Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj's explosive American Idol bust-up

American Idol auditions had to be called off after Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey had a huge fight

American Idol
American Idol
(Image credit: REX)

American Idol auditions had to be called off after Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey had a huge fight

Nicki Minaj threatened to 'knock out' Mariah Carey during a huge bust-up on the set of American Idol, it's being reported.

Show bosses were forced to cancel auditions after Nicki launched the verbal attack, fuming that she was sick of her co-star's 'f****** highness'.

In footage obtained by TMZ, the heated argument sees Nicki saying to Mariah: 'I'm gonna knock you out'.

Nicki added: 'I told them, I'm not f*****g putting up with her f*****g highness over there,' pointing to Mariah who sits composed.

MARIAH CAREY JOINS AMERICAN IDOL PANEL FOR $18M

The row is said to have started due to a disagreement over a contestant's performance, but witnesses insist it was Mariah who started the arguement.

A source told Mouthtoears.com: 'Nicki Minaj walked off of set because Mariah Carey kept making jabs at her.

'Nicki’s manager and team convinced her to come back to the show. Mariah kept at it and called Nicki a b**** and then proceeded to cuss her out. Producers had to stop filming and call it a night.'

Friction between the two big personalities was present from the start, with Mariah apparently being unhappy with Nicki joining the American Idol panel because she was worried it would turn the TV programme into a 'freak show'.

A source previously said: 'Nicki isn't established enough to qualify as a judge.

'Mariah wants a panel of bright, inspirational and constructive judges. Not some freak show! Mariah thinks Nicki will just be a distraction and it will all be about her and her outrageous behaviour.

'Mariah will not be happy if Nicki joins the panel and she has let the producers know just how she feels!'

One thing the showdown won't hurt is the ratings.

WATCH video footage of Nicki Minaj swearing at Mariah Carey during American Idol auditions

Are you team Mariah or team Minaj? Who would you like to see on the American Idol judging panel? Tell us your thoughts in the box below...

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