Carey and Minaj collide creatively

Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj have "collided" in a "good, creative way".

Mariah was announced as an American Idol judge earlier this year, with Nicki, Keith Urban and returning star Randy Jackson all confirmed last week.

Although the new panel line-up is still in its early stages, there has been speculation that Mariah and Nicki are not getting along.

However, Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has rubbished such claims.

"[They] have collided, but only collided in a good way, a creative way," he explained, according to People.

"Nicki is very deferential to Mariah. [Nicki] says, 'You do realise you're auditioning in front of this incredible singer here, why would you want to choose her song to sing?'"

The Idol panel is made up of a host of popular singers across a wide variety of genres. While Nigel says country star Keith, pop legend Mariah and rapper Nicki are all appreciated by fans, Randy may feel a little left out.

"The kids that come in are either super fans of Nicki... or they are fans of Mariah and they've been to Camp Mariah. And then Keith Urban [also has his] fans," he said.

"So, Randy is sort of left."

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