Getting a boost in her seemingly moribund career is Filipina-American singer Nicole Scherzinger, who has just been tapped to replace British singer Cheryl Cole as judge on “X-Factor-USA.”
Scherzinger was originally chosen as segment host of the newly-established program.
Reports weren’t clear why Cole, who was among the more popular judge-mentor of “X-Factor UK,” was dropped. Some claim the ejection was due to Cole being relatively unknown in the US. Other reports say it was her strong British accent that did her in.
There are reports as well about Cole's difficulty in mixing with the show’s other judges which include former “American Idol” host Paula Abdul and Grammy-winning producer LA Reid.
As mum on the subject is show creator and resident “X-Factor” judge Simon Cowell, who was last seen as judge on “American Idol.”
A report has it that Cowell is washing his hands of the incident and that he is pointing a finger at executives of Fox TV—the network that will air the show---among those responsible for sacking Cole.
She began a career on TV as host of her own variety show "Cheryl Cole's Night In" in 2009. She was picked by Cowell to replace Sharon Osbourne in the fifth season of “X-Factor-UK.” She returned for two more seasons before being named as judge of the American version of the show.
Scherzinger, whose real family name is Valiente, was born on June 29, 1978, in Hawaii. Her father, Alfonso Valiente, is of Filipino descent.
Scherzinger left The Pussycat Dolls last year to embark on a solo career. She has released a CD earlier this year dubbed, “Killer Love.” Prior, she released two singles, "Whatever U Like" and "Baby Love," both of which didn't fare well in the charts here and abroad. She won on "Dancing with the Stars" last year.