She’s been the surprise revelation of this year’s X Factor live shows. heat loves Nicole Scherzinger,  her passion for the contestants, her fair and honest singing critiques, her amazing fashions and – of course - her wacky one-liners. Who among us hasn’t turned round to a friend and said, “Two words, honey, li – ving (snap fingers twice)”?
 
So at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards with VO5 last night, attended by A-list celebs such as Kimberley Walsh, Louis Smith, Tulisa, Lawson and Fearne Cotton, we were thrilled to get a chat with the glamourpuss judge that everyone is talking about.

Hi Nicole. Were you worried at all about coming to the UK panel after your time on the US X Factor?

I was afraid to come over here because I moved my whole life to be here. I left my family and my friends. But there is such a great energy in the air. The people, the history, the culture, there is always something going on. I can be myself here. The people here allow me to be myself.

I love it here. It’s because you guys are bonkers so I can be bonkers too.

You’ve quickly become many people’s favourite judge. How does it feel to have been received so warmly by the British public?

Oh wow. I don’t know if I’m all that jazz. But that would be nice. [laughs] Just joking! I’ve worked really hard in the industry for a really long time. I’m true to myself and I’m honest. I just want to be the best mentor ever that I could possibly be. I just want to try and have fun with it and bring some energy. That’s all I’m ever trying to do.

And thank you for bringing Rylan into our lives…

You’re welcome! Everyone looked at me like I was crazy but it’s not just about singing, there are other shows for that, this about having something special, that shines – that’s why I say ‘shamazing’. I don’t know what I’m talking about, sometimes stuff just comes out of my mouth. You never know, I didn’t know I was going to talk about babyoil on national TV.

What does Simon say to you? Does he give you advice?

He just wants me to be myself. And not to be afraid to be myself. He’s very supportive.

And do all the judges really get on behind the scenes?

Yes. We’re a happy dysfunctional family on the show.

What about Gary’s fag ash breath comment to Tulisa. What would you have said if he said that to you?

I would have gone: [imitates smoking and then blowing smoke in his face] “Don’t you miss it darling.”

And you get on well with Tulisa?

Yes. My music, my message, I was in a girl group, I’ve always been about female empowerment. It wouldn’t be right if I wasn’t supportive. And we all have insecurities as girls, so it’s up to us to be loving and open to each other.

Do you look after your boys James, Jahmene and Rylan well?

I’m their mentor, not their mum. If they are swaggering around I’ll say focus and drink some water. Don’t get it twisted, you’re here for a reason.

They are grown boys, I speak to them in artist terms. I don’t tell them when to eat and sleep. I deal with them on a real artist human level.

Can they get free F1 tickets through Lewis?

No, they can’t have F1 tickets darling. The damn race is during the show. If I’m not going, nobody else is going, that’s for sure!