Cher Lloyd Says Nicki Minaj Helped Change Pop Music: "I Admire How Brave She Is"

3 October 2012, 15:59 | Updated: 3 October 2012, 16:30

The 'With Ur Love' singer says the hip-hop star is one of her biggest inspirations in the music industry.

Cher Lloyd has heaped praise on her musical idol Nicki Minaj and insists the Trinidadian-born rapper helped has "changed pop music" since her arrival on the music scene two years ago.

The 'Want U Back' singer is currently enjoying huge success in America after launching her debut album 'Sticks + Stones' there this week, and says 'Starships' rapper Nicki has remained a strong influence for her career.

"I've always been a huge fan of Nicki, she's like number one for me," Cher revealed to Pop Crush this week. "I really feel like Nicki brought that vibe in.

"No one was doing what she was doing, and then she came in and it was kind of one of those things where people were like, 'Woah'," Cher explained. "She just changed pop music. And she did! There's no denying it.

"She is someone I definitely look up to. I admire how brave she is," the 'With Ur Love' singer went on to sya. "She's kind of got that attitude like, do what you feel like doing [and] be who you are. I love that."

View a picture of Nicki Minaj performing on American Idol earlier this year below:

Nicki is currently taking part in the new series of American Idol on the judging panel, and was filmed having an on-set dispute with Mariah Carey at recent auditions in Charlotte, North Carolina that led to filming being stopped for the day.

Cher Lloyd re-released her UK album 'Sticks + Stones' this week in America with two additional tracks in the form or the song 'Behind The Music' and her new US single 'Oath'.