It was really only a matter of time before some organization came after Nicki Minaj for her showing during last night’s 54th Grammy Awards.
During her performance of new material from her upcoming album, a song called “Roman Holiday,” Nicki used a number of symbols related to the Catholic Church, all after playing a pre-taped video of a mock exorcism.
Most people were left speechless (however you want to take that) by the performance, but apparently the Catholic League isn’t happy with Nicki at all, or the Grammy organization.
Bill Donahue, President of the Catholic League, issued the following statement, calling Nicki’s performance vulgar, especially “the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer.” Read his full statement below.
Nicki Minaj, fresh off looking like a fool with Madonna at the Super Bowl, showed up last night on the red carpet at the Grammys with a guy dressed like the pope. This was just a prelude of what was to come.
Minaj’s performance began on stage with a mock confessional skit. This was followed by a taped video depicting a mock exorcism. With stained glass in the background, she appeared on stage again with choir boys and monks dancing.
Perhaps the most vulgar part was the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer. Finally, “Come All Ye Faithful” was sung while a man posing as a bishop walked on stage; Minaj was shown levitating.
None of this was by accident, and all of it was approved by The Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammys. Whether Minaj is possessed is surely an open question, but what is not in doubt is the irresponsibility of The Recording Academy. Never would they allow an artist to insult Judaism or Islam.
It’s bad enough that Catholics have to fight for their rights vis-à-vis a hostile administration in Washington without also having to fend off attacks in the entertainment industry. The net effect, however, will only embolden Catholics, as well as their friends in other faith communities.
What did you think of Nicki’s performance last night? Did she go too far? Or is it not that serious?
Source: Billboard
There Are Currenty 14 Comments for this Post
Nicki Minaj and the Grammy Production team should be ashamed of themselves! I felt a need to bathe in holy water after watching her performance! This was absolute blasphemous to the Catholic. Community and she and the Grammys need to issue an apology!
Nicki Minaj and the Grammy Production team should be ashamed of themselves! I felt a need to bathe in holy water after watching her performance! This was absolute blasphemous to the Catholic. Community and she and the Grammys need to issue an apology!
Soooo do we get a letter like this everytime a movie is released with the same theme? yea, the performance was a bit “vulgar” but so are scenes in ALOT of the same movies that people make millions off of. I am sooo NOT a Nicki fan but in my opinion her performance last night was the most creative I saw. The “Catholic Church” needs to ease up on her and The Recording Academy unless they plan on attacking every exorcism movie that has been out (or maybe they don’t do that because they receive a portion of the proceeds – Oops! – may even be behind some of them).
I am not Catholic, however, I felt some type of way after her performance last night. I believe it was a bit too much and vulgar. I felt like I needed to pray harder after that. It was really really blasphemous. Entertainment is entertainment but when you put God and the devil in the mix, thats not a good look. Im just saying!
Comparing anything that happens in movies to that farce of a performance is ridiculous. Movies come with detailed ratings that give reasons why that particular rating was issued. (Rated R for violence, sexual content or what have you) Minaj is not being singled out or picked on or any of that crap that her idiot fans may think. I’m sure those of you that are of age remember there was backlash over Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” video. Nicki Minaj is not exempt from criticism. Something else she is not is creative. She is not original. She is not unique. She is boring and ordinary and self-indulgent. The only thing that’s worse than her music is her wardrobe and her eternal thirst for attention and acceptance. Everything she’s doing has already been done and been done much better. Oddly enough, most of it was done by someone she swears she hates. I’m not Catholic and I was offended. It’s been said that bad publicity is better than no publicity at all. In this situation, I agree. The entire world is laughing at her and hoping she finds that bag of marbles that she misplaced.
Its not that serious! She was just showing her character “Roman ” from Romans revenge!.. it wasn’t ment to be taken seriously …chill yall kno Nicki is crazy.
Yes, I think went too far. Im a big fan of hers but her performance was offensive and a little confusing. I felt like I was sinning just by watching it…
Straight up Tom Foolery! She is getting what she wanted; us to be talking about it. She lacks originality. She takes a page out of the book of others. Lil Kim, Lady Gaga. It’s not original. Next!
It is serious Roman Holiday really? wouldn’t it just cross your mind why Roman Holiday people do your research Nicki clearly stated in a interview of this boy she be hearing his voice that be telling her to do bad things, and however now that he is conjured of where she ask him to leave and he refuses say that he can’t and won’t…. She obviously need help and prayed for….
When movies like Scary movie or other parodies make fun of the Catholics, I haven’t seen or heard Catholic leaders come forward.
I guess this time it really stood out to them (Catholic League) you don’t mix secular music and church music together it doesn’t work that way …
I’m sorry but there are so many other talented individuals who could of filled that time slot during the Grammys instead of Nicki Minaj. I’m sure some people believe she is talented but I’m not one of them.
blas·phe·my /ˈblasfəmē/
Noun: The act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things; profane talk.
As far as I know an individual can only commit blasphemy against god and not a church. The whole definition of blasphemy and heresy are constructs of the Catholic church and have nothing to do with god. Find mention of these terms in the bible then we can have a serious conversation. And as far as the Grammys go, or any other like venue, it’s all about entertainment. And a large part of today’s entertainment is to shock. Nicki Manaj’s performance follows the trend of say Madonna and her antics back in the 90′s, and is little different than that of Lady Gaga. So, don’t take it too seriously folks, and if you’re a good catholic then I suspect you shouldn’t of been watching in the first damn place. And further, can a Cathlolic really be offended by Nicki’s antics, which were contrived, any more than the behavior of so many of the Catholic church’s pedophile priests? And what’s the big deal, the Catholic church as been associated with exorcisms in how many Hollywood films? Get serious and get a life, its all good clean and dirty fun.
Minaj bigoted statement ruined an otherwise great Grammy show. The governing body should either resign or issue an apolpgy no to just Catholics but all those who who had families watching.