Nicki Minaj Delivers Epic Performance, Thanks Britney Spears, Beyonce and Others in Vanguard Acceptance Speech

etonline.com:

Nicki Minaj took to the MTV Video Music Awards stage, and she's come back to sit on her throne. Before accepting the most prestigious award of the night — the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award -- the 17-time VMA nominee and five-time winner celebrated her return with a show-stopping medley of her biggest hits.The rapper donned a pink wig and a matching outfit as she performed snippets from tracks including «Monster,» «Beez in the Trap,» «Moment 4 Life» and «Super Bass» all against a Barbie Dreamhouse backdrop, complete with several rooms and a slide.When it came time to perform «Super Freaky Girl,» Minaj leaned into the sexy nature of the song as she danced on a pole and with male dancers wearing leather outfits.Following the epic performance, videos from fans praising Minaj played, before she was introduced back to the stage by several members of the Barbz.After giving each of her fans a hug, the 39-year-old performer stepped up to the mic to thank them, as well as her family, fans, and peers for supporting her throughout her career.She began by acknowledging «all of the key people who inspired me,» a list that included Lil Wayne, JAY-Z and Lauryn Hill.

Next, were the «people who gave me huge opportunities that I'll never forget,» including Kanye West, Beyonce, Britney Spears and Rihanna.After thanking her label and others involved in the production of her music, Minaj spoke about people she wishes were still here.«I wish that Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson were here.

I wish that people understood what they meant and what they were going through. I wish people took mental health seriously, even for the people that you think have the perfect lives,» she said.