Nicki Minaj 'sparks Idol debate'

Nicki Minaj's delay in joining American Idol is reportedly due to her "difficult relationship" with an agency that looks after talent on the show.

The superstar rapper is one of the high-profile names in the running to join new judge Mariah Carey on the hit TV talent show.

However, the New York Post reports that because of Nicki's "difficult relationship" with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the decision is being carefully deliberated.

CAA represents various finalists from the show as well as its host, Ryan Seacrest. The talent agency also used to look after Nicki.

"If she hadn't fired them last year, this deal would have been a lot easier," one insider told the publication.

Sources also revealed that there has been a "battle behind the scenes" on whether or not to hire the star.

"There is some heated debate. There are some producers who really want her. Others have been trying to block it," the insider explained.

There has been much speculation about who will join the panel, following the departure of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Nick Jonas, P. Diddy, Enrique Iglesias and Keith Urban have all reportedly been considered.

A CAA representative declined to comment on the rumours, while a Fox spokesperson also had no comment on the situation.

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