(GettyImages.com)

While Simon Cowell says Nicole Scherzinger was “disappointed” over being fired from “X Factor,” the singer says in a new interview that she has “no regrets” about her controversial time on the reality show.

“I loved being a part of my ‘X Factor’ family,” the singer tells “Access Hollywood,” calling the show “a wonderful experience.”

She adds, “Nothing could obviously prepare me for everything I had to go through, all the emotions and stuff, but I have no regrets.

“I’ve always believed in never looking back and just moving forward and I’ve got an amazing year to look forward to,” she says.

RELATED – Who Should Be The New ‘X Factor’ Judges?

But Scherzinger wasn’t exactly forthcoming with details when asked why her stint on the competition wasn’t successful.

“What happened? Well, all I know is that I gave 110 percent to that show,” she explains, admitting that she knows “everybody’s talking about it.”

“They’re saying good, bad, they love me or hate me, but the one thing you can’t say is that I didn’t give it my all,” she says.

Will you miss Scherzinger on the next season of “X Factor”?

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(GettyImages.com)

It’s official: Paula Abdul will not return to “The X Factor.”

She’s released the following statement:

“Yes, it’s true; I won’t be returning to The X Factor next season.  I’ve learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations.”

It continues, “Simon and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation.  Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I’ve treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at Fox and Fremantle.”

“I want nothing more than for The X Factor to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams.  This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful,” concludes Abdul.

Simon Cowell also released a statement regarding her departure, saying Abdul “is a very close friend and I expect to be working with her on another project in the near future.”

On Monday, it was confirmed that host Steve Jones and judge Nicole Scherzinger are gone from the singing competition series.

Cowell worked hard to bring Abdul, his former “American Idol” colleague, to “The X Factor” when it launched last fall.

Replacements for Abdul and Scherzinger have not been announced – but Gossip Cop has some ideas!

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(GettyImages.com)

In the wake of reports that Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger have been axed from “The X Factor,” the Internet is abuzz with speculation about who should replace the ousted judges.

So, who do you think would be good additions to the judges’ panel?

Gossip Cop has taken a couple of names that have been in the mix (Mariah Carey, Cheryl Cole), and tossed in a couple of dream picks (for fun)!

Vote for who YOU think should replace Abdul and Scherzinger!

(Plus, feel free to add contenders in the comments section).

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(GettyImages.com)

There’s now a second major departure from “The X Factor.”

Just hours after Steve Jones announced that he’ll not be returning as the singing competition’s host, it’s been confirmed that judge Nicole Scherzinger is leaving the show, too.

The former Pussycat Doll tweeted on Tuesday, “I wanted to let you know directly from me that it’s true I won’t be returning to The X Factor. Looking forward to an exciting year ahead and making great music and more! I’m grateful for the love you always give me.”

RELATED – Nicole Scherzinger Cries Backstage (VIDEO)

Replacements for Scherzinger and Jones have not been named.

The Scherzinger news was first reported by E!

She and Jones were originally slated to co-host on the show’s first season, but Scherzinger wound up replacing Cheryl Cole on the judge panel.

What do you think about Scherzinger leaving “The X Factor”?

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(GettyImages.com)

(GettyImages.com)

UPDATE

A rep for Nicole Scherzinger tells Gossip Cop she was hacked.

“She did not post an endorsement of Ron Paul,” her rep says, adding, “It has since been removed from Twitter.”

**************************************

Ron Paul has picked up another celebrity endorsement!

Nicole Scherzinger just announced her support for the Republican presidential candidate on Twitter.

“For the first time ever a politician isn’t lying to us,” tweeted “The X Factor” judge.

She added, “WAKE UP AMERICA! Ron Paul 2012 I Love this Guy #RonPaulRevoution.”

Paul placed second in Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary voting.

Last month, Kelly Clarkson voiced her own support for the Texas Congressman, generating a lot of buzz and even album sales.

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(GettyImages)

“A newly slimmed down Mariah Carey is aiming to become a judge on ‘The X Factor’ — and secret talks have already begun,” begins a breathless piece from the National Enquirer.

Amid rumors that Nicole Scherzinger will leave the judges’ panel to take over for host Steve Jones next season, Carey supposedly “told the show’s creator Simon Cowell she’s prepared to jump in.”

A so-called “source” for the mag says, “She wants to be a judge and she has been in secret talks with Simon,” adding, “She promised to help pull in monster ratings this coming season.”

