Obama 'confident' Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey can overcome 'Idol' feud

CHICAGO - President Obama on Minaj, Carey 'Idol' feud: 'I think that they are going to be able to sort it out, I am confident'...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

NBC Chicago:  It’s one question President Obama will probably not have to worry about being asked during Tuesday’s presidential debate. But when he called in to Miami’s Y100 “The Yo Show” he was put on the spot:

“Can you repair the relationship with Mariah Carey and Nikki Minaj on ‘American Idol’?” radio show host Michael Yo asked Obama on air.

theGrio: Jennifer Hudson says ‘American Idol’ feud is ‘just for ratings for the show’

The on-set tensions between the two new judges on “American Idol” have been constant gossip fodder since the new season of the talent show began contestant auditions. Those tensions reached a new high recently when Minaj unleashed an expletive-laden rant at Carey during a taping. Later, Carey countered with a claim — at least according to Barbara Walters — that Minaj had threatened to “shoot” her. Minaj denies the claim.

theGrio: Nick Cannon says ‘American Idol’ producers are using Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj feud for publicity

Ever the diplomat, Obama responded in true presidential fashion. “I think that they are going to be able to sort it out, I am confident,” the president said. “I’m all about bringing people together, working for the same cause, I think both outstanding artists are going to be able to make sure that they’re moving forward and not going backwards.”

Click here to read more and listen to the live interview.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE