Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey on ‘American Idol’ set

As first reported by TMZ, a dispute over a contestant’s talent quickly ramped up into an all-out rant by Minaj, who shouted that she’s “not f---in’ putting up with Her F---ing Highness over there.” Carey supposedly added verbal fuel to the contentious argument.

 A source with knowledge of the ongoing Mariah-Nicki feuding said Wednesday, “This is really starting to get nasty. … A bit of controversy is OK — even good — because it adds spice to the show. However, if it gets too intense and their true dislike for each other becomes obvious — and continuously obvious — then that moves into the uncomfortable stage for the viewers.”

A spokeswoman for Fox and “Idol” declined to comment on the reported dust-up between the two stars, but another source — close to fellow judge Keith Urban — said the country music mainstay was particularly unhappy about the tension.

“Keith is such a wonderful, easygoing, lovely guy,” said the source. “This kind of drama was not the reason he signed on to be an ‘Idol’ judge. … He hates nastiness in any form.”

“Idol” host Ryan Seacrest said Wednesday on his radio show that he loves the bickering. “ ‘Idol’ needs some passionate debate. It did get intense. We want that. … The feedback that they give is very good.”