Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey’s Feud Explained
If you thought it wasn’t possible for two celebrities to hate each other as much as 50 Cent and Ja Rule hate each other, you’d be wrong. Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj absolutely despise each other, too. Their feud doesn’t stretch as far back as Ja Rule and 50 Cent, nor has it been as loud as Minaj and Cardi B’s verbal sparing, but it’s still iconic. Let’s take a look back at what began a feud that led to one of the most toxic seasons in reality TV history.
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj’s feud began on ‘American Idol’ season 12
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj are responsible for arguably the most toxic season of reality TV history in recent memory. It all started during season 12 of American Idol when Minaj, Carey, and Keith Urban were selected to replace outgoing judges. The tension between Carey and Minaj began almost instantly. While it’s unclear what started it, insiders claim different personalities and work approaches ensured they got off on the wrong foot. They never recovered.
According to People, the drama began almost immediately with an explosive fight during auditions, becoming public fodder. Carey accused Minaj of threatening her, and later admitted to beefing up her security. Minaj accused Carey of hurling insults at her while at the judge’s table. The drama eventually bled over onto social media, with Minaj throwing barbs at her co-star, calling her “Shady McGrady” and accusing her of being insecure and easily intimidated. The trouble continued throughout the season. The feud didn’t end when their tenure on the show ended, either. In 2013, Carey shaded Minaj during an interview, saying, “I don’t know what she’s singing. I didn’t know she sang, I thought she rapped or whatever,” when asked about Minaj’s music.
Their ‘American Idol’ journies ended at the same time
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj’s feud was so intense that both of them left American Idol after sharing the stage for a single season. Carey said she was departing the show to focus on her music and her upcoming tour. Minaj claimed she left the series to focus on making new music, too. Still, everyone seems fairly certain the feud is what really led to their departures. Randy Jackson also stepped back from judging after season 12, though he remained connected to the show.
With their departure, two judging spots were open. To fill the spots, Jennifer Lopez returned, and Harry Connick Jr. joined the series. The trio, which also included Keith Urban, was far less chaotic. Since then, the show has cycled through different judges, with former judges serving as guests and mentors. Understandably, neither Mariah Carey nor Nicki Minaj has returned.
What have they said about each other most recently?
While Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey’s feud has settled down in the years since they last worked together, the ice has certainly not thawed. Both Carey and Minaj have made it clear that they despise each other. In the years since, they’ve both discussed each other cryptically. In one Twitter rant, Minaj called Mariah Carey insecure and bitter. She has referenced her in interviews since American Idol, too.
Carey has actively avoided talking directly about Minaj, but has answered questions about her snarkily. When Andy Cohen asked her if she could say three nice things about Nicki Minaj, she deflected the challenge back to Cohen. In 2023, while promoting her book, she openly discussed the hostile work environment of American Idol, calling it the worst experience of her life. Since then, the drama has quieted, and Minaj has taken aim at other enemies. Carey has opted to keep a lower profile.
