Nicki Minaj fans went into a frenzy Monday morning when the rapper asked on Twitter if anyone has a Citibank card. The rapper’s query began trending in the U.S.—the moment of seemingly earnest celebrity fun was viral marketing, after all—but the real-time backlash was so one-sided that she appeared to reconsider her business plan altogether.
Minaj, who recently teased an upcoming global arena tour, hinted that presale tickets will be available to Citi cardmembers, as part of the bank’s partnership with LiveNation. Dozens of U.S. artists have partnered with the program, including Beyoncé, Pitbull, and HAIM.
Do you guys have a Citi bank card?
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) April 30, 2018
Fans were alarmed when they saw Minaj’s tweet—many didn’t know why she was asking, while others who knew were upset to find out she’s selling presale tickets that way. Others were just excited to hear that the tour will be announced soon and pledged to do whatever was necessary to get ideal seats.
https://twitter.com/NM4Tingz/status/990913749740552193
Hold on sis let me sign up for one pic.twitter.com/SGzF3aaeEA
— don🫧 (@donndotta_) April 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/SayzaarTMUK/status/990912800091451392
https://twitter.com/THEGOODSlDE/status/990912696462794752
Nicki I had 1 credit card empty for years and now you telling me I had the wrong card all alone pic.twitter.com/E3tFKl6xEB
— Antonio Lorenzo (Lawrence) (@MisterPrinceLE) April 30, 2018
Lol it was obvious, that’s why she asked 😭 many other artists do it, and I think she did it last tour too?
— AHMED ™ (@AhmedBettaWerk) April 30, 2018
NO! Where can I find one? Girl, why do you do this to us, oh God, I need one of these. pic.twitter.com/khDzvbz2Il
— guilherme (@ifsnicki) April 30, 2018
no but i got a food stamps card. what can i get for that? pic.twitter.com/J1gAStvPbN
— ᗪᐯ丂卄ᐯ山几 (@DGJ0HNS0NLLC) April 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/LILROMANXD/status/990912763584221186
https://twitter.com/EYE_LUV__ONIKA/status/990914185579069441
https://twitter.com/Jeffereaveseals/status/990924604653948929
Imma just have bae open a Citi bank card 🤷🏽♀️ might have to shake a lil ass but im content with that…
— Hundun✨ (@HoneyGuwop) April 30, 2018
@NICKIMINAJ OKAY NOW LISTEN ONIKA… I HAVE CHASE, CAPITAL ONE, CREDIT ONE AND APPLE PAY… YOU GOTTA MAKE ONE OF THESE WORK OR CATCH THE FADE pic.twitter.com/ReyMdnBmMd
— – Club Paradise. (@yellaboi_dee) April 30, 2018
Concerned tweets caught Minaj’s attention and she asked her fans if they really felt that a few days of the Citibank presale would actually affect their chances of getting tickets.
Pre-Sale is only a few days guys. You feel all the good seats will go by then? https://t.co/V3vbRnH3Be
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) April 30, 2018
When her question was met with a resounding yes, Minaj seemed to be re-thinking the presale. Fans begged her to release her new album first and announce the tour later, to give them more time to save up.
Dang… lemme think 🤧 https://t.co/FN2ZZ8F7e9
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) April 30, 2018
give it a couple weeks sis. i just had to pay $1700 in medical bills & $800 on student loans. i need to let my bank account build back up a little 😩
— ᗪᐯ丂卄ᐯ山几 (@DGJ0HNS0NLLC) April 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/douglaaskt/status/990945988645814272
https://twitter.com/verrrda/status/990936855909724162
Minaj hasn’t made any concrete decisions about the presale, but it looks like fans can expect a tour announcement soon.