Ouch!

Paula and Nicole, who sat on the “X Factor” judging panel with Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid, will no longer be returning to the second season of the show.

Nicole’s departure doesn’t come as a surprise after her judging “mishap” with axed contestant Rachel Crow, for which she received death threats from overzealous Crow fans. Paula, however, is another story… especially since she’s very popular and was personally recruited by “X Factor” creator and executive producer Simon Cowell.

And it wasn’t just the two female judges who found themselves out of a job … “X Factor” host Steve Jones was also fired from the show.

Deadline reports:

“…none of the three left on their own accord… it was cleaning house day at the so-so rated reality series.”

No word yet on who will replace Paula, Nicole or Steve for the second season of “X Factor.”

Photos By PR Photos

Nicole isn’t saying anything definite though, except to admit that the show has been so time-consuming she hasn’t had much time for anything else. Has she sounded this out to Simon Cowell yet, or is she keeping her cards close to her chest while she cops a feel of the air currents to see where the wind blows?

“Next year for me, it’s about my music,”

Nicole tells RadarOnline.

“This has been quite a learning experience, quite a journey for me. I didn’t expect to have been so emotional through the whole elimination process. I wanted to just mentor and empower artists.”

Well, that’s a telling statement, isn’t it? Maybe Nicole would prefer to send hints about her intentions for next year instead of taking the bull by the horns and telling Simon Cowell “I quit”…something which we’re wagering may be more dangerous than being held at gunpoint in Mexico.

Maybe after Christmas?

Photo by PR Photos

It’s kind of funny, because Nicole wore a silver gown with sparkly embellishments at the premiere of the show… and then she decides to wear a similar (but much prettier) gown at the show’s finale.

Kind of poetic, isn’t it?

Anyway, Nicole looked utterly fab in a silver Pamella Roland gown, which was embellished with sequins and sparkly beads. It even had wispy bits of chiffon flowing down the skirt, giving the dress an ethereal, goddess-like touch.

As for hair and makeup, Nicole opted for shiny waves, winged eyeliner, and glossy coral lips.

What do you think of Nicole’s latest red carpet look?

Photos By PR Photos

It looks like Nicole went through a frightening case of “The X Factor” meets “The Fear Factor.”

According to “The X Factor” choreographer Brian Friedman, the former Pussycat Doll and her people were passing through some drug gang-infested mountains in their bullet proof SUV when they were pulled over by what looked like the Mexican police…

“We were held at gunpoint,”

Brian told Star Magazine.

“People next to our cars…there were M16s and Berettas!”

Is the Mexican government well-heeled enough to provide their police force with the kind of high-powered firearms Brian reported seeing?

Fortunately, Nicole and her group were released without incident, and while they say otherwise, the Mexican “authorities” who held them at gunpoint deny having pointed their guns at anyone.

“Nicole cursed me with this trip,”

Brian continued.

“It was the craziest adventure ever!”

Seeing as how Mexico is virtually overrun by drug cartels, it can be hard to really pinpoint which side of the law their assailants really belonged to.

What do you think?

Photos Via Video Screen Grabs

The former Pussycat Doll reveals she eats a whole lot more than she did at 14, when she went on every crazy diet imaginable and jogged herself to exhaustion just to lose weight. Since then, she’s accepted her naturally endowed curvy figure and embraced a more wholesome way to get fit…

“I started jogging and counting calories when I was just 14,”

The 33-year-old “The X Factor” judge says.

“I’ve been on every diet you can imagine. By the time I was in the Pussycat Dolls, I was on the scale all the time. It became my enemy because I noticed that when I exercised really hard, I’d gain weight.”

So the next logical step was ditching the enemy, and Nicole threw out her scale to save herself the stress.

“Now that I’m in my 30s, I’ve stepped off the scale. I just go by how my clothes fit.”

And celebrity gossip websites think they fit really well, too.

“I’m more accepting of my body and have learned to really embrace it. These days it’s all about finding balance. My new motto is: ‘Stay active, eat everything in moderation, and stop being so tough on myself.’”

