Nicole Scherzinger's new release

Former Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger has released the second single, “Don’t Hold Your Breath,” from her upcoming solo album ‘Killer Love’ – which is scheduled to arrive in November through Interscope Records.

The single was was written by Josh Alexander, Billy Steinberg, and Toby Gad and is already a huge hit in the U.K. The song became Nicole’s first record to debut at the #1 spot on the UK National Chart, and also hit #1 on both the Combined Singles Chart and Digital Download Chart.

The video, directed by Rich Lee (Black Eyed Peas, Eminem), has racked up more than 18 million views on VEVO.

With the album’s release approaching, the singer readying herself for a very busy fall. Next month, she makes her debut as a judge, alongside Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and L.A. Reid, on the highly anticipated U.S. version of The X Factor.

Simon and Paula to reignite the fire on X factor

American Idol's frequently feuding judges, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, will reunite on the US version of The X-Factor.

While Cowell is responsible for creating both the reality shows, Abdul's role in propelling American Idol to its zenith was equally important. Simon, who left American Idol earlier this year to concentrate solely on The X-Factor, obviously feels the same--he's signed Abdul on again!

Their relationship has always been one of the mainstays of the singing-based, multi-syndicated reality show.

Simon Cowell, with his bitter, snide remarks and Paula Abdul, with her careful, clever and concise comments, showcased a balance that spoke of almost soulful synergy. They fought, clashed, even abused each other occasionally, but the love and respect was hard to miss.

The two are not even remotely in love with each other but share a deep relationship, something Cowell has gone on record to mention.

Hosted by Welsh presenter Steve Jones The X-Factor (U.s) will premiere on September 21, 2011, and, apart from Cowell and Abdul, features L.A Reid and Nicole Scherzinger as judges.

Tyler's turn for salary hike on American Idol

After Jennifer Lopez, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler too has demanded a hike in his American Idol pay deal.

The 63-year-old rocker, who is already tied into a two-year deal worth about $10 million a year, wants to increase his wage to continue as the judge on the popular US talent show, reported New York Post.

Lopez has reportedly negotiated the finishing touches of her deal which is said to be worth up to $20 million to return to the show for another season.

"Jennifer's management is close to brokering her a huge deal to come back to the panel for at least one more season, but the side effect is that it means her fellow judges also want more money," said a source.

"Steven is halfway through a two-year deal, and his management has asked for more money. They argue he was just as sensational and as popular on the panel as Jennifer. But, on the other side, show bosses argue he's tied into a deal and has to stick to it. However, it's hoped they can come to a compromise to keep Steven happy, because the producers love him," the source added.

Lopez and Tyler joined the panel after star judge Simon Cowell left last year to launch his own singing competition, The X Factor, which starts next month.

Cole may join rival "BBC"

Cheryl Cole, who has been dumped from US X Factor, may take the ultimate revenge on Simon Cowell and defect to a rival network.

The singer has been offered to join talent show The Voice, which the BBC plans to launch on Saturday evenings next year.

The Voice, where judges including Christina Aguilera hear the auditions “blind” and rate the talent purely on their singing voices, is a hit in the States, where it attracts more than 12 million viewers.

Music boss David Joseph is said to be keen for Cole to promote her career and music on the show.

"Universal are heavily involved in recruiting judges for The Voice when it moves to the BBC and they are urging Cheryl to be the big star of that show," the Mirror quoted a record company source as saying.

"It would be a fresh start for her and would mean she could work with people who she trusts and who have her best interests at heart. It would also be a great way of sticking two fingers up at Simon Cowell," the source said.

Even if Cole does decide to return to ITV, the door at the BBC would remain open to her, claimed the source.

Simon upset over Cole being axed

Simon Cowell has expressed his grief over the sacking of judge Cheryl Cole from the US X Factor show.

He is said to have confided to a friend that he feels guilty and sorry that it didn't work out, reported The Sun.

Cowell reportedly said that his 'hands were tied' by network executives, who did not seem to be impressed by the 27-year-old pop star.

"He is gutted," said a source at Fox channel.

"He loves Cheryl and did everything in his power to get her on US TV. But channel chiefs just weren't happy. It was a necessary evil and he feels terribly guilty about it," the source added.

Nicki Minaj New Judge On X-Factor???

Word is, Nicki Minaj is in talks with Simon Cowell to be a judge on his upcoming Fox talent show “The X Factor,” Page Six has learned.

