Nicki Minaj Said to Be the Biggest Diva on the ‘American Idol’ Set

Constant tardiness. Lots of sass. No photos allowed. An enormous posse. Shade to and from Mariah Carey.

That's what sources are saying it's like to work with Nicki Minaj on 'American Idol.' But considering she's often regarded to be the best judge on the panel, that's the price you pay for greatness, right?

Remember when Minaj was late to a live taping? It turns out that's sort of routine for the 'Pink Friday' MC. A source told Radar Online, "Nicki has always been late. Even back during the audition phases she showed up anywhere from an hour or two past call time, pushing all of the auditions back and angering the other judges.”

The source added, “Not only was she always late, but she always had a huge entourage with her and was rude to the contestants and their families, refusing to talk with them. And she wouldn't allow anyone to take pictures of her, or with her.” Yowza!

The insider that the behavior was worst during Hollywood Week. “Hollywood week was already miserable enough because contestants had to wait in the auditorium and watch everyone audition one by one, with only an hour lunch break — but Nicki didn't help matters,” the spy fumed. “After the lunch break one day everyone was waiting to audition and the judges all showed up together two and a half hours late and it was because of Nicki. All of the families had to wait outside the holding room, so they didn't know what was going on that whole time until Nicki and her entourage finally showed up," the source said. "She never showed up before 11AM.”

Still, we heart our Harajuku Barbie and all the adorable nick(i)names she gives to the contestants -- as well as the wise-beyond-her-years advice to has for artists. She may always be late, but we think Minaj is well worth the wait!

Watch the Nicki Minaj 'Freedom' Video