Back in 2010 Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey worked harmoniously in the recording studio and even filmed a music video for “Up Out My Face” without mishap. What a difference a couple years make and a different environment. When reports surfaced that Minaj and Carey were already feuding during the American Idol auditions, both singers and FOX publicly dismissed them as unsubstantiated rumors. With a video now circulating online, there’s no longer denying major friction exists.

In a recording obtained by TMZ, Nicki is seen and heard cussing out Mariah to the nth degree. Reportedly, the incident began when the two singers disagreed on a contestant. Apparently, Carey had been taunting the “Starships” singer all day. Fed up, Minaj yelled out, “So every time you patronize me, I’m-ma take it back, and if you’ve got a f**king problem, handle it. I told them I’m not f**kin’ putting up with her f**king highness over there. Figure it the f**k out. Figure it out.”

After those eloquent words, the 29-year-old rapper threatened to knock Mariah out. Dang, Nicki is gangsta. Sadly, this part wasn’t recorded. BOO. Things got so heated, Nigel Lythgoe and company shut down production for the day so the ladies could cool off.

As entertaining it is to watch the fight, my favorite part is watching poor Keith Urban who’s caught in the line of fire. He raises his hands up à la Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take The Wheel“. At that point he’s probably thinking to himself what the eff he’s gotten himself into. Calling Nicole Kidman to the rescue ;) Check out the altercation below.

watch the smackdown after the jump along with Nicki on The View

This morning, FOX officially announced the American Idol judges for Season 12, after Katie Couric spilled the beans earlier this week in an interview with Jennifer Lopez. The judges are Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj and returning, Randy Jackson. Auditions begin in New York City today where hopefuls will meet host Ryan Seacrest and the four-person panel. The other audition cities include Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, San Antonio, Baton Rouge and Oklahoma City.

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company said, “I am thrilled about this year’s judges’ panel! We’ve got global icon Mariah Carey and IDOL’s heart and soul Randy Jackson, who will be joined by Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban. Nicki’s an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop. And Keith is another great addition to IDOL – he’s one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him… With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan, we’ve put together one of the most exciting judging panels around.”

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Just a week after Nicki Minaj announced that she was re-releasing Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, we are graced with a brand new single. That didn’t take very long. I feel like Nicki has been releasing singles and videos like mad as of late. Who ever said that those Young Money don’t hustle better take a seat. For her newest debut, Nicki teamed up with R&B princess, Cassie who I actually had a chance to interview a few months ago. Sorry pop-Nicki fans. This track is straight up hip hop.

As much as I say that, the track does have a little personality disorder. Nicki’s rapped verses fall along the lines of Beez In The Trap where as Cassie’s hook and chorus fall more along the lines of Fly which she performed with Rihanna. I think the radio doesn’t have much Top 40 radio potential but could do well in the Hip Hop/R&B market. Give a listen to The Boys below and let us know what you think. Was this track good enough to help promote a CD re-release? Sound off with your comments.

Listen to Nicki & Cassie’s “The Boys” after the jump…

It’s one of the biggest head-to-head battles people have been looking forward to this season. Would Simon Cowell’s newly-revamped X Factor lineup beat out The Voice and their red swivel chairs? The answer is ‘yes’ and ‘no’. While NBC’s talent show won in total viewers (10.6 million versus 8.5), the FOX reality show beat its rival in the coveted 18-34 demographic and won the night in the adults 18-49. Still, Simon was rightfully worried that The Voice’s third night would steal some viewers away.

The second season premiere of X Factor garnered 8.5 million viewers, down over 3.5 million from last year. Here’s the silver lining, the show grew by 6 percent in the key demos and grew in its second hour. Given that it was up against NBC’s one-two punch of The Voice and finals of America’s Got Talent, it did well. I only expect those numbers to go up tonight when the show faces no competition. Plus I think the universal love and praise, fans and critics have bestowed on last night’s premiere will bring in more viewers. Remember it’s a marathon and not a sprint. I firmly believe X Factor will win come December.

