Nicki Minaj derailed the "American Idol" auditions in Charlotte, North Carolina Tuesday, after swearing at Mariah Carey and threatening, "I'm gonna knock you out" ... sources tell TMZ.

In the footage, obtained by TMZ, Nicki is clearly furious ... shouting, "I told them I'm not f*ckin' putting up with her f**kin' highness over there."

Sources say Nicki later threatened to "knock out" Mariah ... but she said it before the video starts.

It all went down while the two were sitting at the judge's table ... with Keith Urban sitting in between them and Randy Jackson sitting on the far end, next to Mariah.

We're told the whole thing exploded over a disagreement over a contestant's performance.

Listen closely as you play the video ... you'll hear

Nicki Get this s**t in self control. Get in control. Get in control.
Randy Settle down, settle down
Nicki Don't lose your head. Don't lose your head (inaudible). Don't tell me I'm a gangster.
Nicki (inaudible) every 5 minutes. So every time you patronize me, I'm-ma take it back, and if you've got a f**king problem, handle it.
Nicki I told them I'm not f**kin' putting up with her f**king highness over there. Figure it the f**k out. Figure it out.
Nicki I'm not gonna sit here every f**king minute to have you come down and harass me every minute everyday.

Big wigs on the show seem uncharacteristically upset by the blow up. It seems producers are worried about Mariah and Nicki co-existing for the long haul.

obowunmi: Nicki doesn't respect her elders. See how she treated Lil'Kim.

pastie: Are they Nigerians ?

Todaynatoday: But this news is of no concern to the common Nigerian man! I'm not hating ooo, just saying this news shouldn't have been brought to the attention of general nairalanders.
Anyways @op, they both need Christ in their life.

Abujafood: No one seems to be talking about Maria provoking Nicki minaj! Nicki is a highly temperamental lady and provoking her is bound to lead to an explosive encounter! Mariah Show you're bigger by being more mature! Manage your feelings better!

slimming:

The present world does not give room for rest, becos money and wealth is now a yardstick for respect.

SlyIg: And who is this Nickie Minaj?

all4naija: Must you comment? If you don't like it you steer clear of it. You are not forced to comment.You don't have to dictate what is right for front-page.