Rapper Nicki Minaj praised Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston in her Video Vanguard Award acceptance speech at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards.
After a minor hiccup from not having her phone, which had her speech typed, onstage, Minaj read what she wrote about her opportunities, collaborators and more.
“Let me tell you something,” he began after performing a medley of his hits. “I don’t want to miss the music, but I’ve never written a speech in my life, and today I wrote something down on my phone and I gave it to him, I gave my phone to Joe and he’s gone. up here with that. Which is sad because now I don’t remember things.”
“I want to take a second to thank all the key people who have inspired me and who I think have inspired my flow: Lil’ Wayne, Foxy Brown, Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, Dougie Fresh,” he continued. “And then I wrote ‘People who gave me great opportunities that I will never forget: Kanye West, Beyoncé, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Eminem, Britney Spears, Rihanna. […] Of course guys, I have to thank Drizzy for always saying the things I need to hear to do it again.”
Minaj finally received her phone, which contained her entire speech, in which she mentioned Jackson and Houston.
“I wish Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson were here,” he said. “I wish people understood what he was going through. I wish people would take mental health seriously, even for people you think have a perfect life.”
“I wish Pop Smoke and Juice WRLD were here,” Minaj continued. “RIP daddy, my cousin Richard, and my business manager Angela, who I never got to say rest in peace publicly.”
The “Super Bass” performer then listed the highlights of her career.
“To all the artists, producers and writers who contributed to any of my projects,” he added. “Also to all the people who allow me to appear in their work, thank you. I’ve been featured in so many people’s music and albums, and I want you to know that I appreciate each and every one of you. I don’t take that for granted.”
Check out his full speech in the video above.