Nicki Minaj, the reigning queen of hip-hop, made a triumphant return to the Twin Cities Saturday night, transforming the Target Center into a vibrant sea of pink. The anticipation was palpable as fans, dressed in their finest pink outfits, gathered for a concert that was 13 years in the making.
Minaj’s last performance in Minnesota was in 2011, when she opened for Britney Spears at the Xcel Energy Center. Since then, her career has exploded, making her one of the best-selling pop music artists of the last decade. With three No. 1 albums (the most ever by a female rapper) and 23 top 10 singles, Minaj’s success has been nothing short of dazzling. Her influence extends beyond music, as she serves as an icon for both the female and LGBTQ communities.
The nearly sold-out crowd of around 16,000 fans arrived dressed in varying shades of pink, a nod to Minaj’s signature color. From her album “Pink Friday” to her latest album “Pink Friday 2”, Minaj has always adopted this shade. But it wasn’t just the fans who were tickled pink; the entire Target Center seemed to be beaming with enthusiasm.
Minaj’s stage presence was nothing short of spectacular. Wearing a silver space queen ensemble, she kicked off the show with “I’m the Best,” setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. The visual production was just as dazzling, with neon lights, pyrotechnics and a constant flow of energy. Minaj transitioned effortlessly between outfits, from a bejeweled purple bodysuit to an elegant flowing red dress during the sweeter moments.
While the crowd eagerly awaited Minaj’s arrival, a DJ kept the energy up. However, the hip-hop star didn’t take the stage until 10:10 p.m. Some fans, especially those who had hired babysitters, may have been seeing red at this point. But once Minaj stepped into the spotlight, all frustration disappeared.
Successes and peaks
Minaj’s performance was a mix of fierce rap verses and captivating dance moves. She didn’t shy away from releasing her hits, including “Pink Birthday,” where she playfully captivated the audience. Although she wasn’t as physically hyperactive as some artists, Minaj’s stage presence was magnetic. Her dance moves, especially a memorable stage bump, had the crowd applauding.
Nicki Minaj’s late return to Minnesota was well worth the wait. The Target Center turned pink and fans rejoiced at the triumphant return of the queen of hip-hop. As the lights dimmed and the final notes rang out, it was clear that Minaj’s reign continued and her impact on the music world remained unmatched.
