Nicki Minaj Mariah Carey Feud: Sources Say Carey Is Enraged By Minaj's Casting On 'American Idol'
Nicki Minaj is known for stirring up controversy, and the announcement that she may join "American Idol" as a judge is no exception.
Sources tell TMZ that already-confirmed judge Mariah Carey became so enraged that she hung up the phone when she was told Minaj would likely be joining her on the singing competition's twelfth season.
The reason for Carey's anger is two-fold: she was led to believe she would be the only woman on the panel, and 42-year-old Carey is afraid that Minaj, who is much younger at 29, would upstage her.
Carey's distaste for Minaj as a judge means the show's celebrity panel is not yet finalized. TMZ reports several other musicians are still in the running - including Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Enrique Iglesias - who could become a fourth judge or replace current judge Randy Jackson, should he decide to change his role and become a mentor for the contestants.
Sources say Iglesias is Carey's first choice, and she would prefer to sit alongside him than Minaj.
There's no word yet on how much Minaj or any other judge would be paid, but if Carey's paycheck is any indication, it's sure to be a killing. The R&B superstar is reportedly taking home a whopping $18 million for one season of "Idol."
