Nicki Minaj Says ‘Constantly Being Scrutinized’ Causes Her Anxiety: ‘It’s Not Natural’

In a candid and heartfelt episode of Carpool Karaoke, rapper Nicki Minaj joined James Corden to share her experiences with anxiety, the pressures of fame, and the joys of motherhood. The segment, which aired on Wednesday night, showcased a vulnerable side of Minaj that fans rarely see.

Minaj opened up about how the constant scrutiny from the public has affected her mental health. Reflecting on her early days in the music industry, she revealed that she was “more confident” when she first started. “I think when you are a woman and you’re in the public eye all the time, if you’re not careful you can become less confident because you’re being constantly scrutinized,” she said. “I just don’t think it’s natural. It’s not natural for a human being to just always feel like everyone’s critiquing them.”

The rapper explained that the shift from anonymity to constant attention was jarring. “When I first came into the industry, I had this amazing sense of freedom because nobody gave a s— about what I was doing,” Minaj shared. “And then it goes from that to the complete, complete opposite. Where it’s like, if I blink my eye wrong, they’ll have a story made up about why I blinked my eye that way.”

To manage her anxiety, Minaj said she often takes breaks from social media. “Whenever I am off of social media, and I take that s— off my phone, I have this enormous sense of peace. And then you realize what really matters,” she explained. This digital detox allows her to focus on what truly brings her joy and calm.

Motherhood has also played a significant role in helping Minaj find peace. She welcomed her first child, nicknamed Papa Bear, with husband Kenneth Petty in September 2020. Speaking about her 18-month-old son, Minaj said, “I don’t care what could be going on… when I look at my son, I’m just magically in love. He just makes me laugh, makes me smile, makes me happy. He’s just so cute and cuddly.”

Minaj also shared that she uses her musical talents to bond with her son. “I rap and sing to him all the time. I just make up melodies all day,” she told Corden. This creative expression is a joyful aspect of her daily life as a mother.

During their ride, Minaj and Corden also reminisced about one of his previous Carpool Karaoke guests, Adele. The British singer famously performed Minaj’s verse from “Monster” during her 2016 segment. Minaj praised Adele’s rendition, saying, “I just loved it. She made me so, so happy. She embodied Nicki Minaj.” Minaj appreciated the unexpectedness of Adele’s performance, noting, “She just naturally has that thing … but it’s different because she’s singing these sad songs, so you don’t expect it from her.”

Throughout the episode, Minaj rapped some of her most popular songs, showcasing her talent while also giving fans a glimpse into her personal life. Her openness about her struggles with anxiety and the pressures of fame, along with her love for her son, provided a poignant and relatable narrative.

In sharing her story, Minaj highlighted the importance of mental health and self-care, especially for those in the public eye. Her honesty serves as a reminder that even the most successful and confident individuals face challenges and vulnerabilities.