Mariah Carey-Nicki Minaj feud gets a poke from Barbara Walters

Just when it seemed things were calming down between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, Barbara Walters has gone and stirred it all up again.

“American Idol” judges Carey and Minaj had a throwdown during auditions Tuesday, and footage from the squabble leaked overnight, but by Wednesday they’d reportedly mended professional fences and were sitting down to work together again. And producer Nigel Lythgoe was telling TMZ that no way, no how had Minaj said anything even remotely resembling a death threat, as the gossip website had reported.

Thursday brought another story, after Babs rang up her pal Mariah and then shared their chat with the gals on “The View.” That story didn’t agree with Nigel’s version of events.

PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’ judges through the years

Carey, Walters said, was worried after rapper Minaj, while walking off the “Idol” set following the Tuesday spat, allegedly said, “If I had a gun, I would shoot [her].” Other staffers heard the remark, Carey said.

“She is very concerned. She is with her twins,” Walters said. “She doesn’t feel that anything would happen. I’m quoting now, ‘But Nicki is unpredictable’ and Mariah says she can’t take a chance and she has hired extra security.”

Minaj didn’t take the implications lightly, choosing to ignore Walters’ invitation to call the show and instead blowing up her Twitter feed Thursday with her own rapid-fire, Mariah-mocking commentary, plus retweets of many fans who were speaking out in her favor.

“Hey yAll. Lets just say nicki said smthn about a gun. ppl will believe it cuz she’s a black rapper. Lmao. I’ll then hit up Barbara n milk it,” was among the many posts Minaj wrote Thursday.

“Ironically no camera or mic heard the gun comment tho. Lol @ the struggle. Not even the producers believed u. Say no to violence barbz.”

She also referred to Carey as “Shady McGrady” after saying, “All I do is compliment u. That’s not enuff? Ur a legend, cheer up. U don’t have to run down ur resume or feel intimidated.”

“American Idol” doesn’t begin airing until January. Think this feud will last long enough to keep viewers’ interest piqued until then?

ALSO:

Nicki Minaj performance slammed by Catholic League

Nicki Minaj nipple slip goes live on ‘Good Morning America’

Nicki Minaj tunes in Tokyo with her pointed MTV VMAs ensemble
Follow Christie D’Zurilla on Twitter and Google+. Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter @LATcelebs and on Facebook facebook.com/ministryofgossip.

PHOTOS AND MORE:

PHOTOS: Celebrity portraits by The Times