Mariah Carey: “Nicki Minaj threatened to shoot me on the set of AI”
October 5th, 2012 by faye
“Heartbreaker” singer Mariah Carey revealed on Thursday that co-judge Nicki Minaj said she wanted to shoot the diva on the set of “American Idol” — which made Mariah felt scared for her life, thereby hiring extra security.
According to reports, veteran journalist Barbara Walters said on “The View” that 42-year-old Mariah Carey shared the new details about her feud with Nicki Minaj which agitated the set of the singing competition show, now on its 12th year.
“She [Mariah Carey] said that when Nicki walked off the set, multiple people heard Nicki say, ‘If I had a gun I would shoot the b—h,’” Walters relayed.
Many of the “American Idol” staffers, including hairdressers and producers, heard it, too, Carey told Walters.
The journalist went on, saying, “She said she’s very concerned. She doesn’t feel that anything would happen, but Nicki is unpredictable, and Mariah says she can’t take a chance and she has hired extra security.”
Mariah Carey added that Nicki Minaj has not apologized yet for the verbal argument they had on Tuesday, which centered on a dispute over a contestant’s talent.
However, the “Super Bass” singer reportedly told Carey, “I love you, but we might fight again,” Walters said.
FOX had no comment Thursday regarding the incident. Earlier in the week, an “American Idol” producer denied claims that Nicki Minaj made a death threat to Mariah Carey.
Minaj’s camp did not respond to requests for comment after Barbara Walters aired Carey’s concerns, but she did fire back on her Twitter account Thursday, suggesting that Walters is no impartial referee in the feud between the two superstars.
“Barbara walters didn’t reach out from our team,” Nicki Minaj tweeted. “I guess we’re too dangerous.”
“She also added, “I don’t call tmz n Barbara Walters cuz I stand on my own two feet,” the singer added, referring to a gossip website. “Never needed an army. God is good. Insecurity is as cruel as the grave.”
Later, Nicki ramped up her online assault on Mariah Carey.
“I guess it hurts 2 have the producers tell u to ur face that nicki is the best judge we’ve had since simon,” Minaj tweeted. “Awww, poor u. Keep them lies cmn.”
The alleged threats went down during Tuesday’s “American Idol” auditions in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A camera was able to capture a part of the fight, with video showing Minaj waving her hands and shouting, “I told them I’m not f—-in’ putting up with her f——king highness over there. Figure it the f–k out. Figure it out.”
Mariah Carey fired back, but it is unclear what she said.
Media outlet TMZ reported that Minaj also believes “American Idol” producers egged on Mariah Carey into starting a feud on the talent show’s set.
Sources connected with Nicki Minaj told the site producers and members of Carey’s team are planning a conspiracy against her because they think a disgruntled Minaj will bring in more viewers.
Nicki Minaj cusses at Mariah Carey during “American Idol” audition
October 4th, 2012 by faye
“Superbass” singer Nicki Minaj worked up the “American Idol” auditions held in Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, after she cussed at co-judge Mariah Carey and threatening her, “I’m gonna knock you out” — but Carey retaliated at the pop star with insults of her own.
According to a video obtained by media outlet TMZ, Nicki Minaj is fuming mad, shouting, “I told them I’m not f*ckin’ putting up with her f**kin’ highness over there.”
Mariah Carey can be heard responding, ““Oh why, WHYYYY .do I have a three year old sitting around me?”
The “Heartbreaker” singer then continues, “I can’t see my kids, because you decided to act like a little crazy bitch and go all around the stage.”
Sources claim that Nicki Minaj later threatened to “knock out” Mariah Carey, but that she said it before the video started.
The heated verbal altercation between the two singers is said to have occurred while the two were sitting at the judge’s table, alongside singer Keith Urban, who was sitting in between them and Randy Jackson sitting on the far end, next to Mariah.
Reports said that the whole thing exploded due to a disagreement over a contestant’s performance.
