The much-publicized spat between American Idol stars Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj may have all been a publicity stunt. The Hollywood Reporter quotes a source saying, “ The Mariah-Nicki diva battle is exactly what Fox executives wanted all along,” suggesting the two women were in on the joke: “No one's really worried. They know the parts they’re supposed to play.” However, another insider claims, "Nicki went off and threatened Mariah."

There was no encore between the two on Wednesday, according to TMZ.com . The website's sources say Mariah and Nicki acted in a civil manner towards one another during another day of auditions in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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