A source told says,

“Simon thinks Nicki is fantastic. She’s sassy, she looks great and she has bags of personality.

“Nicki has a large following and she fits well with the ethos of the show, which plans to usher in a new generation of musical talent. ‘X Factor’ is aiming for a younger audience. Those aged 12 and over can audition, and [the English version has] launched successful artists from other genres of music than pop.

“This isn’t a done deal yet, but Nicki would be great for the show. She fits the ideal that ‘X Factor’ will be exciting, vibrant and different. And the show would also be great for her career.”

Former Island Def Jam Music Group chairman L.A. Reid — who launched major acts including Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, the Killers, Bon Jovi, Pink, Usher, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna — was last night confirmed as one of the stars on the much-speculated-about judging panel.

Hmm... you think Nicki should be a judge on X-Factor? Or just focus on her music career right now and try that later?

Howard Stern To Replace Simon On American Idol?

The NEW YORK POST's PAGE SIX reports that its sources say STERN was approached to fill the judge's slot to be left vacant when SIMON COWELL leaves the show after this season, with one source insisting that the "IDOL" producers "will do what it takes to sign him," but another saying that STERN has given out mixed messages and "isn't ready to leave radio and would like to stay on at SIRIUS," using the "IDOL" bid as "a ploy to make SIRIUS pay up and keep him on his huge contract. But if SIRIUS can't pay him the money he wants, he may negotiate to film 'IDOL' on the side."

Beyonce & Megan Fox To Judge X-Factor??

Word is, R&B Singer Beyonce Knowles and Megan Fox, are going to be Judges on American version of the reality competition X-Factor, according to Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden.

"Beyonce would be good and maybe Megan Fox because she has a crush on the Cowell," Holden said.

I think Beyonce would make a great Judge considering she really knows music, but maybe Holden was just speculating...we shall see!

Jay-Z Wants To Be A Judge On X-Factor Show...

Like Eminem, Jay-Z has now said that he would like to join 'The X Factor' judging panel for the next series of the show.

Jay-Z said: "Simon, if you need any help for the next series, let me know man and I'm your judge. "There is a lot of untapped hip hop talent in the UK and if they want my help finding some for the final 12 I am sure I could assist."


'X Factor' judge Simon Cowell previously said that he would like to have celebrity judges on the show for the next series.

Simon Cowell Offers Eminem The Job He Wants!

Simon Cowell has offered Eminem a job.

The rapper issued a come and get me plea to Simon last week to be a judge on UK TV talent show 'The X Factor' and now the music mogul says he would be delighted to welcome Eminem onto the panel.

Simon said: "It would be great to have him on as a guest judge. "Em - I can call him that because we are on first name terms - the job is yours."

He added: "I'm not getting rid of anyone."

He insisted he won't alter the line-up and drop any of the current judges - Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole, Australian singer Dannii Minogue, the sister of Kylie Minogue, and music manager Louis Walsh - to make room for the Em.

Eminem, 37, said last week he doesn't think the current panelists have been successful enough to help the acts.

Eminem said: "No disrespect to the current judges but you need people who are global, platinum-selling stars. You need to prepare contestants for what it's really like out there, and what sort of pressure you are going to be under."

LET'S SEE IF EM TAKES THE OFFER!

Eminem Wants To Be A Judge On "X-Factor"

The rapper Eminem is reportedly a massive fan of the UK TV talent show ‘X Factor’, and has told judge and producer Simon Cowell to get him on the panel so he can give the hopefuls advice on what it’s like to be a global star.

Eminem doesn't think the current judges - Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole, Australian singer Dannii Minogue, the sister of Kylie Minogue, and music manager Louis Walsh – have been successful enough to help the acts.

Em says, "No disrespect to the current judges but you need people who are global, platinum-selling stars. You need to prepare contestants for what it's really like out there, and what sort of pressure you are going to be under."
The 37-year-old hip-hop star guarantees he would find a platinum-selling star if he and his producer friend Dr Dre had a guest slot as judges.

He added, "So much average talent comes out of these reality shows. A hip-hop star will never win a show like the 'X Factor' without somebody like me on the panel. It needs somebody in power to open a door for them. "I'm not sure I would have the time to do it full-time, but I would come out and be a guest judge. Simon tells it like it is and I am down with that."