Nicole Scherzinger

Popstar Nicole Scherzinger used to be obsessed with singer Paula Abdul and even had wallpaper emblazoned with pictures of the star.

The pair are currently both on the judging panel of the new US X Factor along with Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid and Nicole – who replaced ousted judge Cheryl Cole – was thrilled to get the chance to work with her idol.

“Growing up, I loved Paula, like I was kind of obsessed with Paula. I had like Paula Abdul wallpaper and Paula Abdul, like, gowns and everything. Yeah. I was kind of obsessed with her.” Nicole says.

The Heartbeat hitmaker is delighted to have joined the judging panel of the show after initially joining as co-host with Steve Jones and says she has finally found a “bigger diva” than herself in music mogul Simon Cowell.

Asked if she had ever met someone with a bigger ego than Simon, Nicole answered: “No, absolutely not. It’s rubbing off on me, actually.”