Mariah Carey, American Idol‘s newest judge, sat down with ABC’s Barbara Walters to talk about a number of hot-button topics, including her feud with fellow judge Nicki Minaj. Carey told Walters they’ve made up.
“For me, ultimately this is about the kids, the contestants,” said Carey. “I’ve been blessed to live my dream more than half my life. So, I want to help give that back to someone else.”
But when asked if Minaj’s latest song lyrics to “Hell Yeah” were about her, Carey, in true diva fashion said with ease and disinterest, “Don’t know. Don’t know what she sang. I didn’t know she sang. I thought she rapped, or whatever.”
Carey admits Idol didn’t need this kind of negative attention and calls the feud a “crass” moment.
In October of last year, TMZ released footage of the feud. Carey later claimed that Minaj threatened to shoot her. As a result, the mother of two hired extra security. “It felt like an unsafe work environment,” said Carey. “Anytime anyone’s reeling threats at anybody. It’s just not appropriate. I’ve got two babies, I’m not going to take any chances.”
Minaj denied saying anything about a gun.
Catch Carey and Minaj on the judges panel of American Idol beginning January 16 at 8 p.m.