Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey feud on "American Idol": Ryan Seacrest weighs in

Ryan Seacrest admits things got intense during an "American Idol" taping on Tuesday when an argument erupted between judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey - but he says that's just what the show needs.

Minaj was caught on video unleashing a tirade on Carey during an auditions stop in Charlotte, N.C. Amid a dispute over a contestant, the rapper announced that she was "not [expletive] putting up with her [expletive] highness over there."

Another new judge, Keith Urban, was in the unenviable position of sitting between the two of them.

On his radio show, Seacrest said "Idol" needs some passionate debate.

"It did get intense," he said. "We want that. We want them to be on this panel together. This is a good team, a great team, to go out and look for the next American Idol ... the feedback that they give is very good."

"American Idol" is still the nation's most popular show despite a dramatic fall-off in ratings last season that led to three new judges joining Randy Jackson. The show's new season premieres in January.

A Fox representative said Wednesday the network has no comment on its feuding judges.