Nicki Minaj was a judge on season 12 of American Idol along with Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson. 

At that time, she had a tense relationship with  Mariah Carey  and allegedly threatened to shoot “that bastard” Mariah Carey if he had a gun in his hand, before leaving the American Idol studio on October 2, 2012. Sources said at the time that Mariah Carey had hired additional security staff after Minaj’s death threat, but the female rapper denied everything. The reason is that Minaj could not stand Mariah Carey’s sarcasm while sitting at the judges’ table. Mariah Carey officially announced her departure from the position of judge of season 13 despite her salary being up to 18 million USD for sitting in the “hot seat” of American Idol . Nicki Minaj also confirmed that she will not continue participating in this show next season.

During a recent appearance on the show Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen , Nicki Minaj revealed that she would only return to American Idol on one condition.

When Andy Cohen asked her: “How much money would you need to be a judge on American Idol again?”. After considering, she answered: “Probably 30 million USD.”

American Idol organizers have not confirmed whether they will invite Nicki Minaj or not. Currently, the announced judges for season 22 include  Katy Perry , Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. American Idol season 22 starts on February 18, 2024.