SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- It's probably not what you think when you hear the words "9 to 5," but in Nicki Minaj's made-for-Mattel universe, taking a seat at the "American Idol" judges' table, after signing on in September, has landed her right back on that daily grind.

OK, so, she has way more 0's on her time sheet than you do, but rap's mogul Barbie has to get up just as early. So with her E! special snatching headlines, MTV News ventured deep into Texas hill country to sit down with the new judge after a daylong taping of "Idol" auditions.

Minaj was (understandably) ready for a power nap: She traded her earlier set outfit for a glam-but-casual look; black cap, purple sweat suit and fluffy pink slippers that she kicked off once our cameras started rolling (as you'll notice in the embedded video). "AI" has been "pretty good" she told us.

"It's been a new experience for me. And it's just been interesting for me to have a 9 to 5 job," she said, explaining, "I haven't done that in such a long time. I haven't had to come somewhere and do a specific thing. I've been kind of creating my own schedule for the last few years, so it's interesting, but I love the people there, so that makes it OK."

Hold up, hold up, hold up. Cue the Big Sean ad-lib, please, because Nicki just professed her "love" for the people on "Idol." Did that include her co-panelist Mariah Carey, who she dubbed "Shady McGrady" during an epic Twitter rant last month, which was fueled by a leaked set video that captured the two divas dueling?

Barbz vs. Lambs: Nicki and Mariah fans take sides in "Idol" debate.

So we asked the MC whether she and MC had patched things up.

"We've been fine," Minaj said, exasperation creeping into her voice.

Fans will have to judge the chemistry for themselves when the show kicks off in January. But on Sunday night, the "Re-Up" rapper was far chattier about the highly rated Fox show itself, raving about the contestants who'd been doing their best a cappellas for Mariah, Keith Urban, the dawg, Randy Jackson and, of course, Nicki.

"We've seen some amazing, talented people and, you know, they've kind of just been a breath of fresh air 'cause you don't know what lies ahead for them. You're meeting them first; one of these people is gonna be a superstar very soon," she said with a smile.

Are you happy to hear that things between Nicki and Mariah are "fine"? Share your thoughts in the comments!