Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey were back on the job, attending a live Q&A during the season premiere screening of “American Idol” at Royce Hall at UCLA on Wednesday. Both ladies looked lovely as they fielded questions from their fans alongside fellow judges Keith Urban and Randy Jackson, and host Ryan Seacrest.

Mariah was battling a bit of bronchitis, but she happily took questions from her Lambs.

“It’s ‘American Idol.’ It changed trends in music, it’s created massive superstars,” said MC of her decision to do the show. “I just had two babies, Roc and Roe, and I thought it would be a good thing for me to have something that was a little more stable than constantly working.”

Nicki consulted with those close to her including her Young Money boss before making her decision.

“The last person I asked was Lil Wayne and he said absolutely do it,” explained Nicki. “That was my last thing where I found peace with it.”

Later that night, Nicki found out that she won the award for Favorite Hip-Hop Artist at the People’s Choice Awards.

“Thanks Barbz!!!!!! My 1st People’s Choice Award. Yaaayyyyy!!!!!! How exciting… 🙂 Nice of them to think of me. XOXO!!!!!!” she tweeted.

Watch the full Q&A below.