We really like that, we do. So we’re going to get off our squashed tushies now and toss out our scales, just like Nicole…

Image via Shape Magazine

Celebrity news notes that only three months after reports emerged the pair were engaged, Nicole immediately refuted those claims on Twitter. Was this a sign there was trouble in their relationship?

“They’d been long distance for a long time and it’s just been hard,”

a source revealed.

“They both tried to make it work, but their careers kept them apart. So for now it’s over. They think this is what’s best. They’re definitely going to stay friends.”

Nicole‘s judging duties for “The X Factor” and Lewis‘ position as the leading Formula One driver have kept them too busy to spend too much time with each other. Nicole‘s already made a home base of Los Angeles while Hamilton‘s job has him traveling around the world on a regular basis.

Well, better luck next relationship around…

Image via WENN

Looks like these two won’t let the much-hyped rivalry between “American Idol” and “X Factor” stop them from being friendly.

Right after performing his new song “It Feels So Good” on stage at the iHeartRadio music festival in Las Vegas with Nicole and his fellow “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson, Steven leaned in to kiss the gorgeous “X Factor” judge on the lips.

Was it a romantic kiss? Uh, no.

Though Steven and Nicole wore matching sparkly outfits, the two are definitely not dating. The “Aerosmith” front man is still with longtime girlfriend Erin Brady while Nicole and British F1 racing champion Lewis Hamilton are still very much in love.

What do you think of Nicole and Steven’s very public liplock? Pretty weird, right? Steven’s three decades older than her, after all.

image via video screen grabs

Yikes!

Yes, Conan was caught checking out Nicole’s goods. But, to be fair, Nicole’s cleavage was just begging for a good ogling, as you can obviously tell. The “X-Factor” judge was practically popping out of her dress, which was a skintight leopard print number that showed off every curve.

Nicole, who was there to talk about the “X-Factor,” was in the middle of explaining how she first met Simon Cowell when she caught Conan’s eyes drifting from her face to her chest. The sexy singer waved her hands to catch his attention and gestured to her eyes, and then said:

“Focus, Conan.”

After a few minutes of looking embarrassed, Conan said:

“It’s kinda hard [not to look]… I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m sorry!”

While Nicole laughed, he added:

“Good God! Finally let’s be real here for a second… You didn’t think I was gonna look down there?”

Hmmm. Maybe Conan should impose a “cleavage limit” on his future female guests next time… wouldn’t want to make his wife mad, would he?

Check out Nicole‘s hilarious interview here.

image via video screen grabs

Nicole hit the red carpet in a beaded silver Randi Rahm backless halter gown—which completely showcased her gorgeous figure—and black satin pumps. The “X-Factor” judge accessorized with tiny stud earrings and a large, diamond-encrusted cocktail ring.

To complement her outfit, Nicole sported a braided hairstyle, shimmery silver eye makeup, and peach lipstick.

So what do we think about Nicole’s look? Well, she’s undeniably sexy in the dress. Unfortunately, the design and cut is a bit prom-y… and, to be honest, it looks borderline tacky. Plus she should have opted for strappy silver heels instead of those chunky black shoes.

What do you think? Hot or not?

image via WENN

Nicole walked the red carpet at the Paris Hotel and Casino’s Chateau Nightclub and Gardens in a skintight red leather minidress adorned with straps and buckles. The “X-Factor” judge paired the sexy strapless number with beige peep-toe pumps.

The dusky beauty kept her hair and makeup simple, opting for dramatic smokey eyes and nude lips.

But seriously, does this woman ever get at least a little bit out of shape? Her body is the same as it’s always been… tanned, toned, and curves in all the right places!

Nicole, stop taunting us with your gorgeous physique!

images via WENN

We repeat. Not engaged.

The former Pussycat doll is denying reports that she and boyfriend of four years, British Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton are planning to walk down the aisle anytime soon, despite her father’s very public approval of their union.

“Lewis and I woke up this morning and read we were engaged! Sorry to disappoint u all but its (sic) not true,”

Nicole informed all her followers on Twitter.

Oh well, maybe they just need more time…

Image via WENN

Hamilton is five years younger than his intended, but he’s all down with Nicole and her family.

In fact, Nicole‘s dad is thrilled about his son-in-law to-be, whom he really likes. Its either that, or he’s a racing fan.

