Nicki Minaj & Mariah Carey Clash On Premiere Of American Idol
The new era of American Idol kicked off Wednesday night, as the revamped panel of Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson assessed the latest crop of contenders at Manhattans Lincoln Center in New York City, with the ballyhooedbattle between two divas finally hitting the airwaves.
Host Ryan Seacrest said that right away, we knew it was going to be an interesting couple of days in seeing the chemistrydevelop between the incoming trio of singers and Jackson, the shows elder statesman.
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With heavy doses of undermining and eye-rolling, the divas seemed to enjoy getting under each others skin by speaking in English accents. Early on,Carey annoyed Minaj in referencing her garishdrum major hat, saying, We can have accessories? I didnt know that was allowed thats all Im gonna say.
Minaj asked Carey, Whyd you have to reference my hat?
Throughout the episode, the tension between the superstar singers was evident. When the Glitter star went on a rant bragging about her holiday mega-hit All I Want for Christmas, the Super Bass singer seemed to have mumbled a few expletives in disgust.
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Carey said, If she called me somethingthat begins with a b and ends with an itch, I rebuke it.
Still, Minaj said she felt the new panel replacing outgoing judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler jelled well in a weird, crazy way, to which Carey said, I agree.
Elsewhere, the shows 12th season premiere provided the usual fireworks and fanfare, with 41 hopefuls getting a ticket to Hollywood. Last years victor, Phillip Phillips, opened the program performing the song Home.
! PHOTOS: Mariah & Nick Vacation With The Twins Down Under
Standout contestants on Wednesday included:
Angela Miller, an 18-year-old who suffers from hearing loss (40 percent in one ear, 20 percent in the other) but didnt let it impact her singing, impressing the judges singing Jessie Js Mamma Knows Best.
After her performance, Minaj declared, I havent felt that for the whole day that thing that makes me feel something in my soul.
Carey told Miller, We havent had tone all day long, before the teen was unanimously sent to Hollywood.
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Brooklyn native Frankie Ford whos perfected his craft singing for change on the New York subway system sang the Eurythmics Sweet Dreams. While he had to stop halfway, he got back on the horse and impressed the judges with the salvaged performance.
Carey told him he has an inner glow, while Minaj said, Theres something about you; you have this story to tell.
Said the Hollywood-bound Ford: This time last week I was singing on the train trying to get quarters from people. This is my moment. I dont want to squander it.
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Evan Ruggiero didnt advance in the competition, but made his impact all the same, as the former dancer who lost a leg at 19 during a battle with bone cancer showed the heart of a lion in his quest to impress the panel.
Just because you have a disability, the New Jersey native said, doesnt mean you cant be the next American Idol.
While his renditions of Bon Jovis Wanted Dead or Alive and Jason Mrazs Im Yours didnt get him the berth to Tinseltown, the panel was inspired by Ruggieros will to win.
Said Nicki: You dont understand how many people you will touch just from being here, while Mariah encouraged him to stick with his musical aspirations.
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Watch the video on RadarOnline.com
As far as ! Nicki and! Mariah go, Wednesday was just the beginning, as more hysterics come during the showsNorth Carolina auditions, wherethe Super Bass singer reportedly shouts of Mariah: Im not f***ing putting up with her highnessover there figure it the f*** out, figure it out.
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American Idols 12th season continues in Chicago Thursday on Fox at 8/7c.