American Idol Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe: Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey feud is genuine

Since taking up their seats on the American Idol judging panel last year, the ongoing feud between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey has been highly publicised.

Nicki and Mariah's feud is the real deal. Copyright [Wenn]

Many people have since claimed that the feud between the two women was nothing but a cheap publicity stunt to gain ratings for the show.

However, Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe (aka Nasty Nigel from Popstars) has now confirmed that the arguments between Nicki and Mariah are very much the real deal.

Talking at the American Idol press conference in LA, Nigel admitted that the women did indeed fall out.

He said: Whatever feuds there have been - and this isnt just between Nicki and Mariah but Keith (Urban) and Randy (Jackson) as well - are genuine.

Whenever youre in this sort of passionate situation, these things happen."

Nigel believes that all the arguments come from a passionate place. Copyright [Wenn]

Mariah Carey isnt however the only judge to fall out with Nicki Minaj during filming, with new judge Keith Urban also taking on the Starships singer.

Nigel explained: He (Keith) is the scratching post between Mariah and Nicki. Sometimes he looks like hes watching a tennis match with his head bobbing between the two girls.

But when its his turn to speak, he gives his mind and he wont put up with anybody else knocking him down.

Hes had rounds with both Mariah, Randy and Nicki- a big one with Nicki in truth. So theyre very passionate. Hes so passionate. Each one of the judges, I think, is looking for something else this year.

Thats a whole lot a passion weve got to look forward to during the new series then.

American Idol premieres in the UK Thursday, January 17 at 8pm on 5*.

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