“My future son-in-law is a really nice guy, really down-to-earth. My family all like him. The good spirit is there.”

Alfonso Valiente has been quoted by star news as saying.

Congratulations, Nicole and Lewis! We look forward to getting a glimpse of your rock soon.

Image via WENN

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image via WENN

Sources close to the show reveal the reason behind Cheryl’s dismissal: her thick British accent. Producers were concerned that her accent might be a hindrance in her effectivity as a judge, since the show will be catering to an American audience.

Additional reports reveal that there was another issue behind the removal—the “lack of chemistry” between Cheryl and fellow ‘X-Factor’ judge Paula Abdul. And since Cheryl was more expendable, she was the one who was dropped.

Producers want Cheryl to return to the UK version of ‘X-Factor’, but sources tell TMZ that Cheryl was pretty miffed about the whole thing and didn’t like how the situation was handled, so she may sever ties with the show completely.

Will you still watch ‘X-Factor’ with Cheryl gone?

image via WENN

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image via WENN

Nicole performed her hit song “Poison“ at 95.8 Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball 2010 at O2 Arena in London on Saturday. The Black Eyed Peas also performed some of their greatest hits and new material at the event.

After the Jingle Bell Ball, Nicole and her entourage of 50 guests turned up at Mahiki in London and they drank the night away in diva style and ran up a tab of over $150,000!

Back to Nicole’s hair. What’s with those two points on the top of her hair? Is she trying to look like Princess Leia from Star Wars? At least it looks way better now that she’s let her hair down.

Do you like her new two-point hairdo?

photos: Fame

I have to say this is the worst hairdo I have seen of the normally stylish Nicole. Is she trying to look 13 again? Even if that’s the case, it still doesn’t won’t do. We need to ask boyfriend, Lewis if he digs this hairdo. Nicole, 32, has been dating Formula One racing car driver, Lewis Hamilton,25.

What do you think? Love it or not? Or absolutely hate it?

photos: Fame

The stunning Pussycat Dolls lead singer, Nicole who is rumored to potentially be a judge on the upcoming US version of X Factor when it launches next year, will be appearing on the X Factor (UK) this weekend. She’s dating, Formula One racing driver, Lewis Hamilton & is currently having a time of her life.

It wasn’t always so “rosy” for her, we must say.

In this weekend’s Fabulous magazine, Nicole exclusively tells the story of her family struggles when she was growing up (she came from a poor background) and how she was bullied at school. She also opens up about her time with Pussycat Dolls and life with Lewis.

Nicole said, “Bullied & broken-hearted, but now I’m having the ride of my life.”

We all know that life isn’t all rosy all the time but hang in there even when times get tough. Believe you can do greatness and it will come. I use this one myself!

I’ve also uploaded some pictures of gorgeous Nicole putting on a performance at a VIP room in St. Tropez earlier this year. Enjoy

photos: Fame; New of the World/Fabulous

More pictures of Nicole after the dance…

Nicole’s background with singing and dancing would make her a shoe in.

Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger has reportedly got an ‘inside track’ on landing a role on the US X-Factor judging panel next year.

The 32-year-old singer is due to take up a seat alongside Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh soon on the British version of the show as their fourth judge Dannii Minogue is currently away on maternity leave.

I think Nicole would be great at it, don’t you? Do you think Nicole should go out and embark on a solo tour when she’s done with the judging?

Photos: Fame

more Nicole and Derek after the jump…

Nicole said after the win, “I feel like I just won a Grammy,” “A dancing Grammy!”

Scherzinger performed a high-energy jive as her final dance that earned a perfect score of 30 and inspired head judge Len Goodman to say, “There can only be one winner of ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ It should be you.”

Derek, a two-time Dancing with the Stars champ said, “Win or lose tonight, I was just very, very happy with the entire season,” “To get the trophy at the end of it, that was just amazing.”

Nicole added,”This has been probably the greatest reward personally, this whole personal journey,” she said. “I’ve learned so much about myself. I’ve learned so much about Derek Hough. He’s made me a better person through this.”

Congratulations Nicole and Derek. Did you think they would be the winners? Seriously I certainly did.

photos: Bauer Griffin