Bad news for Nicki Minaj. The onetime 'American Idol' judge is being sued for allegedly stealing one of her biggest songs to date -- 'Starships.'

Chicago artist Clive Tanaka is filing a suit against Minaj as well as 'Starships' producer RedOne and three other songwriters on the track, Carl Falk, Wayne Hector and Rami Yacoub.

The suit (via the Chicago Tribune) claims that Tanaka's song 'Neu Chicago' was used in advertisements in Sweden before 'Starships' came out, and that RedOne and the Harajuku Barbie's other collaborators, who are residents of Sweden, "had a very good opportunity to hear it."

Legal experts say that in order to succeed in a copyright lawsuit, Tanaka and his lawyers will have to prove that the songwriters and producers of 'Starships' were in Sweden at the time of the advertisements' runs.

The suit comes about a year after Tanaka posted a clip on SoundCloud called 'Neu Starships' that layered both songs -- and they do sound awfully close.

You can listen to 'Starships,' 'Neu Chicago' and 'Neu Starships' below. Tanaka's attorney, Christopher Niro, claims, "We believe they are similar to the point that it is nearly impossible for it to be a coincidence." Do you think he has a case? Tell us in the comments!

Listen to Clive Tanaka, 'Neu Chicago'

Listen to Nicki Minaj, 'Starships'

Listen to 'Neu Starships'

More From KISS FM