Nicki woulda been had a #1 under her belt IMO if she weren't competing with Taylor , Katy and Lady Gaga for that spot years ago.
But she got what she wanted in this instance because a #1 is purely based on numbers, and it's a matter of timing .
not the opinion of a committee .
The most BIllboard can do is change their criteria for certain spots or how things are measured, but if the current criteria is met, it's met. It is still ultimately based on numbers.
And for her to aim, fire and HIT her target this far into her career is fucking amazing.
Nicki's a bad bitch. Period.