Steven Tyler slams Mariah Carey's 'American Idol' feud with Nicki Minaj as a publicity stunt

American Idol judge Mariah Carey

The Aerosmith star - who announced he was leaving the reality show in July after a successful two season run on the judging panel - believes producers have orchestrated the women's outspoken rivalry to boost ratings.

The 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing' singer told US gossip website TMZ: "Of course, are you kidding," when asked if he thought their furious bust-up was designed to generate more publicity.

Filming of the new series was called to a halt earlier this week after the judges' disagreement over a contestant turned into a bitter screaming match as Nicki hurled insults at Mariah, calling her "boring as f**k" and threatening "off with your head!"

The 'Starships' rapper has continued to blast Mariah on her twitter page.

But 'American Idol' producers have insisted the show must go on despite the tension and pledged their support for the entire judging panel.

In a statement last Friday, 'American Idol' producers said: "This is one of the best, most passionate, dynamic and invested judging panels we've ever had.

"We love and support all of the judges and the fantastic work they are doing, and we can't imagine a better group to find the next 'American Idol'.

Steven Tyler is reportedly set to marry for a third time

Erin Brady & Steven Tyler (inquisitr.com)

The Aerosmith singer’s long-term partner Erin Brady has been spotted wearing an engagement ring, speaking speculation Steven proposed over the Christmas break.

The 63-year-old musician has been wed twice before, to model Cyrinda Foxe from 1978 to 1987, and clothes designer Teresa Barrick from 1988 until 2006.

Steven started dating Erin shortly after his second divorce.

The ‘American Idol’ judge recently told how he was “ashamed” of his womanising past, and that he had been issued a wake up call by Erin after she had seen how “badly” he could behave.

He said: “There was some behaviour I am ashamed of and I shouldn't have done, I don’t want to hurt anybody again. For all the divorces I’ve had, I hurt those girls deeply. There was some behaviour that I’m ashamed of and I shouldn’t have done.”

Steven has four children, 34-year-old Liv Tyler - from a short relationship with model Bebe Buell - Mia, 33, from his marriage to Cyrinda, and daughter Chelsea, 22, and 21-year-old son Taj with Teresa.