'Idol' sees ratings dip, despite Minaj vs. Carey feud

Despite the highly publicized argument between judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, this week’s American Idol ratings fell 10 percent from last week’s season premiere.

Week two of Idol had an expected drop in viewers, totaling 16 million and a 5.4 18-49 rating, according to Entertainment Weekly.

The judges’ disagreement was over the future musical identity of a contestant, who claimed that she’d already done “the country thing,” MTV News reports.

While the viewers expected a nasty altercation, FOX chose to withhold broadcasting much of the argument, censoring the profanity and fighting words. Both divas made aggressive comments, but one in particular made by Minaj that was cut out of the episode:

“I told them, I’m not f---ing putting up with her f---ing highness over there.”

Minaj then stormed off the set, but returned after the commercial break to continue judging the singing hopefuls in Charlotte, N.C.

You can check out our full recap of the episode here. Another episode of Idol airs tonight.