Looks like the American Idol folks are wishing for the days of mild Simon vs. Paula dustups.

According to TMZ, two of the Fox show’s new judges, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey, got into a huge argument during auditions in Charlotte, N.C. Minaj threatened to “knock out” Carey, saying “Off with your head,” while Carey retorted “Why, whyyy, do I have a 3-year-old sitting around me?”

TMZ also reported that Minaj threatened Carey by saying, “If I had a gun I would shoot her,” although Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe denied the claim.

The argument started when the two judges disagreed over a singer’s performance. Idol producers decided to go ahead and call off the rest of the day’s auditions.

In the video, the show’s third new judge, Keith Urban, throws up his hands as he sits between them, while veteran judge Randy Jackson tries to play peacemaker.

Apparently, this isn’t the first time Minaj and Carey have battled on the show — TMZ reported an incident a few weeks ago between the two.

MTV’s Jocelyn Vena talked with Ryan Seacrest about the battle — Seacrest said the argument “went a little far”.