Nicki Minaj Cancels Appearancebr at Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah World Fest She announced her decision to pull out of the concert after being met with backlash. Nicki Minaj,br via Associated Press Her decision is an effort to show support forbr women’s rights, gay rights and freedom of expression. Nicki Minaj,br via Associated Press The 36-year-old singer’s announcement isbr believed to be in response to a statement issuedbr by the Human Rights Foundation last week. Human Rights Foundation,br via statement Thor Halvorssen, president of HRFbr released a statement following thebr news, praising Minaj for her br "inspiring and thoughtful decision" Former One Direction member Liam Paynebr is still scheduled to perform, despite alsobr being urged to withdraw from the festival.