for a deep plum purple shade, another collaboration with MAC. Purple lips were also been spotted on the spring 2013 runways, at Alice + Olivia, Marc Jacobs and Vena Cava’s shows.

Minaj’s new lavender Viva Glam lipstick will be available Feb. 9 at MAC stores around the country and on MACCosmetics.com. All proceeds will go toward HIV/AIDS charities.