Nicole Scherzinger has found success overseas with her 2011 album Killer Love, but she has yet to conquer the U.S. In early 2015, the former Pussycat Doll will release her solo debut Big Fat Lie stateside via Epic Records. During a quick promo run in Los Angeles, Nicole caught up with Rap-Up TV to discuss her new sound and emotional journey.

“I’ve been waiting a minute, a strong minute to come out with an album finally here in the U.S.,” said the 36-year-old singer, who will star in the West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats. “I think it was important for me to come out with something that’s really authentic to who I am as an artist.”

She was brought to tears while recording the first single, the raw and vulnerable ballad “Run.” “The song is deeply personal to me and it does show another side to me, a vulnerable side that people don’t normally get to see, a more raw side, an authentic side,” said Nicole.

She credits executive producers Tricky Stewart and The-Dream for helping her find her voice. “I realized when I opened up about some of the struggles, I was able to be a voice and help other people to have the courage to fight back whatever they were going through.”

The title Big Fat Lie has multiple meanings. “First of all, there a lot of misconceptions about me out there. For other people, things aren’t always what they appear to be,” she said. “Another reason is the big fat lies I think we tell ourselves sometimes. Everybody’s got something they’re dealing with. And I know I have my fair share and lot of people don’t feel like they can relate to me, but they don’t realize I can actually relate to them.”

She hopes the album will be well received in the U.S. “I’m so damn passionate about it and I worked so hard, so it would mean a lot for people to see the heart and the soul that I put into my music,” said an emotional Nicole. “It would mean a lot to really hit back home and have everybody feel and connect and love the album and the music.”

Look out for Part 2 of our exclusive interview next week.