Idols Nicki Minaj Says Big Soul Singers on the Horizon

Nicki Minaj leaves Katsuya restaurant with her entourage in Los Angeles. (January 9, 2013(

*Nicki Minaj gave us a preview of what kind of talent were going to see audition in the coming weeks of American Idol.

Were starting to hear a lot of big soul singers, she said. Lots of acoustic kids too, but Ive really been impressed by the soul singers and Ive been impressed by some of the country vocals as well. So, its going to be a really intense competition because theyre really good.

Tonights episode features more bickering between Minaj and fellow judge Mariah Carey, but the rapper insists its all good at the end of the day.

Were having a lot of fun and thats really the honest truth, she says. Were having a lot of fun up there on that panel. And I think that everyone has sort of melted back into who they are, and no ones here trying to [be] better or bigger than you know. Were just like, Lets do it, its a job. Its actually something that were having fun doing, and so we dont have a problem.

Below, Minaj says her ability to critique the contestants gets easier each week.