Nicki Minaj was one of the most-talked-about artists after the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Aside from hosting the show two times in a row, she also gave a thrilling performance of her latest hit, "Last Time I Saw You." Everyone was also surprised to hear a new song from her upcoming album, "Big Difference."
However, Pitchfork says her performance was perhaps one of the worst of the night.
Nicki Minaj 2023 VMAs Performance The Worst?
According to a Pitchfork review of the 2023 VMAs, they ranked Nicki Minaj's performance as one of the worst of the night.
"Nicki appeared onstage in a bulbous black coat, awash in magenta neon light, but remained mostly stationary. Things started looking up when she surprise-dropped a preview of a more upbeat new song, but even a bad-bitch anthem of the highest order couldn't save this dull performance," the review said.
Per the publication, they expected more, considering that Minaj was known for giving theatrical performances without the " try-hard corniness" of a show host.
However, Pitchfork gave credit to her "highs" throughout the night.
"She had a couple of brief highs elsewhere, including that "Itty Bitty Piggy" verse from the hip-hop tribute and when she told some delirious audience members to "shut the fuck up," but the deliciously impetuous Nicki we know and love was largely absent," they wrote.
The publication also ranked Diddy's medley, Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B's "Bongos" performance, and Maneskin's set.
READ ALSO: 2023 MTV Video Music Awards Winners - Complete List
Barbz Disagreed that Nicki Minaj 2023 VMAs Performance Was The Worst
On Twitter, Barbz disagreed with the Pitchfork review.
"Truly, "the girls who get it get it" + unsurprisingly this Pitchfork editor, who only has 12 album reviews to their name, does NOT get it. You don't need a gimmick to make an impact. Thanks for your time, Isabelia, but time for a new gig," a user said.
"yet it was the most talked about on twitter. eveyone loved it," another commented.
"It was supposed to be an emotional song of course she would just stand there and sing do u expect twerking and flashing lights and backup dancers for LTISY?," another defended.
However, some fans seemed to agree with the review,
"I agree! I'm a fan, but it's time for my girl to GROW. Drop the aggressive masculine flow and take us on a NEW journey. TRUE fans will remain and will respect the GROWTH," someone wrote.
"And they spilled, I didn't really love that she only performed lstisy and the new snippet was confusing. The 50th anni was cute but she's was largely absent from the whole show especially as the host," another echoed.
READ ALSO: Who is Nicki Minaj Dissing in New Song During MTV VMAs Performance?
