Nicole Scherzinger first found real fame as a member of The Pussycat Dolls, the girl group which sold 15 million albums and 37 million singles worldwide making them one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. After taking a break from the act in December 2010, Nicole released her solo album in 2011, claiming the number one spot in the UK charts with the single Don’t Hold Your Breath and she also reached the top five with singles Poison and Right There.

The brunette beauty judged on The X Factor USA last year alongside Simon Cowell and in 2012 joins Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Louis Walsh for the UK series. With all her own musical achievements, Nicole knows what it takes to succeed and she is looking to find the best talent the UK has to offer.

What makes The X Factor the best singing show on TV?

It isn’t JUST a singing show, its all about the X-traordinary Factor – great voices and real talent who also have a great passion for music and are prepared to work hard. The entire sparkle package!

What are you going to do to make sure this year’s show is bigger and better than ever before?

Be myself, heart and soul and give 110% like I always do. As an international artist and someone who has been in the music industry for a number of years I know what will sell in the US and across the world, so I will bring this knowledge to The X Factor in the UK. I’ll be helping the contestants and audiences to see what it truly takes to make it and bring out the best in them.

Do you have any regrets from last year when you were on the US X Factor?

I would have voted for Rachel Crow when it was down to the wire instead of leaving it up to America’s vote.

What is the talent like this year?

We have found some real gems, artists that I believe could cut it in the international market. All the categories have strong talent so whoever I get to work with, I hope they will benefit from my help, support, knowledge and experience. I worked hard to get where I am today and they will need to as well.

What’s going to be your secret weapon this year to make sure that your category keeps all its acts the longest?

Work, work, work plus heart and soul in every performance. To keep the audience connected and to try new things we’ve never tried before. I want to keep it fun, entertaining and interesting.

What one piece of advice would you give to those who will go forward to the Live Shows?

It’s all about the choices you make, from the songs, the clothes, the style and the choices you make within a performance. Your choices are key and crucial.

Also, since it’s a live show – rock and roll babe! LIVE in the moment! I always say, perform like it’s your last song.

What’s your golden rule that you’ll be telling each of your contestants?

I just ask that their performances are honest and real. For that one song, to sing for their lives and to tell their story. And to have some fun while they’re doing it. Otherwise, why do it?

Do you feel pressure now from other shows who are finding new talent?

No, I think it’s wonderful all these other shows are successful. It just shows that the UK has an appetite for these talent competition shows. The X Factor is different as we’re not just about finding a great voice, but that special Sparkle Factor too.

How are you and the other Judges getting along?

Splendid! I’m having a good time and feel right at home.

Source: Unrealitytv.co.uk