In other singing-related news. Katie Couric revealed (spoiled) some very interesting American Idol news. Curious? Keep reading to find out.

check out Katie Couric’s reveal after the jump

One Direction were definitely the big winners at this year’s MTV VMAs with regards to snagging the most awards. The British boy band walked away with moon statues for best pop video, best new artist, and most-shareworthy video for “What Makes You Beautiful,” beating out acts like The Wanted, Justin Bieber and Rihanna. The Bajan beauty shouldn’t be too upset, she scored the big award of the night, Best Music Video of the Year.

As with most of these things, it’s all about what people wore on the red carpet. Since it’s a music-related affair, there tend to be more fashion risks than your typical awards show. I’ve gone through all the arrivals and picked my Top 5 picks for best and worst dressed at the 2012 MTV VMAs. But before we do, can we discuss P!nk’s doppelganger?

Who knew the 32-year-old singer had a younger sister? With her new chopped blond hairdo, Miley Cyrus definitely exhibited some serious Single White Female behavior last night, channeling the “So What” singer. It’s like they went to the same salon before the event. P!nk wore a full length Stella McCartney dress, while Miley chose an Emilio Pucci sheer cutout gown. Both ladies looked great, but who did P!nk better? Cast your vote below.

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check out my best and worst dressed pics after the jump

After taking some time off to have a baby, Alicia Keys is back and better than ever. After hearing snippets a few days ago of her first single from her upcoming fifth studio album, Girl on Fire, we now have the full-length version. Also hitting the internet are a couple of remixes, one of which features Nicki Minaj. The 31-year-old singer will perform her new song live at this week’s 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. Expect to see Keys everywhere in the coming weeks as she promotes her album’s release on November 27, 2012. Stocking stuffers, anyone?

“So being a new mom, a new wife, being a woman who’s really trying to find herself, take control of my life, my business, my world, I think that there comes a certain point in life where you realize that you know you can really choose the life that you want, and so it’s really about that journey and kind of finding that bravery, finding that inner-strength to trust yourself, believe in yourself and know that you really have all the tools,” – Alicia Keys on taking her fans on a journey with new album.

Was it worth the wait? Without a doubt, “YES”. It’s everything you’d expect and love from Keys. She’s definitely a “Girl On Fire“. It reminds me a bit of “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart“, but with a harder beat. I especially love the two verses from Minaj. IMHO, it’s the best lyrical rhymes from the “Superbass” rapper since her first album, Pink Friday. As always, Alicia’s superb vocals shine, especially in the acapella version. Check out a few versions of “Girl On Fire” below.

listen to the track after the jump

Nicki Minaj’s latest album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded has a little something for everyone. If you like more of her hood and rap sound, she has some great tracks. If you prefer her dance/pop tracks, there are those for you to enjoy. Even though Minaj just released a video Pound The Alarm, she’s offering another video for her hip hop and rap fans for one of my fave tracks, I Am Your Leader.

Throwing disses towards Lil Kim and others who may hate on Minaj’s success, she sings in the chorus, “I am your leader, I am your leader. Not a believer? Suck a big d*ck.” The video is a colorful collection of clips not unlike her Superbass clip. Donning some glittery boats in a foamy bathtub, rapping in her pink fortress and hanging out with Rick Ross and Cam’ron, Nicki definitely makes a statement. I especially love Ross’ verse at the head of a table with golden girls sliding by on a conveyer belt. Check out Nicki’s latest video below and share your thoughts.

Check out Minaj’s “I Am Your Leader” video after the jump.

Nicki Minaj has debuted her music video for “Pound The Alarm” and it’s so good! I feel like it’s timed perfectly with Vancouver Pride coming up this weekend because she has one hell of a party with her dancers in the video.

Set in her home country of Trinidad, Minaj is dressed up as a carnival dancer with feathers and all and as the party unravels, the fun reaches new heights with people on stilts, fireworks, and more. At the end of the video, we take things slow as Minaj walks through the aftermath of her rager.

There lots of booty, boobs, and bouncing to compliment the catchy, up beat track. The video was directed Benny Boom, who filmed Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap” and “Right by My Side“. Enjoy the video below!

Watch the video after the jump…