Toronto (CTV/CNN) - Rapper Nicki Minaj is sparring with former American Idol judge Steven Tyler over her judging style.
Tyler said that there wasn't enough "camaraderie" among the new judges, and that the "Starships" rapper would've sent Bob Dylan to a cornfield if he auditioned.
Minaj fired back on Twitter, calling Tyler's comment racist.
During an interview with a Canadian entertainment show, Tyler said Minaj has him pegged all wrong.
"No, it was a moment. You know, I apologize if it was taken wrong, Nicki. Um, but I am the farthest from - what did she say I was? - A racist. I am the last thing on this planet as far as being a racist. I don't know where she got that, out of me saying I'm not sure how she would've judged Bob Dylan. Uh, you know, I was just saying if Bob Dylan came on the show he would've been thrown off. You know, maybe I spoke out of turn, but a racist I am not, Nicki," said Tyler.
The host of American Idol, Ryan Seacrest, told Jimmy Kimmel that people are going to be "very impressed" with Minaj's judging abilities on the show.
The new season of American Idol begins Wednesday January 16th.
CTV/CNN