Nicole Sherzinger to quit X Factor

The X Factor judge wants to focus on her own music career

13:31 13 February 2014

Nicole Scherzinger will quit the X Factor, according to reports. The news comes just days after Simon Cowell stated his intention to return to the show.

35-year-old singer Scherzinger hasn't recorded any new music since 2011’s Killer Love and is keen to get back into the studio, but doesn't believe her schedule can manage both jobs.

A friend of the Pussycat Dolls songstress told the Daily Mirror: “It breaks her heart, but Nicole is sad not to be able to go back to the show this year.

“She has agonised over the decision for months.”

A source close to Cowell told the Mirror that Scherzinger "will always be part of the X Factor family”.

While Rita Ora's name has been mentioned in speculative reports, the vacant chair is more likely to be filled by former judge Cheryl Cole who Cowell has been trying to get back on the show for months.

Back when Cole was a judge alongside Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannnii Minogue, the ratings were significantly higher - 19 million tuned in to see Matt Cardle scoop the grand prize, a far cry from the 11m who saw Sam Bailey crowned the winner in 2013.