The Enquirer notes that Carey, who gave birth to twins in April, “had been lined up to make multiple guest appearances on the show but bowed out for various reasons.”

But now that the singer has lost all of her baby weight, “she’s ready for her grand entrance,” says the alleged source, explaining, “She was holding out until she knew she looked her best and is chomping at the bit for Simon to sign her up.”

So, is Carey really heading to the “X Factor” judges’ panel?

Don’t hold your breath.

A rep for Carey tells Gossip Cop there’s zero truth to the tab’s story.

Another bogus Enquirer tale gets eliminated.

Check out PHOTOS of Mariah & Nick in Aspen!

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(GettyImages)

Will the next big elimination from “X Factor” be Steve Jones?

According to reports, the handsome host will be dropped after the show’s first season.

A source tells the Mirror, “Executives at Fox have already decided not to renew his contract and so, short of a miracle happening, it is pretty much a done deal that he will not take part next season.”

The paper notes that Jones was called “utterly irrelevant” by the New York Times, and the Boston Herald wrote that he was “so far in the background he may as well be on another network.”

Despite initial criticism, says the Mirror, “Things haven’t got better.”

Added to this is talk that Nicole Scherzinger, who was supposed to have been the host before the whole Cheryl Cole debacle, may leave the judge’s table to replace Jones.

Gossip Cop reached out to reps for show and creator/judge Simon Cowell, but has yet to hear back.

Meanwhile, a rep for Jones insists, “There have been absolutely no conversations about Steve Jones Leaving ‘The X Factor.’”

On Thursday, one of the three remaining contestants – Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene and Josh Krajcik –  will named the very first winner of “X Factor.”

RELATED – Justin Bieber to Perform on X Factor Finale

Do you think Jones should be eliminated from the show?

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(ABC)

Jimmy Kimmel invited the four judges from “The X Factor” to his couch on Monday, and immediately began grilling them about last week’s controversial elimination of Rachel Crow.

The host called the 13-year-old contestant’s dismissal a “travesty” and lambasted “stupid America” for voting her off the program.

Not surprisingly, L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell disagreed on this point.

Kimmel also brought up the video of Paula Abdul encouraging Nicole Scherzinger to let the judges tie on the decision.

“I own the decision that I made,” said Scherzinger.

On a lighter note, Kimmel asked whether Abdul and Cowell have had a sexual relationship and introduced the hilarious “L.A. Reid Chair Dancin’” DVD.

Check out the three Kimmel videos below!

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(YouTube)

In the dramatic final moments before Rachel Crow was eliminated from “The X Factor,” Paula Abdul advised an indecisive Nicole Scherzinger to “just let it go to the deadlock.”

New video courtesy of TMZ, in which Abdul’s audio level is raised, makes that clear.

VIDEO BELOW

Before the video came to light, however, clueless webloid HollywoodLife was busying itself with bizarre theories about how Scherzinger “intentionally sabotaged” Crow by not voting, knowing “America would kick her off!”

The site seemed to be under the false impression that Scherzinger was choosing between Crow and her own protégée, Josh Krajcik.

In reality, it was Crow versus Marcus Canty.

Either way, the decision was Scherzinger’s – and the ultimate vote was America’s.

Do you think she should have had more of a backbone in making a choice, or should the national balloting be the end result anyway?

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(TMZ)

Rachel Crow‘s shocking elimination on Thursday’s “The X Factor” left America shaken and boos raining down on judge Nicole Scherzinger, whose indecision led to Crow’s dismissal.

As Gossip Cop reported earlier, 13-year-old Crow begged her Twitter followers to go easy on Scherzinger, asking them not to “be angry” with her.

Now, new video shows Scherzinger breaking down backstage after the emotional show.

“I didn’t send her home. I adore Rachel,” says Scherzinger through tears. “And then when I saw Rachel’s look on her face, I just died inside.”

Eventually, Crow comes into the room for a heart-to-heart.

According to reports, the young singer is already being courted by Disney for an upcoming meeting about possible TV and recording work.

Check out the video below, courtesy of TMZ!

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Rachel Crow, who was shockingly voted off “The X Factor” on Thursday night, is urging fans to stop blaming judge Nicole Scherzinger for her elimination.

The audience booed when the 13-year-old singer was kicked off the show because it was Scherzinger’s indecision that led to Crow being sent home, by way of viewer votes.

RELATED – Rachel Crow Eliminated From “X Factor” (VIDEO)

After sobbing uncontrollably on the stage, Crow regained her composure and took to Twitter on Scherzinger’s behalf, telling followers, “Please don’t be angry with @NicoleScherzy she was put in such a tough position.”

