Singer Mariah Carey has allegedly increased the size of her security force after feuding with pop star and fellow American Idol judge Nicki Minaj.
Carey’s on-set confrontations with Minaj were well documented in a video that was leaked online last year. The singer said she feels the workplace has become an unfriendly environment, particularly when Minaj is around.
According to Reuters , Carey has reportedly beefed up her security team just in case tensions escalate to the point of violence.
She explained to Barbara Walters on Nightline :
“I just felt it was the appropriate thing to do. Sitting there on the road with two babies, I’m not going to take any chances. 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.”
Access Hollywood reports that Carey began worried about her safety after hearing that Minaj had threaten her with violence off-camera.
“If I had a gun, I would shoot that b****,” Nicki allegedly remarked.
The “Vision of Love” singer said she was trying not to dwell on the negatives during her time on American Idol . According to Carey, being on the show is all about helping someone else achieve their dreams of becoming a star.
“I’ve been blessed to live my dream more than half my life, so I want help give that back to someone else,” the singer said.
Unless something goes wrong between now and then, FOX is set to air the season premiere of American Idol on January 16. In addition to Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and show veteran Randy Jackson will serve as judges. Ryan Seacrest will once again host the program.
Although the threats Nicki Minaj allegedly made towards Mariah Carey are no laughing matter, it’s likely viewers will tune in to see just how much tension really exists between the two pop stars.