Worth A Fake Pope
"Possessed" Nicki Minaj toys with the Catholic League, shows brilliance withshocker
Nicki Minaj is known for her provocative performances and bizarre personas, and her appearance at the Grammy Awards was nothing different.
In an act entitled "The Exorcism of Roman," Minaj invokes her alter-ego, Roman Zolanski, in a performance that exudes blasphemy — beginning with a confession scene, complete with robed figures, stained glass and pyrotechnics, ending with an exorcised Minaj suspended from the ceiling.
It was polarizing, to say the least.
Minaj, who is trained in theater, remained in character throughout the night, beginning with her red carpet entrance: The rapper wore a fresh face and a nun-like crimson Versace cape and gown, embroidered with the designer's trademark Medusa logo. She walked arm in arm with a man dressed in the religious vestments and damask mitre of a Catholic clergyman. Many thought he was supposed to be the Pope.
She was trying to get your attention. And it worked.
Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, responded to the performance in a statement on the organization's website. He wonders whether Minaj is truly possessed and admonishes the Recording Academy for its approval of the blasphemous performance — Donohue claims that the Church has enough on its hands combating a "hostile administration in Washington" without additional pressure from the entertainment industry.
Minaj is certainly not the first to toy with sacrilege — both Lady Gaga and Madonna have done it over the years.
So why are people wondering what Nicki Minaj was thinking? Isn't it clear?
She was trying to get your attention. And it worked.