Mariah Carey has responded to a song by Nicki Minaj that seems to criticise the singer.

The pair were both new additions to the judging panel on American Idol last year but the duo endured a rocky start, with a video emerging of Minaj arguing on set.

A song by the 'Pink Friday' star called 'Hell Yeah' emerged and it appeared to mention the pair's feud, with lyrics such as:

"I'm quick to check a b*tch that's out of line/ Why these bums so mad that the queen on Idol?"

Speaking to ABC News, Carey admitted that she doesn't know much about Minaj's career and said that American Idol is too "classy" for feuds and friction. She said:

"I don't know what she's singing. I didn't know she sang, I thought she rapped or whatever. I think [American Idol] is a classic, classy show and it didn't need this. I really think it was just a crass moment."

The vocal star added: "For me, this is ultimately about the kids, the contestants. I've been blessed to live my dream more than half my life so I want to help give that back to someone else."