In the video, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey can be heard exchanging the following heated argument:
Nicki: Think I’m playin? Think this sh*t is a f*cking joke? Think it’s a joke? Think it’s a joke? Think it’s a joke? Say one more disrespectful thing to me, if you say one more disrespectful thing to me — off with your head!
Mariah: I am not being disrespectful.
Nicki: Off with your head, off with your head.
Nicki: Don’t tell me I’m insecure, don’t tell me I’m inadequate … you gonna get sent [inaudible] just fall back; don’t … you don’t know [inaudible] I don’t feel inadequate. You’re the insecure one sittin’ up there running down her resume every five minutes.
Nicki: Every time you take a shot at me I’ma take it back, and if you gotta f*cking problem then handle it. I told them, I’m not f*cking putting up with your f*cking highness over there … figure it the f*ck out. Figure it out.
Mariah: whyyyy, whhyyyyy …
Nicki: Figure it out
Mariah: … do I have a 3-year-old sitting around me???
Nicki: I’m not sitting here for 20 minutes and having you run down your resume everyday, No! Goodbye!
Mariah: Listen … I can’t see my kids because you decided to make … to have … to have a little baby fit and going all around the stage.
Nicki: Good, well then go see them now, go see them now … you’re boring as f*ck, you’re boring as f*ck.
According to media outlet MouthToEars.com, producers ended the auditions in North Carolina for the day so that Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey can have time to cool their heads down.
It seems like the producers of “American Idol” are worried about Mariah and Nicki being together for the long haul.
Sources claim that Nicki Minaj’s outrage on the set went beyond mere name-calling Tuesday, and the rapper also threatened Mariah Carey’s life, saying, “If I had a gun, I would shoot her.”
Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj don’t deny fighting on “American Idol”
September 18th, 2012 by faye
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj — the newly hired judges for the singing competition show “American Idol” — refused to deny the reports on Monday that the two pop singers already began fighting just hours after “Super Bass” singer Nicki Minaj joined the Fox talent show.
“There’s been a feud in two days?” Mariah Carey reportedly said aloud during a break from “American Idol” auditions when she was asked about the Sunday afternoon beef with hip-hop star Nicki Minaj while taping for the singing competition for the first time in New York.
“A feud takes a little longer,” Mariah Carey added.
Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj reportedly mumbled something inaudible as her response to the query.
The feud allegedly erupted when Minaj started critiquing an “American Idol” contestant and Carey could not stop herself from interrupting, media outlet TMZ reports.
Each time Mariah Carey interrupted, Nicki Minaj reportedly fought back by loudly talking over Mariah. Then, Carey later took to Twitter to express her sentiments about her first “AI” taping. “several classic moments so far,” she wrote.
Along with “Butterfly” singer Mariah Carey, Minaj joins country star Keith Urban and longtime “American Idol” fixture, Randy Jackson on a panel of judges that could help give the show — now on its 12th season — a much needed jolt in the arm and broader appeal.
The new panel also comes at a critical moment for the once-dominant talent show which is said to be under siege from competitors, such as NBC’s “The Voice” and “The X Factor” — created by former “American Idol” judge, Simon Cowell.
While “AI” has never embraced hip-hop, 29-year-old Nicki Minaj has made multiple recent incursions into the world of pop.
“We’ve got a hip-hop superstar, we’ve got a vocal legend [Carey]— not just a singer, a vocal legend, and we’ve got a country legend,” Randy Jackson said. “It’s already a different kind of a show.”
Minaj arrives at “Idol” almost one month after the world-famous rapper was first rumored to have joined the talent show.
“I would love to be able to tell the contestants honestly and truthfully what they can really expect,” Minaj said of how she planned to judge contestants harshly.
“Sometimes you got to tell people, ‘hey, you really might not want to get in this.’” The pop star added, “there’s a reason why it’s called a business: because it takes a lot of tenacity, and all those other things that a lot of people don’t have.
Nicki Minaj then concluded, “I think that’s a part of what I bring… just being part of the now moment in pop culture and being able to share it with people who want to do it now. Having realized that sometimes, you’re going to get ripped apart.”
Steven Tyler: “American Idol is not for me”
August 2nd, 2012 by faye
Former “American Idol” judge Steven Tyler made headlines when he announced that he was already leaving the reality competition — and before he left, he said in a statement that he “loved every minute” of his experience in AI. However, reports said that in a new Rolling Stone interview, the rocker seems to be telling a different story.
According to reports, 64-year-old Steven Tyler discussed his experience as a judge in “American Idol.”
As Rolling Stone reports, Tyler said: “I loved it and hated it. It was a great job, I sat next to J. Lo and I made a ton of money. It was a moment in life and it became larger than life.”
He then added, “It was something to do while the storm blew by, to be honest,” adding that he joined the judges panel of American Idol mainly because of the spats with his Aerosmith bandmates at the time.
Once he was actually on the show, Steven Tyler said that “American Idol” was just “not [his] cup of tea.”
The rock star had nothing negative to say about Randy Jackson or Jennifer Lopez — or even about taking home $10 million a year — but he said he really did not enjoy having to criticize aspiring artists.
“The show’s about kids and what you do to nurture their talent,” Steven Tyler said. “They wanted me to take the piss out of the kids and I don’t have that in me. That’s not what I’m about.”
“American Idol” has moved on from Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez Mariah Carey has signed on, with Pharrell Williams and Nick Jonas both rumored to join the diva.
Just a day later after Steven Tyler announced that he is leaving “American Idol,” singer Jennifer Lopez announced her departure as well.
Steven Tyler was a part of “American Idol” for two seasons, and during that time, a lot of talent was discovered on the show. The addition of Mariah Carey to the show has many viewers excited to see what she will be like as a judge, and what talent the new season will yield.
Tyler is best known as the frontman and lead singer of the Boston-based rock band Aerosmith, in which he also plays the occasional piano, the harmonica, and percussion. He is known as the “Demon of Screamin’” due to his high-pitch screams and his wide vocal range. Tyler is also known for his on-stage acrobatics. During his high-energy performances, he usually dons bright, colorful outfits with his trademark scarves hanging from his microphone stand. During the 1970s, Steven Tyler rose to fame as the frontman of Aerosmith, which released such milestone hard rock albums as “Toys in the Attic” and “Rocks.” In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Tyler suffered from a heavy alcohol and drug addiction, and the band’s popularity waned since then.
Mariah Carey, “nightmare” to work with
July 24th, 2012 by faye
Singer-songwriter Mariah Carey was reported to be a “nightmare to work with” during her short appearance as a guest mentor on the reality competition “American Idol” back in 2008 — this according to the sources on the show.
Sources told media outlet TMZ that 42-year-old Mariah Carey, who made her mentor cameo on “American Idol” Season 7, was late for her shoot at the Beverly Hills Hotel and was very meticulous about minute details.
In contrast to the statement, the same sources agree that Jennifer Lopez was a pleasure “night and day” compared to Mariah. TMZ reported that J.Lo was all about business, in and out, no mess, no fuss.
As previous reports have stated, Mariah Carey has been chosen as the newest judge for “American Idol” next season. The diva signed a deal that is worth roughly $18 million for her first year on the reality show.
As we reported, Mariah has been tapped as the newest judge for “Idol” next season. She signed a deal worth roughly $18 million for her first year on the show.
Steven Tyler leaves “American Idol”
July 13th, 2012 by faye
Rock star Steven Tyler has already decided to leave the judges post on the show “American Idol” after two seasons — and even compared the show to a deranged bunny killer.
According to reports, 64-year-old Steven Tyler announced his departure from “American Idol” on Thursday, just hours after his fellow AI judge, Jennifer Lopez revealed that she was considering the option of moving on during an interview on “Today.”
Steven Tyler released a statement to WENN, writing, “After some long, hard, thoughts, I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress ‘American Idol’ before she boils my rabbit.”
The comment is said to be a reference to the movie “Fatal Attraction,” where an obsessed woman kills her lover’s daughter’s pet rabbit.
