Rap sensation Nicki Minaj has revealed that before she was ever involved in 'American Idol' she used to actively vote for contestants to win as a viewer at home.

Now that she's joined the show as a judge, Minaj explained during a press conference earlier this week that she often watched the programme and backed singer Jordin Sparks to win:

"I remember watching American Idol in the first season and feeling inspired. I spoke to [season 6 winner] Jordin Sparks the other day and here she is starring in a movie ['Sparkle'] and I said to her, 'I remember watching you and picking up my phone'."

Speaking about Sparks' career following her 'American Idol' journey (she was crowned the winner of the sixth season), the 'Starships' hitmaker revealed that she should be considered "a part of history":

"I told her that, 'you know you're a part of history, kind of. Because I remember calling and seeing your face and being inspired and hearing your story. It's really serious, it's real deal it's not anything else other than really looking for talent. If I can be a part of that I'm really down for it."