Barack Obama: "Nicki Minaj And Mariah Carey Can End American Idol Feud"

17 October 2012, 12:54

US president says he hopes the pair will be able to move on from their American Idol rift.

US president Barack Obama has weighed in on the reported feud between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey.

Video footage released earlier this month showed the pair arguing on the set of American Idol, where they are both judges.

Producers immediately downplayed the alleged rift, describing the judging panel as the "best, most passionate, dynamic and invested judging panels" they had ever showcased.

Barack Obama took a break from attempting to get re-elected for a second presidential term, to discuss the feud on Y100 radio in America.

"I'm all about bringing people together, working for the same cause," he said. "I think that they are going to be able to sort it out. I am confident."

He continued: "I think both outstanding artists are going to be able to make sure that they're moving forward and not going backward."

Speaking about Nicki, Obama added: "She's actually done some [campaign] events for us. I've got [Nicki] on my iPod."

American Idol features a revamped judging panel this year of Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and retiring panelist Randy Jackston.