Not a single, solitary episode of 'American Idol' Season 12 has aired yet and it's already rife with plenty of Nicki Minaj-generated controversy. Forget Mariah-gate. That's so last month.

Steven Tyler has already offered a response to Minaj's pointed accusations that he's a racist (due to comments he made about her judging ability). The former and current 'American Idol' judge had a bit of a spat in the press, with Tyler chalking it up to a big ol' misunderstanding.

To refresh, Tyler said in an interview that if Minaj had to judge classic rock icon Bob Dylan on a 'Idol,' she'd have him sent to the cornfields. That was Tyler's way of saying that he doesn't think Minaj is qualified to judge talent. Her retort? She called him a racist and told him to go f--- himself. She also intimated that his comment was a case of sour grapes, since she said he wanted to keep his job on the show.

Tyer has not offered his take on things, saying "I apologize if it was taken wrong, Nicki, but I am the farthest from [being a racist]," according to E! "I am the last thing on this planet as far as being a racist. I don't know where she got that out of me saying I'm not sure how she would've judged Bob Dylan."

He further said, "Maybe I spoke out of turn, but a racist I'm not, Nicki."

That's his story and he's sticking to it.

The show's producers have got to be loving all this drama. It's generating so much publicity for a new season with a new-look judging panel.

PopCrushers, does this drama make you more or less interested in Season 12?

Watch the Nicki Minaj 'Freedom' Video

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