← Nicki Minaj’s Branding Power Decoded

Nicki-Minaj-on-SNL

By Anslem Samuel | Published February 11, 2011 | Full size is 499 × 276 pixels

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: Even the most skeptical doubter has to acknowledge Nicki’s star power following her presence on the January 29th episode of SNL, propelling the famed sketch comedy show to its second highest rated episode of the season (second only to the Jan. 8 show hosted by comedian Jim Carey). As the week’s musical guest, she performed twice and showed her acting chops in a pair of sketches that helped deliver an average viewer rating of 3.2 with 18-49-year-olds in 25 markets. With a season featuring seasoned guests ranging from Kanye West, Eminem and Lil Wayne to Robert DeNiro, Scarlett Johansson and Anne Hathaway, we have to consider this a monumental feat. Sure, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg also made an appearance on the show, but chances are more people tuned in because they “liked” Nicki.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: Even the most skeptical doubter has to acknowledge Nicki’s star power…