New year, new Nicki. At least, that's what Nicki Minaj wants her beloved Barbz to look forward to. The rapper performed a slew of her chart-topping songs, including “Super Bass” and her new Pink Friday 2 Fan favorite “FTCU” during a performance at E11EVEN Miami on New Year's Eve. How! Never! Nicki is not particularly a fan of all his greatest successes. 😬
In a fan-posted TikTok, Nicki begins singing the opening lines of her 2012 track “Starships” before asking the DJ to shorten it. She shouted “Sike” into the mic several times before explaining, “Wait, I'm not performing this song anymore, y'all.” The crowd then let out confused murmurs, to which they responded, “I don't like it. What do you want me to do? Stupid song.”
Instead, she moved the performance forward by rapping it Pink Friday breakout, “Super Bass”.
“Starships”, originally released in February 2012, leaned more into the artist's pop side and debuted at #9 on the chart. Billboard Hot 100 chart. It eventually reached number five during the week of April 7, 2012. And, of course, it went viral a few years later thanks to the infamous “Ninki Minjaj” meme originated on Vine (RIP 🥲).
During her New Year's Eve performance, fans took to the comments section of the clip on TikTok to share their frustration and confusion.
“Why…that's what made us all love them. DON'T FORGET US,” mused one fan, while another added, “'Starships' still pays the bills and is a favorite song of fans.” Some also appreciated the rapper's silly personality, writing, “🤣🤣🤣😫😫 She plays too much.”
Others hinted that Nicki might not include the summer-inspired song on the set list for her upcoming Pink Friday 2 tour. “So we didn’t hear this song at the concert 😭,” Barb added.
Aside from the “Starships” bit, Nicki sent her love to Barbz on social media after the performance. “If you are reading this, I wish you blessings, prosperity, peace, joy, excellent health and wisdom. You did it. You made it. You made it through 2023 even though you didn’t think you had it in you. Look at you, you’re the best you’ve ever been!”
She continued, “Go easy on yourself. This is just the beginning. It's okay. You can breathe. 🎀 2024 is your time. Show TF OUT!!! DON'T WASTE ANOTHER MINUTE!!! !! It's GO SZN!!!! LET'S GO!!!!! 🎀♥️💟😉😘🙏🏽”
Well…maybe “Starships” is not it destined to fly in Nicki's new era, but we will never forget the iconic track and all the memories it brings.
Sam is an associate editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She has previously covered these same topics as well as health, lifestyle and beauty at Seventeen. When she's not draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live on Twitter at award shows or creating SwiftToks.