Nicki Minaj loves Mariah Carey

People News

Jan 9, 2013, 6:01 GMT

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj claims Mariah Carey is one of her 'favourite artists of all time'.

The 'Va Va Voom' singer - who went head-to-head with the 'Hero' singer during filming for the new series of 'American Idol' last October and allegedly threatened to shoot Mariah - insists she has buried the hatchet with her fellow judge and feels privileged to be on a panel with her.

She told USMagazine.com on Tuesday (08.01.13): 'I say nice things about Mariah all the time. She's one of my favourite artists of all times. She's really shaped a generation of singers. To be on a panel with her, it's kind of crazy.'

The rapper also joked that she and Mariah, 42, were able to get past their feud by watching her sex tape.

On hearing what Nicki had to say about her, Mariah conceded that she always knew her former rival was going to be a huge star.

She said: 'That was obviously a very sweet thing to say. Nicki and I worked together very early on in her career and did a song - it's called 'Up Out My Face,' ironically. I did know, and feel, she was going to go very far.'

Earlier this week, Mariah revealed that she felt extremely unsafe after their argument and confirmed she hired extra security after it.

She said: 'It felt like an unsafe work environment. Anytime anybody's reeling threats at somebody, you know, it's not appropriate.'

'I'm a professional. I'm not used to that type of environment,' before revealing that she hired extra body guards because she felt it 'was the appropriate thing to do.'

She added: 'Sitting there on the road with two babies, I'm not going to take any chances.'

Mariah is one of the three new judges to join the reality TV show's judging panel for its new season, which kicks off ! on January 16.

And the singer admitted that she hopes her battle with Nicki will help to boost the show's ratings.

She said: 'For all the drama, I hope it helps the show.'