When it comes to some of the biggest names in music, there are only a few artists who have truly stood the test of time, Mariah Carey being one of them! The "We Belong Together" singer has not only accumulated 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1's, but Mimi wrote most of 'em, making her quite the songstress, too.

While Mariah is known for her big voice, big diva personality, and of course, big net worth, she's also known for her major feuds! The Queen of Christmas has found herself at odds with a number of celebs including Jlo, and Eminem, however, nothing comes close to her American Idol debacle with Nicki Minaj!

In 2013, Mariah and Nicki feuded on Idol following a disagreement between Minaj and the entire judging panel. Things went awry between Mimi and Nicki, sparking up a lot of talk surrounding their fight, but what really happened? Let's dive in!

7 Mariah & Nicki Started Out As Friends

American Idol Season 12 Judges
Via Fox

When it comes to big names in the industry, Mariah Carey has been in the number one spot for most of her career. As for Nicki Minah, her debut with 'Super Bass' allowed her to soar to the top spot within the rap industry, proving that they both knew how to take the center stage spot in their respective genres.

Considering Mimi is notorious for featuring rap artists on her songs, it didn't take much time before Mariah and Nicki were brushing shoulders at awards shows, red carpets, and a number of events throughout Hollywood and of course, Mariah's home city, New York. Although they didn't become the best of friends, it was clear that Mariah and Nicki did know one another, unlike JLo!

6 Nicki Admires Mariah Carey A Lot

With Mariah Carey being one of the most successful solo artists of all time, it's no surprise that Nicki Minaj was a fan of Mimi's. Minaj has spoken about Mariah a number of times, however, it was during their time working together on American Idol where Nicki praised Mariah's work when it came to her and Whitney Houston's duet, 'When You Believe'.

It was Candace Glover who performed the song, leaving Nicki to reveal that she recalls listening to that very record in her room, knowing darn well that it was the motivation she needed to keep going, and alas, it was all the motivation she needed!

5 The Duo Even Collaborated Together

In 2009, Mariah Carey released her album, Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel, which had her hit song, 'Obsessed' on it. Well, when it came to the many hits Mimi had on her album, one of them featured Nicki! As mentioned, Carey is known for collaborating with many hip-hop and rap artists throughout her career, so much that she essentially started the pop/rap fusion trend.

Nicki and Mariah recorded 'Up Out My Face', and filmed the music video together. While the two never performed the song together, it was an instant success, and fans couldn't get enough! While their collaboration worked when it came to the music, things went awry when they worked alongside each other on Idol.

4 The 'American Idol' News

In 2012, it was announced that Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, and Randy Jackson would be sitting in as the judges on American Idol season 12. Rumors began swirling about a fourth possible judge, with Lenny Kravitz's name popping up. While Mariah was told it would be a three-judge panel, Fox had other plans.

Nicki Minaj was soon named the fourth judge, and Mimi didn't seem to be all that thrilled. While the 'Heartbreaker' singer made it clear it had nothing to do with Minaj, and everything to do with the network claiming she'd be working with Keith and Randy only, things blew up when the two didn't see eye to eye during the audition process.

3 The Big Blow Up

TMZ broke the story first when it came to the explosive fight on American Idol. While there had been some initial tension when Nicki was announced as a fellow judge, leaving everyone to wonder whether the two would get along or not, it appears as if the questions were worth asking. Although many assumed that the two would be fine, considering their previous collaboration, it turns out, it wasn't fine!

After disagreeing on a contestants sound, with Mimi, Randy, and Keith all claiming she was "country", Nicki made it clear that she felt as if the judges were putting her into a box, which sparked the argument. Things went from 0 to 100 real quick when Nicki stormed out following the exchange between Nicki and Mimi. Although the argument was labeled a "catfight", Nicki and Randy were also involved in the dispute, however, we all know how the media loves to pin women against one another.

2 Was Nicki & Mariah's Fight For Publicity?

The footage was released by TMZ, where Mariah and Nicki can be seen going head to head, all while Randy Jackson stands in at the end defending Mimi. Considering this was during the audition process, which hadn't begun to air on television yet, many fans felt as if the fight was a ploy to gain views.

With Simon, Paula, and the original panel leaving the show, creating a dip in ratings, viewers thought that producers concocted the argument in order to get folks talking, and while it's uncertain if it was a publicity stunt or not, it certainly served its purpose.

1 Where Do They Stand Today?

From collaborating together to sharing a few special moments on Idol, many fans took their fight as a signed, sealed, and delivered on their friendship, however, the two don't hold any hard feelings. During Nicki's visit to The Ellen Show back in 2013, she made it clear that the fight was nothing but a disagreement between "two big 'ole divas," Nicki told Ellen.

Although Nicki wasn't too phased by the encounter, fans were confused with her when she released 'The Re-Up' off of Pink Friday, where it was clear she was dissing Mimi. Well, Mariah didn't hold her breath, claiming going into work on Idol was like "working with the devil". Yikes!

Next: A Timeline Of Nicki Minaj's Biggest Feuds