American Idol's "Dysfunctional Family": Mariah and Nicki Credit Keith for "Relieving a Moment"

Twelfth season of the Fox hit reality series premieres Jan. 16

By Tierney Bricker Jan 10, 2013 2:55 AMTags
Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, and Nicki MinajFrank Micelotta/FOX

Family feud time?!

Not so for American Idol's new judging panel, which Keith Urban lovingly described as a "dysfunctional family" at a live Q&A event at UCLA. All four of the Fox hit's judges were on hand, including Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, whose infamous feud has dominated headlines and despite giving each other death glares at a press event yesterday, Carey and Minaj played nice while host Ryan Seacrest asked questions about the new season, premiering Jan. 16.

But did he ask about their feud? Not exactly.

When asked what his favorite thing about the Idol experience has been so far, Urban answered, "The dysfunctional family you see before you, I love being part of. I love the unpredictability."

Of course, Seacrest then hinted at the infamous feud, prompting Minaj to chide him, "Ryan, stop!" Seacrest then joked, "Keith, he was glad his chair swiveled a couple of times this year!"

Minaj then praised Urban's sense of humor, telling the audience, "He's hilarious. I'm serious, you guys. He has this dry sarcastic humor. Very quick!" Carey was then quick to add, "It relieves you of a moment sometimes." Urban's response? "Moving on!"

Later, Seacrest asked the judging panel if they'd be open to performing together during the live shows. Urban "(I'm in!") and Randy Jackson were into the idea and Minaj remained mum while Carey joked, "It's good for negotiations!"

Another fun moment came when an audience member asked Minaj what a contestant could do to make a good first impression on her. "Flash me!"

Yeah, it's safe to say Idol's twelfth season may be the show's most entertaining one yet!

American Idol's new season premieres Jan. 16 on Fox.