New X Factor singers will blow you away, reveals judge Nicole
X FACTOR judge Nicole Scherzinger yesterday told fans this year’s show “will blow your face off” when the contest returns tomorrow. The Pussycat Dolls singer, 38, was speaking in London at the launch of the 13th series, and praised the latest batch of popstar hopefuls. She said: “There are voices that will blow your face off as well as more eccentric talent.” The former partner of Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton added: “It feels so good being back. I’m with my family and London is my second home. “I’m having a good time. I love music and it’s my life. It’s a really good vibe on the judging panel.” The US singer also revealed she had been forgiven by West End producer Andrew Lloyd Webber for pulling out of smash-hit musical Cats to appear on the ITV programme. She said: “We have made up. I love and respect Andrew and can’t wait to work with him again. He’s a legend. I grew up with theatre and stage. It will have its time again.” The show’s boss Simon Cowell and returning judge Sharon Osbourne were absent at the launch. But original judge Louis Walsh was there posing with a lookalike puppet that will appear in the latest series of Newzoids, the satirical sketch show that’s been compared to Spitting Image.
Mr Walsh said his pal Mr Cowell is “fighting” to get The X Factor back to top form after facing its lowest ratings last year.
He said: “I wanted to come back. Simon wanted me back and the show wasn’t really good last year.” The 64-year-old, the man behind Boyzone and Westlife, said: “The ratings weren’t good. And it wasn’t much fun. I watched it at home and it wasn’t like the old X Factor. It’s a family entertainment show and you need people who like working together, who are fun and enjoy it.”
Returning host Dermot O’Leary admitted he was surprised to be asked back after last year’s presenters Olly Murs and Caroline Flack were criticised for making gaffes.
The Essex-born presenter said: “I missed it. In my heart I definitely missed it. To be honest, when I made the call to leave I thought that the ship had sailed. I was surprised to be asked back.”
The 43-year-old said the judges were nicer than they used to be, especially Mr Cowell.
He added: “That Mr Nasty thing is aeons ago. He’s never really been that person anyway.”
Asked how the show’s winner gets a number one single – after last year’s victor Louisa Johnson’s debut track only reached number nine – he joked : “That’s a question above my pay grade.”
The X Factor returns at 8pm on ITV tomorrow.