Mariah Carey has made millions of dollars over the past 20 years with her one of kind voice, radiant smile and cover girl looks. So when someone, Nicki Minaj to be exact, threatens to physically harm her it should come as no surprise that she'll take every precaution to protect her best assets.
In a recent interview with ABC's Barbara Walter, the pop star confirmed reports that she hired extra security guards after an on set verbal altercation with Minaj in October. In the leaked footage of the incident captured by a crew member, the hip hop star warns Carey to quit talking to her in a condescending manner or "I'm going to knock you out."

Carey clearly took that as threat of violence and beefed up her security team the next day. There were even reports that the "Starships" rapper threatened to use a gun to settle the score. Minaj has vehemently denied those reports.
"It felt like an unsafe work environment," Carey told Walters. "Anytime somebody's reeling threats at somebody, you know, it's not appropriate." "I've got two babies ... I'm not going to take any chances. I did hire more security. I felt it was the appropriate thing to do."
Though Carey has since stated that things are better on American Idol set, she's looking to put the ordeal behind her sooner than later.
"I think [Idol] is a classic classy show and it didn't need this. I really think it was just a crass moment."  
A wily veteran, Walters tired to get Carey to respond to the lyrics on a recent Nicki's single, "Hell Yeah."
"I'll take it, sign on the dotted line/ But I'm quick to check a b---- if she's outta line ... Why these bums so mad that the queen on Idol?" Minaj rapped.
"Don't know," Carey said when Walters asked if she was the "b----" Minaj was singing about. "Don't know what she sang. Didn't know she sang, I thought she rapped, or whatever," Carey added.
The new season of American Idol airs on January 16.

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