Mariah Carey And Nicki Minaj Beef: Stars Flash White Flags, Tone Down Their War?

The feud between pop icon Mariah Carey and R&B singer Nicki Minaj might be downplayed by the producers of American Idol since the controversy will set a bad mood in the set. The judges will be sitting their first round of interviews this week.

The judges sat down for a press conference in Pasadena, California, Jan. 9. But the stars themselves said the fight was not personal.

"There's a passion on this group. They disagree on a lot of the talent ... it's not the girls, it's everybody," said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for Fox.

"This is a very passionate panel. It's great it's such a diverse group of people," Carey said.

When asked if they can say anything nice about each other, Minaj had this to say, "That actually is easy, I say nice things about Mariah all the time. She's one of my favorite artists of all time, she's really shaped a generation of singers. To be on a panel with her is kind of crazy... all these singers that come in aspire to be Mariah Carey," Entertainment Weekly reported.

And then it was Carey's turn, "That was obviously a very sweet thing to say. It  ('Up Out My Face') was one of my favorite videos and songs." She also said that Minaj will be "going to go very far."

Minaj then added, "We're professionals ... you ever have an argument with someone you worked with?" when she was asked if they have "made up" following their public outbursts.

Carey had reportedly said "Anytime somebody's reeling threats at somebody, you know, it's not appropriate. I've got two babies ... I'm not going to take any chances. I did hire more security. I felt it was the appropriate thing to do."

Carey had to hire guards after Nicki reportedly made threats that involved guns, MTV News reported.