Mariah Carey and Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson has never hidden that she is the biggest Mariah Carey fan alive but last night she let it all hang out. Following her debut performance of her new single, the motivational Pop anthem “People like Us”, on American Idol, the original winner of the show basically transformed into a raving lamb.

Standing under the glow of a black light with neon paint and bright makeup – eat your heart out, Ke$ha – Clarkson belted “People like Us” and reminded the world why she won American Idol over decade ago. However, she was admittedly nervous throughout the performance and immediately began singing Carey’s praises when the music ended.

“I just sang for Mariah Carey! Oh my God, I love her!” Clarkson gushed as Carey made her way to the stage to greet her. “If I was one of [the contestants] having to audition, I would have vomited on the stage!” Meanwhile,  a visibly upset Nicki Minaj sat at the judges table knowing that no talented singer in the industry would ever credit her as an influence.

Nicki Minaj gets reminded of her place.

Carey, who is recording her latest album, returned Clarkson’s compliments and even asked for her advice on her new material. Is a duet between the two songbirds in out near future? Will Minaj be invited to rap a verse or will she continue to sulk in the audience without an invitation? Watch the American Idol footage below as we think of the possibilities:

Nicki can’t sit with us.

Photo by FOX via Getty Images

Thoughts?