Nick Cannon's close friend was "beyond shocked" when he learned of the presenter's illness.

Mariah Carey's 31-year-old husband was hospitalised over the holidays with mild kidney failure.

The America's Got Talent host has been recovering with his wife by his side in an Aspen, Colorado, hospital.

Nick's close friend DJ Irie is taken aback by this sudden sickness.

"I was beyond shocked when I learned Nick had a kidney issue," DJ Irie told People.

"Of all the people, he is healthy beyond belief. He does not drink, he eats healthy, and he works out regularly."

DJ Irie hopes that the wholesome customs Nick practices will aid him in his recovery.

"Nick practices all of these healthy habits every day of his life," DJ Irie explained. "But he is rational and smart and taking care of it by being in the hospital where he belongs now."

Nick is recuperating, but is "in a lot of pain" according to this wife.

Nick and Mariah have two children together. She gave birth to fraternal twins Monroe and Moroccan in April last year.