Nicole Scherzinger Confirms Role as Judge on U.K. 'X Factor'

Nino Munoz

Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger made it official late Friday, confirming that she would serve as a judge on the new season of the U.K. version of Simon Cowell's X Factor.

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"I’m so excited to join the UK X Factor family," the singer said on Twitter. "It's where I got my start, so it feels great to come full circle. I can’t wait to see what talent the UK has to offer and to help inspire and bring out the best in these artists."

The Twitter account for the show, which airs on ITV1, also confirmed the addition. "What's new pussycat?" it said. "Well we can confirm the gorgeous @NicoleScherzy is the 4th Judge on this year's judging panel! #Glam #Girlpower."

She replaces former Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland.

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"Kelly has not been able to agree a deal that fits into her autumn/winter schedule, so sadly cannot accept a place on the 2012 panel," a spokesperson for her said earlier this year.

Scherzinger will join previously announced returning judges Tulisa Contostavlos, Gary Barlow, of Take That fame, and Louis Walsh on the music talent show.

Cowell's production firm Syco Entertainment also touted the news on Twitter, saying "multi-million selling artist @Nicole Scherzy is announced as the fourth Judge on this year's @TheXFactor."

Scherzinger replaced Cheryl Cole on the U.S. version of the show last year, but then was replaced herself by Britney Spears for the upcoming season. She filled in on the U.K. show in 2010 for a pregnant Dannii Minogue and recently served as guest judge at a London audition for the show.

According to U.K. tabloid reports, Scherzinger's deal is worth £750,000 ($1.17 million).

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai