News FAQ: Feuding Idols

With American Idol entering its 12th season, the feud between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj is in danger of overshadowing the show. Here are some of the questions people have about the diva disagreement:

Aaaaahhhh! A monster!
That's Nicki Minaj…or Mariah Carey. I'm not sure who you think the monster is. Wait!

Why are they letting two women be judges?
It has never been a rule that there couldn't be two women judges on American Idol.

Why is Mariah Carey fighting with that candy vending machine filled with fruit-flavored Runts®?
You are most likely referring to Nicki Minaj, who is a human being and recording artist. Her colorful outfits may have confused you.

Is this some stunt to boost a show that’s lost its edge? Like when that guy shot Reagan?
The nature of the feud is unclear. President Reagan, however, was the victim of a legitimate assassination attempt.

So why they hate each other?
Minaj and Carey are professional entertainers appearing on a major network’s flagship show. Hate is a very strong emotion that they likely don’t feel as much as they do antipathy played up strictly for ratings.

Should I be worried that my child will imitate this behavior and feud with an American Idol judge at school?
It is highly unlikely that any current or former American Idol judges attend your child’s school.

I’ve heard Mariah and Nicki described as ‘frenemies,’ but they don’t seem frozen to me.
The ‘fr’ in ‘frenemies’ stands for ‘friend,’ not ‘frozen.’

So, the antics of two selfish, shallow, entitled megalomaniacs are overshadowing the antics of a group of less famous selfish, shallow, entitled megalomaniacs?
That is one, mildly misanthropic way of assessing this situation, yes.

So, Nicki Minaj’s butt...right?
We’re not exactly sure what you’re driving at. But totally.