In between those preshow and mid-show lulls, though, Minaj was fully and fiercely present. The Trinidad-born rapper, 41, took the stage in a silvery space-queen outfit to the tune of "I'm the Best," and she seemed intent on living up to that title.

The sold-out crowd Saturday night at Minneapolis’ Target Center was ready and waiting for Nicki Minaj. In the 14 years since the Trinidadian rapper/singer first broke through, she’s become the best-selling female hip-hop star in the world while maintaining side gigs acting in films and succeeding as an entrepreneur.

Or, in Minaj’s eyes, Gag City — the alternate moniker for her current. The name comes from the LGBTQ+ term “gag,” which means to be awestruck. Her costumes alone gave such an impression. Metallic breastplate,

Nicki Minaj’s long-awaited return to Minnesota lit up the Target Center in a sea of pink. Read about her triumphant comeback and electrifying performance in this exclusive review.