Nicki Minaj was late to the American idol finals.

Nicki Minaj was late to her first American idol finals, the 2013 judge missed the first contestant perform during last night's competition.

The first finals results show of the season is tonight, who do you think will be voted off and be forced to go home tonight?

Ten singers remain and USA Today has a good recap from last night's competition along with a prediction of who may be eliminated.

The predictions of the singers who are in danger of going home are down to four of the ten singers, according to the review and Devin Velez, Curtis Finch Jr., Burnell Taylor or Janelle Arthur may be eliminated tonight.

More here from USA Today from last night's show and the elimination tonight.

So - why was Nicki late, anyway?

The curvy judge posted the above pic on Instagram this week, but it wasn't a photo shoot that caused her to be late - Nicki says she got caught up in Los Angeles traffic and used that excuse for showing up late to first show of the American idol 2013 finals.

The judge appeared to miss the evening's first performance by Curtis Finch Jr., but while she wasn't in her seat to give him her thoughts on his singing, he claims she heard him.

Curtis - who performed Fantasia's 'Believe' - told E! news: "During the performance, she was backstage."

He added the star almost ran into her as he stepped off stage, adding: "It was literally like, 'Step, step, step, curtain, Nicki. And she was like, 'Good job today.' "

"To see her backstage was comforting."

Some of the other contestants noted Nicki has fallen foul of Los Angeles' notoriously bad traffic before.

Paul Jolley said: "It's not the first time and probably not the last. But I'm OK with it. I love Nicki."

Burnell Taylor, who sang Westlife's 'Flying Without Wings' on the show feels Nicki has earned the right to be late if she chooses.

He said: "I mean, when you look that good, you have to be late."

Devin Velez came up with some possible solutions to get the 'Starships' rapper to the studios on time.

He said: "Maybe we could get her a helicopter. Or some tennis shoes, so she can run."
Other singers in the final include Lazaro Arbos, Janelle Arthur, Candice Glover, Kree Harrison, Amber Holcomb and Angie Miller.

(Imaher: Instagram / Nicki)