The Recording Academy SHOULD reflect musical artistry but they are heavily-based on industry relationships and politics.
A Grammy Award CAN be very instrumental and is, MOST TIMES, the highlight of a musician's career.
Nicki Minaj SHOULD have at least one one Grammy Award because she's EARNED it. She simply does not because she does not play industry games.
Nicki's label, Republic Records, submits her work to the academy as they are in the business to make money and draw attention in any way they can.
Barbz, and I'm sure Nicki, WANT Nicki to have at least one Grammy because it makes no sense for her not to have one. She is being punished for not tapdancing.
In her case, a Grammy is NOT NEEDED as she's defied the odds and has done way more in her career than any one award can match/validate.
Does that clarify?