Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey "Collide in a Good Way" on American Idol

Much has been said about the fact that American Idol executives have chosen to put both Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj on the panel.  Many have even said that Carey threatened to walk if they offered Minaj a contract but, alas, they are working together and executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe, claims that it’s turned into a great situation.

He explained that the divas "have collided, but only collided in a good way, a creative way." I’m not exactly sure what that’s going to look like but it’s definitely going to attract viewers.

One thing that was surprising was that Lythgoe said that Minaj defers to Carey and even has admonished hopefuls who come in singing a Mariah Carey song: "[Nicki] says, 'You do realize you're auditioning in front of this incredible singer here, why would you want to choose her song to sing?' "

To bring a little experience to the table, veteran judge, Randy Jackson, has been brought back to sit on the panel along with another newcomer, Keith Urban. 

Lythgoe went on to say that the new judges may even be a little too helpful with the contestants.  "It really has already become very constructive," he said, "to the point that I'm saying, 'For Christ's sake, shut up. Let's move on.' "

The 12^th season of American Idol premieres in January 2013.