Nicki Minaj is really getting into character for her upcoming gig as host of the 2014 MTV EMA. Because she'll rule the night as both performer and MC, Nicki shared some behind-the-scenes pictures from a photo shoot for a commercial that's going to air soon for the November 9 show.

Perhaps you were expecting someone else?

Check the scepter game

And, because Nicki is real and remembers where she came from, she sent out a beautiful happy birthday to her best friend Tyesha on Wednesday (October 1). "Happy Birthday to my beautiful best friend Tyesha (TT) @ttmilz most sincere person I've ever met," she wrote. "Friends for over 20 years. Yall can keep the industry new comers. I'll take the real deal. The ones who've been here from the beginning and never left. my other BFF (they're twins) @ikolloredezil started as my play mother in elementary school. Lol! Love u Iesha! You're everything a person could ask for In a friend. God bless u both."

And here are the sisters together.

Cast your vote NOW for this year's EMA winners from the 2014 MTV EMA. The 2014 MTV EMA kicks off from Miami on Sunday, November 9 at 7/6c on MTV, broadcast from Glasgow's SSE Hydro. Catch it on MTV channels around the world (air times may differ by region).