Nicki Minaj Unveils Whoopi Goldberg, More as Stars of Her New Series

Nicki Minaj has found her Nicki Minaj!

Deadline first reported in September that ABC Family — soon to be Freeform — is producing a comedy series based on Minaj's upbringing in Queens, New York in the 1990s. The Pinkprint rapper announced today (December 18) via Instagram that she's officially found her stars.

The process of finding little Ariana Neal, who will play young Nicki in Nicki, nearly left Minaj in tears, the rapper wrote. It all began with the screening of Neal's gripping taped audition. "I demanded to meet her! Sat in a room with her teaching her how to rap by doing a beat on the table & forcing her to stay on beat! Lol. Then pulled out all the attitude she had in her lil body. Haha! She's tough! And so sweet & cute," she wrote with the photo below.

Also on the roster for Nicki? Selita Ebanks, who will play Nicki's mom Grace; Wesley Jonathan, who will play Nicki's father Vincent and McCarrie McCausland, who will play Nicki's older brother Jaylen.

Whoopi Goldberg will also appear in a guest role as Nicki's neighbor, Miss Martha.

Minaj added that she hand-picked the show's stars herself, and has all the confidence in the world that they'll charm viewers.

"I've been going to the auditions falling in love with some incredible people. Looking forward to unveiling this groundbreaking new show for you guys in 2016!" she wrote.

Deadline has reported that Nicki will film its pilot episode this winter.

Excited by the casting news? Tell us how you think these stars will perform.

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