Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey Steer Clear Of Each Other In 'Idol' Promo

[NelsonG]

By Carolyn Amurao

In the latest promo pic for season 12 of" American Idol," Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj are separated by longtime host Ryan Seacrest–but we know that a smiley Seacrest isn’t all that divides these two divas.

Let's suffice to say that the new judges have had a rocky beginning on their time on "Idol," with their on-set arguing spurring heated Twitter debates among other drama. (Remember when Carey claimed that Minaj threatened to shoot her?!)

Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has denied accusations that the feud was staged to boost ratings. TMZ reported him saying, “I have no idea why I would be doing it [for ratings] five months before the show went out…I would only do anything for ratings a month before…they’ve got my timing wrong.”

Whether or not the drama is real; the Carey-Minaj beef has attracted attention to “Idol” at a time when rival singing competition shows “The Voice” and “X Factor” are in the spotlight. Idol’s new season premiers in January and hopefully the two stars can cooperate until then, so long as Seacrest is there to be the buffer.

[url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/10/26/nicki-minaj-mariah-carey-american-idol-promo-picture/]View the full article[/url]