MANILA, Philippines – The pilot season of “The X Factor (U.S.)” is apparently the first and last for Filipino-American singer Nicole Scherzinger, following her confirmation that she will no longer be part of the judging panel of the talent show.
The former front woman of all-female group The Pussycat Dolls announced via Twitter on Jan. 31, “I wanted to let you know directly from me that it's true I won't be returning to The X Factor.”
The US version of the massively successful UK talent search, which kicked off September last year, saw Scherzinger judging contestants alongside show executive producer Simon Cowell, his dear pal Paula Abdul (who was his fellow judge on “American Idol”), and record producer L.A. Reid.
Scherzinger, who was originally tapped to be a presenter on “X Factor,” stepped in as judge following Cheryl Cole’s controversial removal from the roster.
Amid rumors that Scherzinger, as well as Abdul and show judge Steve Jones, left the show against their will, a source told E! Online that the “Right There” singer wanted to leave "X Factor" to “focus on her music career.” Cowell, the source added, has “given her his blessing.”
Scherzinger's hectic schedule relating to her appearances on the show seemingly took a toll on her music, the source also intimated.
“‘X Factor’ took a lot more of her time than she ever expected… She didn't have any time really to work on her music. She was doing ‘X Factor’ six days a week,” said the E! source.
Last month, Scherzinger hinted on her true priorities in an interview also with E! Online. Acknowledging the difficulties of being a judge, she said, "I'm not a judge first—I'm an artist first. I've been there. I know what it's like."
Scherzinger is gearing for a European tour that will commence this February, according to E!
“Looking forward to an exciting year ahead and making great music and more! I'm grateful for the love you always give me,” she tweeted.
In a statement published on the Daily Mail, Cowell thanked his ex-fellow judges as well as Jones, for being part of the “X Factor.”
“We had a lot of fun making the show together and importantly, we found some real talent and stars. You do develop friendships with the people you work with and Paula, in particular, is a very close friend and I expect to be working with her on another project in the near future.
“I'm sure all three are going to have massive success in what they do next, but now is the time to thank them all for everything they did last year,’” said Cowell.
The question still remains as to who will take over the spots vacated by Scherzinger, Abdul, and Jones. Cowell, however, has openly expressed his interest in getting award-winning singer Mariah Carey as judge, according to a Reuters report.