The newly revamped American Idol panel had the streets of New York City buzzing as Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and Randy Jackson began the first auditions in the Big Apple on Sunday. Before listening to all the good (and bad) the city has to offer at the Lincoln Center, the new judges took the time to catch up with the media and speak on their new endeavor. According to an insider, Minaj will receive $12 million in her one-year deal, while Carey rakes in close to $18 million for one season.

While Nicki doesn’t mind if contestants covering her songs, she admits she’ll be a little giddy if that scenario pops up. “If they want to, it’ll be fun. I’ll probably start cracking up laughing just ’cause I’m mentally unstable sometimes, but they shouldn’t be afraid at all. We’ll have fun. The Barbz are gonna be watching. It’s gonna be poppin’.”

Watch footage of the new Idol crew arriving for auditions in NYC below….

Thanks to Rap-Up

Previously: Nicki Minaj Joins ‘American Idol’: Will The Barbz Discover the Next Big Star?