They had to send five female contestants packing on “American Idol” this week, and Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj had a difficult time saying goodbye.

The “Always Be My Baby” songstress told press, “I hated it. Everybody was talented and different. There were some special people we had to get rid of.”

Minaj concurred, stating, “I don’t want to hurt people’s feelings, but I guess that’s what we’re required to do.”

Meanwhile, Keith Urban had to kick one of his favorites to the curb- "I couldn't get enough votes. It was just simple as that. We all take turns saying 'yay' or 'nay' to the girls, and I actually had to say it to the girl I had voted for. That's particularly hard."

"You have to re-discuss and re-discuss what is it we're really looking for and what we are basing this decision on. Even that is never easy. There is no clear cut decision on that,” he added.