Steven Tyler went on, writing, “I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I’m back, but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band. The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass.”
The rock star’s band, Aerosmith, is already putting the finishing touches to their new album which will be released in November. The band also has a major tour planned.
In lieu of the impending departure of Tyler, AI creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said, “Steven Tyler is a real Idol, a rock legend. If you had told me 10 years ago he would be a judge on ‘American Idol,’ I would have thought it impossible. The fact that this became a reality and we had the pleasure of him gracing our stage for two seasons makes me very proud. I completely understand his desire to get back to his life as the singer in America’s greatest-ever rock band. ‘American Idol’ will miss him.”
As for Jennifer Lopez, who is bound for a big North American Tour with singer Enrique Iglesias, she told “Today,” “I’ve loved it (being on American Idol) so much. I’ve enjoyed the show so much. I enjoy just the whole process of the show… It’s a tough decision either way, but I have to say there are so many things I do that I put on hold for that. It’s a heartbreaking decision if I have to go.”
Lopez added, “Little by little I am (moving closer to a final decision)… All I can let you in on is my own thought process with it because that’s where I truly am… I love everybody, I love all the guys on the show, I love the family that’s there… but I am thinking it’s time for me to go and do other things I love to do.”
Corey Clark files lawsuit against MTV for $40 million
July 10th, 2012 by faye
Former “American Idol” contender Corey Clark has filed a lawsuit against MTV for defamation, claiming that one of their reporters has ridiculed and badmouthed him several times.
According to reports, Corey Clark, who competed during the second season of “American Idol” and was booted off after making it to the top ten because he did not disclose his recent arrest, sued MTV for $40 million. He claims that MTV News correspondent Jim Cantiello falsely attacked him, calling him names.
Corey Clark was disqualified from the competition on March 31, 2003 when the officials of “American Idol” learned that the contender had faced three misdemeanor charges, which includes one battery charge, involving his sister. Clark was subsequently acquitted of two of the three charges and pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice.
The lawsuit of Clark against Jim Cantiello, which was filed in Tennessee District Court in Nashville, states that the MTV News reported defamed the former AI contestant in a series of online posts from early 2007 through July 2011. In these posts, Jim Cantiello allegedly called Clark a “degenerate,” falsely called him an ‘alleged sister-beater’ and accused him of lying about his charges after the charges were dropped, and told readers to boycott his debut album.
The lawsuit also added that Jim Cantiello ridiculed Corey Clark several times about having a relationship with “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul, saying that he had invented the story. The suit claims that Clark and Abdul were, in fact, involved.
Corey Clark described the practices of MTV as “abusing the constitutional privileges of ‘freedom of the press’ … with the intent to permanently impair his state property rights and decimate his mental well-being.”
Viacom Inc., the parent company of MTV, was also named in the lawsuit.
Rihanna tells Esquire about her Cheryl Cole crush
June 4th, 2012 by edsel
Until she stumbles across Mister Right, Rihanna is more than happy to cultivate a girl crush on Brit singer Cheryl Cole.
Metro reported that Rihanna was quite smitten with Chez. The 24-year-old Barbadian beauty outright told Esquire magazine that Cole was “hot” in an interview.
“Ooh!” Rihanna blurted out. “Cheryl Cole is… hot. I would just like to watch Cheryl Cole work.” After listing a number of sexy poses she wanted to see Cole in (all involving Cole arching sexily), Rihanna repeated that “Cheryl is hot! I mean, literally,” she added. “She’s just so beautiful.”
According to Metro, Rihanna so admired Cole that she triggered rumors last week about Cole coming close to inking a deal to judge ‘American Idol’ hopefuls.
“I can completely see why the producers at ‘American Idol’ are trying to get Cheryl,” Rihanna told The Daily Star. “She would be amazing.” RiRi noted that Cheryl Cole “was received so well on the US ‘X Factor.’”
