Hip-hop icon Nicki Minaj is showing major love to rising stars Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish, calling them true superstars in a candid new interview with Vogue Italia.
In the interview published Tuesday (May 27), Minaj opened up about the challenges and changes in the music industry — particularly how social media has reshaped fame. But for her, real talent always finds a way.
“A superstar is a superstar,” Minaj said. “If you are one, you’ll find a way to shine — with or without social media. Like any tool, it can be used well or not. What I feel, sometimes, is that today’s artists don’t realize how important the record label is. They don’t realize how much happens behind the scenes. It all looks easy.”
Big Love for Sabrina and Billie
When asked to name some of her favorite new artists, Minaj didn’t hesitate:
“Sabrina Carpenter,” she said. “I didn’t know she’d been around that long when I started listening to her. A breath of fresh air.”
“I like Billie Eilish. I love everything she does. Then there’s a dancehall artist… his name’s Skeng.”
While Minaj hasn’t yet collaborated with Carpenter — whose hit “Espresso” continues to dominate streaming charts — Eilish did make a surprise, uncredited appearance on Nicki’s Pink Friday 2 album. On the intro track “Are You Gone Already,” Eilish’s haunting vocals open the album before Minaj steps in with an emotional verse about motherhood.
A Powerful Exchange Between Artists
The mutual admiration between Minaj and Eilish extends beyond music. Last month, during a special edition of British Vogue, Minaj submitted a heartfelt question for Eilish during her cover interview.
“Was there ever a time in your career, or before you made it, when you wished people couldn’t see you — that they could only hear the music, and really get a chance to just listen to the written words?” Minaj asked.
Eilish’s response was deeply moving:
“Nicki, this question made me tear up a little,” Eilish replied. “I’ve never really felt very beautiful or seen myself in that way, so I definitely never struggled with the idea that it would overshadow anything, since I didn’t even really see it myself. I’ve had to really convince myself that I am beautiful. Being a woman is hard.”
Unity Among Superstars
Nicki Minaj’s recognition of other women in music highlights the importance of support and solidarity in an industry that can often be isolating. As she continues her Pink Friday 2 World Tour, fans are hoping that a future collaboration with Carpenter or Eilish might not be far off.
Whether it’s her own evolution as an artist or her eye for emerging talent, Nicki Minaj proves once again: real recognizes real.
