On June 9, 2011, "The X Factor" U.S. auditions took place in front of the show’s judges at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. I had a chance to briefly interview the judges at the Prudential Center before the auditions. Here is what this "X Factor" U.S. judge said:
NICOLE SCHERZINGER
Did you have any apprehension about switching from being a host to being a judge on ‘The X Factor" U.S.?
No, not at all. I wanted to be part of the show. I believe in the show. I believe in Simon [Cowell]. I was happy to take on the role of a host, but when they told me about the judge [position], I couldn’t be more ecstatic. What a great opportunity.
Have you had any contact with Cheryl Cole, whom you replaced as an "X Factor" U.S. judge?
No, I haven’t. She’s a lovely girl though.
What do you think about all the rumors about why Cheryl Cole was let go from "The X Factor" U.S.?
I don’t know what the rumors are. I’m sure some of them are not true.
What do you think about former "American Idol" judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul reuniting as judges on "The X Factor" U.S.?
I’m in love with both of them. I couldn’t be happier to be on the panel.
You were discovered on the reality show/talent contest "Popstars." How does that past experience affecting how you judge contestants on "The X Factor"?
As an artist coming from that place, you can truly empathize. You just can’t be like, "No," for no good reason. But they’ve got to be in it for the right reasons. We’ve only got a couple of months to make a huge star and give [that winning act] a $5 million recording contract. We’re looking for artists who are ready right now.
When you think of your first day as an "X Factor" judge, how did the level of nervousness you had that day compare to any nerves you may have experienced before any of your big concerts?
I would rank it about 1,000 in nervousness. I feel more comfortable on stage — singing and performing — than actually being on the other side of the panel, but the other judges took me into their arms. They were really there for me. They smacked me and hit me around when I was out of line. I’m joking.
They really made me feel at home. I really invested my time and realized, "Wow, put your focus on these contestants," because I’ve been there before. That made it so much easier.
What advice do you have for "X Factor" contestants?
Be true to yourself, but I want the contestants to be true to the choices that they’re coming here to make. They have a choice in everything that they do.
What did you think when you heard about "The X Factor" coming to America?
I think it’s frickin’ wicked! It’s like this awesome space shuttle that’s landed on the U.S., and we don’t know what to do but we’re going to give America what they want, even if they don’t know what they want. [She laughs.]
For more info: "The X Factor" U.S. website
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