Vocal superstar Mariah Carey has spoken out about her excitement towards the new season of 'American Idol', which will return to TV very soon.

During the press conference, the 'Obsessed' songstress explained that there's an intense dynamic between the judges that makes for fantastic viewing:

"This is a very passionate panel, there are a lot of strong personalities. The fighting is what it is. This is 'American Idol' -- it's bigger than all that. It's bigger than some stupid trumped-up thing."

Despite their obvious differences and the on-screen argument that went viral, panelist Nicki Minaj added that she's particularly looking forward to helping contestants become the next Carey, because they so often aspire to have the same level of talent as she does:

"I say nice things about Mariah all the time, she's one of my favorite artists of all-time she's really shaped a generation of singers. To be on a panel with her, it's kind of crazy because these singers aspire to be a Mariah Carey. So I feel excited to see them so excited."

Upon hearing that compliment, Carey added: "That was obviously a sweet thing to say... I know and feel that she's going to go very far and am grateful for anything nice that she or anyone says about me."

She then joked: "We're putting the 'fun' back in dysfunction."

Watch the Nicki Minaj trailer for the new 'American Idol' series below: