February 26, 2013

Judges Keith Urban, Mariah Carey (L) and Nicki Minaj (R) smile at a Fox panel for the television series "American Idol" at the 2013 Winter Press Tour for the Television Critics Association in Pasadena, California January 8, 2013. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Just because he's an American Idol judge doesn't mean Keith Urban is taking sides.

Either when it comes to the contestants -- or fellow judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey.

In fact, the 45-year-old country music star says he hit it off immediately with the supposedly duelling divas.

"What I really liked about Nicki was just her straight shooting directism," says Urban on a call from Las Vegas where the second week of sudden death rounds continues Wednesday.

"For me, growing up in Australia I like being around people that are just absolutely raw and straight and tell it like it is. So I just kind of clicked with Nicki right from the get go."

As for getting on Carey's good side, Urban also scored there.