Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj Laugh Off 'American Idol' Feud Rumors
New "American Idol" judge Mariah Carey has denied rumors of a feud between her 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]."
The two laughed off any rumored of disagreements during a news conference Monday in New York City. People magazine reported that when Minaj was asked how she liked being on the show so far, she said, "It's wonderful, darling."
Carey also revealed that she has 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," 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, 42, added, explaining why she signed up to be a judge.
Carey and Minaj, 29, were joined at the news conference by fellow new judge Keith Urban, veteran judge Randy Jackson and "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest.
"We're having fun, dude," Jackson said. "We've been having a good time. There has been a lot of laughs."
Entertainment Weekly said that 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.
The new judges are slowly but surely getting comfortable in their roles, a source involved in the production told People.
People also reported that Carey has been spot-on with her critiques of contestants, while Minaj has provided comic relief and is keeping everyone laughing. The source also said that during the first day of auditions, one contestant drove Urban under the judges' panel.
The new season of "American Idol" debuts in January.
In related news, a source told Us Weekly that Carey and Minaj were initially in talks to replace Voice mentors Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green. Show insiders say Usher and Shakira "have signed on" to take Aguilera and Green's places for the show's fourth season next year, according to Us.
