You know what’s worse than showing up late to a TV show that’s being recorded? Showing up late to one of the most widely-watched TV shows ever, while its being broadcast live and you’re supposed to be playing an integral role in it. Which is exactly what happened last night when Nicki Minaj showed up 13 minutes late to a live American Idol show because she was stuck in traffic. Us Weekly reports …
There are certain situations where being “fashionably late” isn’t a good idea — and that includes live television and American Idol. But on the Wednesday, March 13 episode of the FOX series, judge Nicki Minaj did just that, creeping in 13 minutes into the broadcast. Host Ryan Seacrest opened the show, explaining (dubiously) that the rapper’s tardiness was caused by “some congestion on the 405. She should be here momentarily.”
When she the “Super Bass” rapper did arrive, she was escorted to the judges’ table, where a smiling Seacrest had some private words with her and fellow judge Keith Urban made a few quips; Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey appeared more miffed by the incident and ignored her. Minaj was noticeably dressed down for the night as well: Wearing simply a dark hoodie sweatshirt, with the hood pulled up while she gave her critiques.
Look, I get that sometimes people are late and everything, but really: You know the 405 is always packed, you know you need to be at the studio every Wednesday and Thursday at the same time every week, and you know you need time to get into makeup and everything else. At some point, it should probably occur to you that maybe showing up early, getting ready, and having to wait a little bit is better than showing up late and having other people wait for you.