Catholic Church Slams Nicki Minaj For Grammy Performance

Nicki Minaj is known for her over-the-top stage persona, but her performance at Sunday's 54th Annual Grammy Awards is definitely her most dramatic thus far.

The 29-year-old rapper performed her new song "Roman Holiday" for the very first time but she surprised viewers by pushing religious boundaries. The theme of her performance was "The Excorcism of Roman," which didn't go over well with the Catholic church.

"Whether Minaj is possessed is surely an open question," president Bill Donohue said, "but what is not in doubt is the irresponsibility of The Recording Academy. Never would they allow an artist to insult Judaism or Islam."

He added, "It's bad enough that Catholics have to fight for their rights vis-a-vis a hostile administration in Washington without also having to fend off attacks in the entertainment industry," Donohue seethed. "The net effect, however, will only embolden Catholics, as well as their friends in other faith communities."

Nicki's explanation for the spectacle is simple.

"I had this vision for Roman for him to be sort of exorcised," she explained on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show Monday (via US Weekly). "People around him tell him he's not good enough because he's not normal and he's not blending in with the Average Joe."

The Grammy nominee's performance included a Catholic confessional, demonic possession, dancing monks and a levitation scene.

Did Nicki Minaj go too far?