Exclusive

Nicki Minaj Responds to American Idol Exit Rumors: "I Feel Happy Here"

Exclusive! Ryan Seacrest talks to the singer about returning to the Fox reality series

By Jenna Mullins May 09, 2013 7:37 PMTags
Nicki Minaj, American IdolJonathan Leibson/WireImage

If you were to believe the rumors and reports, Nicki Minaj will not be returning to American Idol as a judge next season.

However, any rumors that the rapper is anxious to get away from the Fox reality competition are not true, says Minaj.

E!'s own Ryan Seacrest sat down with Minaj to ask her if she would be back for Idol's 13th season, and if she wants to come back for another turn behind the judges table. After a very pregnant pause, Minaj gave her response.

"That's a million-dollar question," she laughs. "I have to say this all the time, but I want people to know it's genuinely from my heart. I love the people on Idol. I genuinely do. If I had to do this all over again, I would have done Idol. Because it's fun, it's laughs. It's kind of sad that what people read all the time is only when something is negative. But they don't realize that we built a family. I feel happy here and I have to thank them for giving me this chance. They could have picked anyone in the world. And they picked me. So that's all I'll say about that."

Watch: Will Nicki Minaj Return to "Idol"?

Tune into E! News Tuesday night at 7 p.m and 11:30 p.m. to hear more from Ryan's interview with Nicki Minaj!