Nicole Scherzinger said she was thrilled to join the judging panel on ‘The X Factor US’ because she’s such a huge fan of former American Idol judge, Paula Abdul.

In an interview, the former Pussycat Doll said: "I'm a huge fan of Paula. She's my idol. I get to sit next to her and I just love her so much.

"Everyone on the panel is like family. LA Reid and I, we just love music, and we're always swagging it out on the side.

"I'm truly honoured to be part of it. I really am. I have an amazing job working with three of the most wonderful people in the world. Well, two actually - and then there's Simon."

Although she’s appeared as a guest judge on the UK version of the show several times, she admitted to having first day nerves.

She said, "I was incredibly nervous at my first audition in New Jersey but the audience was beautiful, really kind." 

Watch behind-the-scenes footage of Nicole Scherzinger's music video for 'Right There':