Nicki Minaj to Jimmy Iovine: I Wish He Would Zip His Lips

By On 03/22/2013 · 116 Comments · In American Idol, Jimmy Iovine, Nicki Minaj

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The American Idol judges react to mentor, Jimmy Iovine’s,  criticism that they are too complimentary and confusing in their critiques.

Nicki Minaj was especially irritated by his remarks. You’ll remember that she thought the Idol mentor’s tough ways were messing with Lazaro Arbos‘ confidence

Here’s what Nicki Minaj had to say:

“I wish he would just zip his lips and let America make their own decisions,” says Nicki Minaj, who argues that Iovine’s negativity may be impacting the results. “Because he comes down very hard on Lazaro [Arbos], America keeps voting for him. You don’t want to force a decision down [viewers'] throats because they’re going to feel compelled to rebel.”

Randy Jackson isn’t pleased either:

“They’ve got to open up our mics so we can come back at him. And we should judge Jimmy!”

Keith Urban was ever the diplomat:

“I think he’s pretty accurate. But I agree with Jimmy when he agrees with me, otherwise I don’t agree!”

I guess Mariah Carey didn’t have an opinion. Or TV guide was unable to catch up with her.

Nicki’s words were undiplomatic, but I believe she is right. The tougher Jimmy is on Lazaro, the more sympathy votes America will cast…

ETA: Nicki has been pretty mean to Lazaro too. And she’s the one who helped put him there, so… Generally, I have no problem with Jimmy playing the asshole card. That’s why he’s there. And he does have less of an influence on the votes, because his remarks come after. But still, when the producers are ready to ditch Lazaro, watch for Jimmy’s stance to soften.

Also, as some of you have pointed out–the producers probably want Laz to stick around for a few more weeks. There’s nothing like a polarizing contestant whom half the audience believes doesn’t deserve to be there to stir controversy and water cooler talk. Sanjaya was GREAT buzz for season 6.

Via TV Guide

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  • http://twitter.com/CJlikeable nazalin

    Just love Keith, his response is the best one!
    Off topic, is Nicki really hate Paul? I watched Good Day LA this morning, and people asked Paul if any of the judges came up and gave him last words of advice, he said everyone did except Nicki, she did not come up. I think NIcki is too much…Just say good bye and good luck to Paul, why is it so hard? Paul is not her enemy.

  • hcpoirot

    Basically if Lazaro gone, the rating will be down further. So they will keep and make Lazaro the last guy standing.

  • Madilo

    i agree with you

  • EdmondW

    No one with his impediment being called out by stupifyingly stupid Randy Jackson should be called a cry baby.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Li-Wright/100001622678180 Li Wright

    Nicki seems the contestants from a different perspective. The others are not telling them their fashion choice is good or bad, but Nicki is, and that’s what Simon would do too. If she doesn’t like their singing, she will tell them, same as Simon.

  • http://twitter.com/tinawinabina Tinawina

    To me, you have to look no further back than last year, where Elise was doing the same things as Phillip but was constantly criticized for it. For example, remember them both picking obscure songs by classic rockers on the same night, but she got slammed for her song choice while Phil was called an artist? Or Skylar, who was a songwriter who played guitar and employed creative re-arranging, but all the judges ever talked about was her “big ol voice” and “spunk”. She was never, ever called an “artist”or given credit for her rearrangements, while Colton’s creativity was constantly praised. And yes, they fell all over Joshua (who was great) but for the whole second half of the season stared at Jessica like it hurt them to praise her any time she was good. This show did that kind of thing for YEARS, which is why it is hard to take all the bitching seriously now IMO.

  • nncw

    I may not always agree with Jimmy but (I agree with you that) I respect his opinions on the contestant as they are always pertinent to the performance and the contestant’s potential for success in the music industry. What I find disturbing with Nicki’s comments is that they are focused on her and how clever she thinks she is to the point where the performance/contestant becomes irrelevant.

  • http://twitter.com/Sassycatz Sassycatz

    Simon Cowell has done a great job at it, see One Direction!

  • http://twitter.com/WriterlyJae Jae

    Mariah has been the one to say for the last two shows that Lazaro is still there because people feel sorry for the poor stuttering kid who doesn’t stutter when he sings. This is common; people think the person who is differently able needs extra points for trying. For him to go home, the others who are not the top 3 will just have to really become a lot better and have killer song choices.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Matteo-Rodrigo/1340430528 Matteo Rodrigo

    Jimmy is usually spot on. The judges should be more critical.. these people aren’t all great. And Mariah is looking the fool by refusing to stand for anybody. She’s cementing her diva Hood in the worst possible way. It’s ridiculous and her excuses are even stupider

  • http://twitter.com/VardaNatasya vrdntsyhtp?

    geez, Nicki! Shut up girl! Nicki needs to watch last year when Jimmy was really tough on everybody! I really dont like Nicki, She’s tough on Paul and Lazaro too. Jimmy is doing the right thing.I think Jimmy should be an ai judge instead of a girl who can’t sing (Re: Nicki Minaj).

    And I really dont understand why is Lazaro crying? Because of the criticism. Geez, he should thanked that Simon isn’t there. If Simon is there, Lazaro might be passed out by his criticisms. I just don’t like this season of Idol. It seems like everyhing went wrong. From the judges, the feuds, the new rules, the contestants. Everything! Thank god that Kree, Angie, Amber and Candice is there to make this season at least..still watchable when they’re on. Not gonna watch next year if they still keep Nicki.

  • MissMyEm

    I’m not sure Nikki should talk. I’ve only watched the videos here, but it seems that Nikki has her favorites too. Idol has tried to sway the public with their judgements for years. So…since it’s almost Passover and we ask the four questions…I’ll start. “Why is this night different from all other nights?” Just substitute the word “night” for “season”.

  • albean99

    Didn’t she say one time her dress was too tight to stand? Now that I believe. :)

  • abbysee

    Therein lies the rub, judge fairly. I was a big Archie fan, and Joshua was good. But the feedback he got was often overblown and Jessica was always held to some higher standards as was Crystal and Syesha.

  • HKfan

    And it showed, she never judged him according to his singing ability, He could have been the best one of the night, but no way was she going to give him a positive critic.

  • http://twitter.com/HaleyRSupport Elizabeth

    I’m sure Idol and Nicki care oh so much.

    PS – Randy and Jimmy can’t sing.

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