There has been drama over Nicki Minaj joining the judges’ table on “American Idol” because of her difficult relationship with Creative Artists Agency, sources tell Page Six.
CAA represents various finalists of “American Idol” as well as the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest. The high-powered talent agency also used to rep pint-size rapper Minaj — until she fired them about nine months ago, sources say.
“If she hadn’t fired them last year, this deal would have been a lot easier,” said one insider.
Minaj, sources say, is still in talks to become a judge on the talent-competition show, joining Mariah Carey on the panel. Both women would fill slots left vacant by outgoing judges Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith, and Jennifer Lopez, who quit to focus on her music career and other pursuits.
But sources tell us there has been a battle behind the scenes on whether or not to hire Minaj, who is known for being a diva.
“There is some heated debate,” said one source. “There are some producers who really want her. Others have been trying to block it.”
One of those “others” potentially includes Carey. According to reports, Carey is furious that “Idol” wants to sign Minaj, because the wife of Nick Cannon was told she would be the only female judge on the panel.
Minaj enhanced her reputation for diva-like antics recently. She pulled out of the Hot 97 Summer Jam 2012 concert in June at the last minute, after on-air DJ Peter Rosenberg criticized her music. Minaj is also being sued by a Dallas nightclub owner who claims she didn’t show up to an appearance for which she was paid $30,000 earlier this month.
Other potential new judges on “American Idol” include Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Nick Jonas, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Enrique Iglesias. A Fox rep had no comment.
While show insiders insisted the agency does not decide which stars join “Idol,” a CAA rep declined to comment.