Barbara Walters visited Mariah Carey at her New York apartment ahead of the January 16 premiere of “American Idol.”  She opened up about her claims that the rap diva Nicki Minaj threatened violence against her, her whopping $18 million paycheck, and her family.  According to Mariah, she and Nicki have settled their differences, at least for now.

The full interview will air tonight at 11:35 p.m. EST on “Nightline.”

On her feud with Nicki Minaj: “It felt like an unsafe work environment.  Anytime anybody’s reeling threats at somebody, you know, it’s not appropriate.  I’m a professional. I’m not used to that type of environment.”

On feeling unsafe: “Sitting there on the road with two babies, I’m not gonna take any chances, so yeah, I did hire more security.”

On how it will affect “Idol”: “For all the drama, I hope it helps the show.  I think it’s a classic, classy show and it didn’t need this.”

On her reported $18 million salary: “I think we’re in the ballpark, but I can’t even talk about these things.”

On her daughter Monroe: “I call her Miss Monroe, and that kind of dictated her personality.  She’s a total diva.  She’s fascinated by jewelry, chandeliers, all these things.”

On her son Moroccan: “He’s my pal.  He’ll just watch movies with me. We’ve watched Shrek I don’t know how many times. We watch movies all the time together, relax. He’s more chill.”

On Nick Cannon: “He’s just as festive as I am.  I’m very, very festive, and he kind of almost trumps me there.”

On Nick’s health scare last year: “It was very serious, but he’s got some great doctors who really got in there and helped him out and at this point he is doing great.  He’s better than ever.”