Mariah Carey's husband Nick Cannon has slammed FOX for leaking video footage that shows Carey and American Idol judge Nicki Minaj engaging in a heated argument on set.

The clip, obtained by TMZ, shows the two new female panelists exchanging strong words while sat behind the judging desk and Cannon told Access Hollywood Live today (October 3) that it's unprofessional to show videos like this because it takes away from what American Idol is truly about:

"I feel like it's taking away from the quality of what Idol is all about; this is about people accomplishing their dreams and experts guiding these young people to do what they've done. I'm kind of disappointed in (Tv network bosses at) Fox because they're taking away from the quality of what Idol is."

He added that he is very proud at how Carey handled the situation and was able to maintain her integrity by not rising to the fight:

"My wife is the strongest and the classiest woman that I've ever met. If you watch the video she just maintains her composure... I don't think she's moved by the theatrics and the pageantry of it all. She signed up to do a job to help young people accomplish their dreams and this is like a sidebar. I hope that's not what this show becomes about - the catfights."