Mariah Carey increased security in feud with fellow Idol judge

Mariah Carey and husband Nick Cannon at the 16th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles in this January 23, 2010, file photo. Reuters pic

NEW YORK, Jan 8 Pop diva Mariah Carey says she has hired increased security following what she described as threats reportedly made against her by fellow American Idol judge Nicki Minaj, according to an interview on ABC News.

Carey, 42, one of three new judges to join the American Idol panel for the hit talent shows new season on January 16, told Barbara Walters in an interview airing today, it felt like an unsafe work environment.

Anytime anybodys reeling threats at somebody, you know, its not appropriate, Carey said.

Im a professional. Im not used to that type of environment, she said, adding that she hired extra security.

If I had a gun, I would shoot that bitch. Nicki Minaj, of Mariah Carey

The diva was alluding to widely reported tension between her and Minaj, who were seen arguing with one another in a video while the show was in audition.

Walters has reported that, according to Carey, others on the Idol set heard Minaj go further and say, off-camera, If I had a gun, I would shoot that bitch.

Minaj, a Trinidadian-born singer and songwriter, previously denied making any remarks about firearms, but Carey told Walters that beefing up her security was the appropriate thing to do.

Sitting there on the road with two babies, Im not going to take any chances, she said, referring to her 20-month-old twins with husband Nick Cannon.

But in a sign of media savvy, she noted that for all the drama, I hope it helps the show.

Walters also asked Carey about reports she is being paid US$18 million (RM54.3 million) for each Idol season.

I think were in the ballpark, (but) I cant even talk about those things, the singer replied. Reuters