"Chicago was unbelievable." Nicki Minaj says. "Remarkable."

Well, maybe not. But it was a big improvement over New York.

The second night of American Idol's 12th-season premiere started ramping things up, not only the talent but also the escalating tensions between judges Mariah Carey and Minaj. The feud, which apparently boils over in next week's episodes, showed signs of building through the show, as both singers wearied of hearing the other speak.

The judges' roles are becoming more clearly defined, too. Jackson's having to play the heavy more than ever, flatly telling one contestant, "You're tone deaf." Carey's the maternal one, and the judge who strikes awe into the hearts of contestants who grew up modeling themselves after her. Minaj is the quote machine, the most incisive, eloquent one of the group. And Urban? "I feel like a scratching post," he said at one point, though his defusing sense of humor likely will play an important role in the season.

Here are some of the standouts from the episode

Kiara Lanier from Chicago – She starts by tells Mariah she made her want to sing and thanks her for having the opportunity to sing for her.  She sings Celine Dion’s Prayer.  The judges love it.  Nikki tells her it was pretty frickin pretty.  She had so much control. Randy tells her he loved it to.  Mariah tells her she has lots of potential and loved the way she went from loud to soft.  Keith tells her she looks great, she came to be a star.  The judges all vote YES, she is going to Hollywood.

Lazaro Arbos is from Cuba and he stutters.  He does not have a lot of friends because of his stutter, so his music is his life.  He is going to sing Bridge of Troubled Water.  He sings beautifully.  Keith tells him she should sing all the time.  Randy loves his voice.  Nikki thinks his story is very emotional.  He sang one of Keith’s all time favorite songs.  They all vote YES and he is on his way to Hollywood!