Larry Busacca/WireImages; Cindy Ord/Getty ImagesEver since Nicki Minaj officially announced her role as American Idol judge (along with Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson), rumors have been swirling that the Pink Friday singer and Ms. Mariah are already butting heads before the season even begins.
And while it's blatantly obvious the babes probably have a few, er, creative differences, Nicki's out to set the record straight, admitting that she only has the utmost respect for her fellow judge:
"Mariah's a legend and I just want to say that… I'm sitting next to a woman who I've looked up to since I can remember enjoying music," Minaj told Access Hollywood at the NYC launch of her Pink Friday fragrance. "My mother and I bonded to Mariah and I told her that, before even American Idol. It's obvious that we both have strong personalities, but ultimately, there's respect there and I think if nothing else, it'll make for really great TV."
Although Minaj clearly respects Mariah, it should come as no surprise that Nicki's off-the-wall antics will undoubtedly be on full display:
"Yes—knowing me—there'll be a slap somewhere in this season!" Nicki confessed.
But despite the Barbz' bold personality, Minaj insists that all the judges are getting along great:
"It's fun. People are gonna laugh and people are gonna have a lot of fun…we just laugh ultimately at everything," she said of her relationship with Randy, Keith and Mariah.
And she even vows to keep her signature ‘tude under control:
"You know what; I'm just trying to nullify my diva-ness right now. I just wanna not be a diva at all."
Nicki, a nullified diva? We seriously doubt it.
After all, a little dose of diva drama makes for great TV.
Let the judging begin!