Mariah Denies “Idol” Feud with Nicki; Admits She’s “Never Been a Fan of this Type of Thing”
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Steve Mack/FilmMagic/Getty ImagesNEW YORK) — New American Idol judge Mariah Carey is denying rumors that there’s a feud between herself and fellow new judge Nicki Minaj, telling reporters Monday, “How can you feud in two days? I think a feud takes a little longer [to build].”
According to TMZ.com, the two singers worked together for the first time during Idol auditions in New York City Sunday, and Mariah repeatedly interrupted Nicki when the latter began offering feedback to a contestant. TMZ says Nicki countered by speaking loudly over Mariah’s chatter. The gossip website quoted a source as saying, “These girls just don’t like each other.”
During a news conference Monday in New York City, the two laughed off any rumors of disagreements. People reports when Minaj was asked how she liked being on the show so far, she replied, “It’s wonderful, darling.”
Carey revealed that she’s never been a big fan of music competition shows. “Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of this type of thing. But I realized what this show has done for such talented artists -– truly giving them careers…” the singer said.
Explaining why she signed up to be a judge, Carey said, “I really felt like this would be something to help bring out new talent and [for me] to be a part of that.”
Carey and Minaj were joined at the news conference by fellow new judge Keith Urban, veteran judge Randy Jackson and Idol host Ryan Seacrest.
Jackson told a reporter, “We’re having fun, dude. We’ve been having a good time. There has been a lot of laughs.”
According to Entertainment Weekly, when Minaj and Urban were asked what made them sign up to be part of the show, they both said they appreciated the American Idol “brand.”
A source involved in the production tells People the new judges are slowly, but surely getting comfortable in their roles. The source says Carey has been spot-on with her critiques of contestants while Minaj has provided comic relief and is keeping everyone laughing. The source also reveals that during the first day of auditions, one contestant drove Urban under the judges’ panel.
The new season of American Idol debuts in January.
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