Michael Becker / FOX
The new 'American Idon' judges panel: Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Ryan Seacrest, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban (l-r).
It wasn’t 10 minutes into the turbo-hyped debut of Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj as judges on “American Idol†on Wednesday that the animated rapper flung the “B†word Mariah’s way.
“If she calls me (a bitch), I rebuke it,†the singer shot back.
Cat fight or canny stunt?
Before long, it became clear that all the rolled eyes, head shakes and interruptions between the divas - which popped up with some regularity on the two-hour event â€" had less to do with a genuine blood feud than with a drag-queen-style satire of one.
Even the women themselves couldn’t help but deliver their glancing sneers with suppressed smiles. Also, it’s important to note, that the infraction that inspired Minaj’s epithet had only to do with Mariah casually mentioning that she had a Christmas hit 17 years running.
Apparently, it doesn’t take much to rouse the stars of a show they know needs all the provocation it can get. Last year’s finale drew 30% fewer viewers than the year before.
At least the women gave the judges’ table some focus. Sitting between then, Keith Urban seemed like fly-over country. Heritage judge Randy Jackson played bland enforcer, telling the singing dogs they wouldn’t have their day.
Luckily the contestants - remember them? - showed some star power. All came from the New York area, including 28-year-old Tina Torres of Queens, who made Mariah cry with her soulful tone.
Frankie Ford, 24, a subway singer from Flatbush, had a robust instrument, while Jersey girl Sarah Restuccio, 17, rapped brilliantly on Nicki’s “Superbass.â€
At the judges’ table, it’s possible some real sparks may eventually fly. After all, Mariah can seem condescending, and Nicki overbearing. Whatever happens, expect the producers to fan any fires they can.
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