Steven Tyler Apologizes To Nicki Minaj For Alleged Racist Comment On 'Idol'
Steven Tyler apologized to Nicki Minaj on Tuesday for a comment he made that the rapper and "American Idol" judge believed sounded racist.
The issue stemmed from a comment the Aerosmith singer made earlier this week to MTV News, saying that if Bob Dylan would audition on the reality singing competition, Minaj would surely have sent him "to the cornfield."
He later clarified and said he only meant to imply that the "Starships" singer would have sent Dylan home.
However, Minaj took to Twitter about Tyler's initial comment and wrote in response, "You assume that I wouldn't have liked Bob Dylan??? why? black? rapper? what? go f--- yourself and worry about yourself babe."
Tyler told Canadian entertainment show eTalk on Tuesday that his comment was taken the wrong way and that he is not racist in any way, addressing Minaj specifically.
"I apologize if it was taken wrong, Nicki, but I am the farthest from [being a racist]," he said. "I am the last thing on this planet as far as being a racist. I don't know where she got that out of me saying I'm not sure how she would've judged Bob Dylan."
During his MTV interview, he also commented on the alleged feud between new "AI" judges Minaj and Mariah Carey. Though he would not blandly confirm that the two women dislike each other, he said that there is in fact "something going on on the judges' panel" and that they really should have "what is called 'camaraderie.' "
The same day that Tyler issued his apology, Carey, a singer and mother of two with husband Nick Cannon, performed at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in New York City. Despite the chilly weather, she sported a short and revealing red dress and sang alongside children dancers and Santa Claus, who joined her on stage to greet the audience.
