TV Critics Say New ‘American Idol’ Judges Should Try Harder


American Idol‘s new panel of judges debuted Wednesday on Fox, as Randy Jackson joined Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Mariah Carey. Mariah has always been cited as an inspiration and role model since the show itself debuted, and her recordings have outsold the combined efforts of all other singers on the show.

Season 10’s launch, which introduced judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, had received far more praise than the premiere of this season. And for good reason. Steven Tyler alone has been around the block quite a long time longer than Nicki Minaj.

During the New York City auditions, they mostly just sat there looking like they didn’t want to be there. They seemed uncomfortable with each other and didn’t seem to feel like talking to each other. Host Ryan Seacrest did most of the work.

Mariah Carey was the regal one, knowing she had been there and done that and knowing she had earned her place at the top. Nicki Minaj was the exact opposite, with only a few albums selling more on image than substance. The two obviously don’t get along well, as polite smiles hid mutterings, according to People.

Carey and Minaj already are demonstrating their potential. Their feud, has produced such face-palm-inducing moments as Carey alleging that Minaj threatened to shoot her. The rapper dismissed the rumor with tweets.

At a news conference, Minaj tried to downplay the very visual rivalry that has even made its way into Twitter battles:

“We’re professionals. Have you ever had an argument with someone you’ve worked with?”

Carey’s response was:

“This was sort of one-sided.”

Minaj snapped back:

“No, it wasn’t.”

Minaj adds her own view on the experience, as noted in Huffington Post:

“I didn’t expect to cry on `American Idol.’ I always said, `Why do they (judges) cry on those shows? That’s so stupid. Get a life.’ But now I take that back. When you’re looking into someone’s eyes and they gave their all and you know their journey ends here, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Then you have to join the machine again and keep on judging.”

Do you think Nicki Minaj is adding something to the show, or is she just a stale source of unnecessary animosity?

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