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Producers of American Idol shelled out big bucks to secure Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj on this year's judging panel - but viewers weren't impressed after the show's 2013 TV debut.
The stateside talent show hit screens in America on Wednesday 16 January, with viewing figures 19% lower than the 2012 series. Viewers still tuned in in their millions, with 17.9m tuning in to see more hopefuls test their talents in front of the warring divas.
The show was trumped in the ratings by crime show NCIS, which drew 22.9m viewers in the same slot. This is the first time American Idol has not been the highest rated show during its first episode in its 11 year history.
Fans of the show have expressed their unhappiness with selecting Carey and Minaj to judge the show - and the subsequent attention place on the divas public feuding. US viewers say they are not interested in bickering between judges and instead remain focused on the contestants on the show.
Other complaints came that Minaj 'took over' the show, although there was praise for judges that took 'interest' in the contestants, referencing stars on The Voice USA or X Factor USA.
Nicki Minaj is a new judge on the US talent show - but audiences have turned off
American Idol has been hitting the headlines since long before the show hit US screens, with a screaming match between Carey and Minaj
During the row Mariah Carey hits back at Minaj's comments calling her 'your f***ing highness' accusing the rapper's bad behaviour for keeping her from her children.
Watch the divas' screaming match below.
Below: Mariah vs Nicki - the biggest female feuds in music