According to Rihanna, most viewers did not understand why ‘X Factor’ let Cole go. ”Since then,” she noted, “[Cheryl Cole] has gone from strength to strength, and is fast becoming a movie star over here.’
While Cole denied the ‘American Idol’ rumors, she expressed her own admiration for Rihanna. “I love her,” Cole said of RiRi while expressing how she would love to make a performance, a single, and even a record album with the Barbados-born singer.
Cheryl Cole noted that Rihanna ”feels the same. There could be wheels,” Cole opined. “There could be motions.”
Regarding another collaboration, Rihanna explained to Esquire that she didn’t there was a problem working with her bruiser ex-boyfriend Chris Brown for ’Turn Up The Music’ and ‘Birthday Cake.’
“I thought people were gonna be surprised that we finally did a record together,” she admitted. “But I didn’t see how people could think it was a bad thing,” Rihanna opined. “In my mind,” she said, “It was just music.’
Rihanna currently claims to be single. Just this week, she was linked to NBA star JR Smith and her ex-boyfriend Drake.
Howard Stern debut didn’t ruin America’s Got Talent premiere
June 1st, 2012 by edsel
Howard Stern wasn’t to blame for the franchise-low ratings of ‘America’s Got Talent’ during his debut on May 14. It was the early season premiere, set to supposedly avoid conflict with the London Olympics.
According to E! News, Stern’s first appearance as a judge on the reality contest show saw ratings plummet to the lowest ever seen for the franchise.
Naysayers immediately blamed everything on the controversial shock jock, including making a cute kid cry on TV. (Howard Stern made up for that by sweetly apologizing to the kid.)
However, ‘America’s Got Talent‘ finally turned things around this Tuesday. The St. Louis episode averaged an estimated 11.3 million viewers tuning in to watch Little Ozzy -a diminutive Ozzy Obsourne impersonator- get shot down by Howie Mandel and Howard Stern before the real Ozzy’s wife, Sharon Osbourne, could bring herself to break his heart.
E! News reported that Tuesday’s ratings were not just the highest so far this season. It also compared well to past ‘Talent’ season premieres, which were also launched on Memorial Day.
The current season of ‘America’s Got Talent’ is the first and only one to launch prior to Memorial Day. Howard Stern and company also had to compete with season finales of CBS’ Monday comedies, ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ and ‘American Idol.’ And it should be noted that the last two shows also suffered from lower ratings than usual.
While ‘Talent’ couldn’t match its past success, E! News noted that it did well against the regular-season competition and stayed in the Top 10 of the Nielsen Media Research stats.
The Tuesday audience of ‘America’s Got Talent’ increased by more than 2 million viewers from last week’s. That’s an increase of more than 1 milion viewers compared to Monday, when the show aired on a holiday.
So Howard Stern can breathe a sigh of relief as ‘Talent’ execs can blame the London Olympics instead of him.
Britney Spears wants bigger ‘X Factor’ salary than Jennifer Lopez
May 31st, 2012 by edsel
Britney Spears asked for -and got- a $15-million paycheck from ‘The X Factor’ because she didn’t want to lose out to Jennifer Lopez.
According to TMZ, Spears wanted to make more than her rival did during Lopez’s first season on ‘American Idol.’ Jennifer Lopez raked in $12 million for her first season on ‘American Idol.’
Some reported that J-Lo made $20 mil for Season 11. According to TMZ sources, though, Lopez got paid less than that.
Meanwhile, sources in the camp of Britney Spears told TMZ that her asking price was no less than $13 mil. And different sources- this time in ‘The X Factor‘- informed the website that Spears first asked for $20 million.
As TMZ earlier reported, Spears eventually agreed to a $15 million paycheck in exchange for her services as a judge alongside Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, and fellow newcomer Demi Lovato.
On the ‘American Idol’ front, it remained unclear if Jennifer Lopez will remain on the reality show, much less rake in the same amount of money- or more, if J-Lo decides to compete with Britney Spears over their salaries. Ratings for Season 11 are low and Lopez had expressed her desire to leave the show.