Mariah Carey boosts security amid Nicki Minaj feud on 'American Idol'

Mariah Carey said she hired increased security following what she described as threats reportedly made against her by fellow "American Idol" judge Nicki Minaj.

"Anytime anybody's reeling threats at somebody, you know, it's not appropriate," Carey said.

"I'm a professional. I'm not used to that type of environment," she said, adding that she hired extra security.

Walters has reported that, according to Carey, others on the "Idol" set have heard Minaj go further and say off-camera that "If I had a gun, I would shoot that ----."

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"Sitting there on the road with two babies, I'm not going to take any chances," Carey said, referring to her 20-month-old twins with husband Nick Cannon.

But in a sign of media savvy, she noted that "for all the drama, I hope it helps the show."

Walters also asked Carey about reports that she is being paid $18 million for each "Idol" season.

"I think we're in the ballpark, [but] I can't even talk about those things," the singer replied.