Source Says Nicki Minaj & Mariah Carey Beef on ‘American Idol’ is a Publicity Stunt

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

The Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey beef on American Idol has gotten pretty crazy in the last few days, especially after footage of a cursing match between the two hit the internet. As we reported recently, American Idol has been suffering in ratings, so it made sense for them to choose two female judges that could bring a few cat fights to a talent show that is already dwindling in ratings. But in the video of Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey cursing each other out, some people saw signs of a publicity stunt. And when many heard Nicki say “Off with your head!” to Mariah, people began to assume the whole ordeal had to be scripted.

Well according to the latest gossip, the Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey beef is indeed a publicity stunt and was created just to save a sinking ship which would be American Idol.

Here’s what a source close to the production staff says to the Hollywood Reporter:

Is it a publicity stunt or the sort of bitter animosity that could derail America’s most-watched show? With the arrival of on-set video showing American Idol judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey practically at each others’ throats, the show’s fans are mulling that very question and further wondering: Did Fox make a huge mistake with its flagship program by seating two divas at the same table?

To the contrary, a high-ranking Idol insider tells The Hollywood Reporter it’s all for show. “The Mariah-Nicki diva battle is exactly what Fox executives wanted all along,” says the source, who insists the two singers are in on the joke. “No one’s really worried. They know the parts they’re supposed to play.”