Ryan Seacrest Dubs Nicki Minaj vs. Mariah Carey Showdown as "Intense"

During an American Idol taping in Charlotte last night, Nicki Minaj lost her collective $hit on fellow judge Mariah Carey, cursing her off and, according to some reports, even threatening the life of this pop music icon.

You can listen to parts of the exchange below:

Nicki Minaj Goes Off on Mariah Carey

During his radio program this morning, Ryan Seacrest acknowledged that a confrontation took place and explained it as such:

"These are all very different individuals with different perspectives and different opinions that provide for interesting conversation and dialogue and feedback for the contestants."

But did Minaj really refer to Cary as her "f-cking highness?"

"It got heated between Nicki and Mariah," said Seacrest, who was outside the auditorium during the fight. "It was intense! I'll be honest with you... It went far last night. It did get intense."

Hmmm... so American Idol is coming off its worst ratings season yet. And cameras happened to be rolling during this dust-up? And the video happened to get leaked? And Seacrest had no problem playing up its seriousness?

Any else smell a publicity stunt?