'American Idol' Shows 'Another Side' Of Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon Says

After one week of "American Idol" — and litany of passive-aggressive banter between judges/sworn blood enemies Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj — it's apparent that this season is going to be one for the ages (just ask fellow judge Keith Urban ... we're sure each taping feels like an eternity to him).

And yet, despite all that back-and-forth, most "Idol" aficionados seem to have already taken a shine to Carey, as she's earned high marks for her judging abilities (most seem to agree that Minaj is an acquired taste). Not surprisingly, that also includes her husband Nick Cannon, who told that he thinks Carey came off great in her first week on the job.

"I think the world gets a chance to see another side of Mariah, and everyone's falling in love with her; I looked at Twitter, Facebook, when I see all the write ups — because now they're judging the judges — they gave her an A all across the board," he said. "People got to see how knowledgeable she is as a musician and a singer, and she's so charismatic and the most nurturing person I know, so it's cool."

Of course, given the couple's busy schedules — Cannon was speaking to MTV News moments after wrapping his hosting stint at the Kids' Inaugural Concert in Washington, D.C. — they didn't get to watch Carey's "Idol" debut together ("We were on the phone watching it," Cannon laughed. "I was in LA and she was in New York.") But, after months of speculation about Carey's rivalry with Minaj, Cannon said he's just glad fans have finally gotten to see the two in action ... and, more importantly, witness his wife shine.

"Obviously they play up the drama," he said, "but then to see [that] everybody is really sincere — especially Mariah, she comes off so likeable — it's awesome."

And, as Cannon was quick to point out, there's another reason Carey excels at being an "American Idol" judge: if folks are going to get critiques from anyone on their singing abilities, well ...

"It might as well be from Mariah Carey," he laughed.

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