Nicki Minaj is a person.
Onika Tanya Maraj ( born December 8 , 1982 ) , known professionally as Nicki Minaj ( [ langpronnɪkɪ_mɪ ` nɑːdʒ ] ) , is a Trinidadian-born American rapper , singer , songwriter and model . In 2013 , she was a judge on the twelfth season of American Idol . Minaj was the first female artist included on MTV 's Annual Hottest MC List , with a New York Times editor saying that some consider her to be `` the most influential female rapper of all time '' . Minaj has received ten Grammy nominations throughout her career , and has won six American Music Awards , eleven BET Awards , three MTV Video Music Awards , four Billboard Music Awards , and was the recipient of Billboards Women in Music 2011 Rising Star award .