Nicki Minaj says past 'American Idol' winners such as Jordin Sparks are 'a part of history'

Before signing on to become a judge for Season 12 of American Idol, Nicki Minaj admits she felt “inspired” by watching past seasons.

Minaj said in an interview announcing her signing on to the show that she spoke with past Idol winner Jordin Sparks, who now stars in the film Sparkle opposite the late Whitney Houston.

"I spoke to [season 6 winner] Jordin Sparks the other day and here she is starring in a movie ['Sparkle'] and I said to her, 'I remember watching you and picking up my phone,” Minaj said during a press conference, MTV News reports.

Minaj did admit, however, that she didn’t vote for Sparks, the most recent female winner, but she voted for Blake Lewis.

"Because my little brother was more obsessed over the Blake person because he was like, more, you know, hip-hop, whatever," she explained."But I told her [Sparks] that, 'you know you're a part of history, kind of. Because I remember calling and seeing your face and being inspired and hearing your story."

The “Super Bass” singer also gushed about joining the show, saying “This is such a credible brand. It's real...ly serious, it's real deal it's not anything else other than really looking for talent. If I can be a part of that I'm really down for it."

And although there have been rumors that Minaj is already feuding with fellow judge Mariah Carey, host Ryan Seacrest is shutting them down.

“Nicki and Mariah, two very different, strong, powerful, successful women on the panel. There are not too many dull moments between the two of them,” Seacrest told Matt Lauer on the Today show on Tuesday. “At the end of the day, we all hug and laugh and go home.”

Carey, herself, even denied the rumors, telling reporters “A feud takes a little longer to happen.”

image: Fox