She added in a later tweet, “Please be kind to @NicoleScherzy I care a lot about her.”

Crow also addressed Scherzinger directly, saying, ”Nicole unfortunately there are haters in this world and I think you are beautiful inside and out I love you!”

The young singer and Scherzinger reportedly cried together backstage after the emotional show.

What do you think about how Scherzinger handled the situation on “X Factor”?

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(YouTube)

The final five “X-Factor” contestants competed Wednesday to make it into the show’s very first semi-finals.

Judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger didn’t agree often, but when they did, it was on frontrunner Melanie Amaro and the Cowell-dubbed “genius” Chris Rene.

Amaro performed Adele‘s “Someone Like You,” while Rene sang his own song, “Where Do We Go From Here?”

Check out videos (below) of their outstanding performances, and tell us what you think.

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Melanie Amaro – “Someone Like You”

Chris Rene – “Where Do We Go From Here?”

(GettyImages.com)

(Fox)

“The X Factor” fans furious with Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger for voting Drew Ryniewicz out of the competition have lashed out with death threats against the two judges.

Both panelists have received harassment filled with violent language on Facebook and Twitter, and sources with the production confirm to Gossip Cop that there’s been “a ton” of vitriol directed at Abdul and Scherzinger since Ryniewicz’s ouster.

Online outrage is nothing new in TV talent competitions, but the sheer volume of angry, threatening messages has alarmed the “X Factor” personalities.

Gossip Cop is seeking to confirm whether additional security precautions will be taken.

We’ve also reached out to reps for Abdul and Scherzinger but have yet to hear back.

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(FOX)

“The X Factor” judges are taking their competition up a notch.

Nicole Scherzinger has banned Simon Cowell from her team’s rehearsals, Gossip Cop confirms.

The former Pussycat Doll decided she’s had enough of Cowell interfering with her mentoring of contestants Josh Krajcik, LeRoy Bell and Stacy Francis.

Cowell’s been particularly vocal about Scherzinger’s handling of Francis.

Now, he’ll no longer be permitted to see Scherzinger prepare her squad.

The Scherzinger-Cowell spat isn’t the week’s only “X Factor” controversy.

Many observers have been critical of the show after contestants were caught lip synching, although Fox claims it’s not an unusual practice.

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(GettyImages.com)

(GettyImages.com)

“You Are NOT GONNA BELIEVE… Who Rapper Drake Went On A DATE Last Night With!!!” blares another supposed “WORLD EXCLUSIVE” from MediaTakeOut, which promises, “This is CONFIRMED… Not Rumor.”

The blog says the singer “went on a date two nights ago, with former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger!!!”

According an alleged “staff member” at Cecconi’s restaurant in L.A., “The couple had a romantic dinner in a private booth,” but they “left separately, so that paparazzi couldn’t snap any pics of them together.”

MediaFakeOut notes, “Nicole is 33 and Drake is 26. GET IT Nicole … with your COUGAR AZZ!!!”

But the newly-single “X Factor” judge has taken to Twitter to slam the site’s bad reporting.

Scherzinger tweeted, “Wow, now anyone that happens to be in the same restaurant is linked to me.”

And a rep for the singer tells Gossip Cop there’s “absolutely no truth to the story,” explaining, “Nicole was at the restaurant celebrating the first ‘X Factor’ live show with her manager and people from the show.”

Adds the rep, “Drake came up to the table to say ‘hi’ to L.A. Reid and was introduced to everyone at the table, including Nicole. End of story.”

MTO gets served once again.

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Rachel Crow

On Tuesday, the 13-year-old sang a mash-up of the Justin Bieber hit “Baby” and the Supremes‘ “Where Did Our Love Go,” earning a positive response from the audience and judges Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger, and Simon Cowell.

Scherzinger called Crow’s performance “amazing,” and Abdul told the young singer, “You can do anything you want… You’re the most likeable girl I’ve ever met.. You’re awesome.”

Check out the video below of Crow’s performance, and share your thoughts.

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(YouTube)

Brian Bradley, aka Astro, opened the live show of “X Factor” on Tuesday by blowing away the audience and judges singing, “Jump.”

Nicole Scherzinger said she “couldn’t think of a better way to kick off” the show. And Paula Abdul felt, “This is what you’re going to be doing the rest of your life.”

Simon Cowell, who upon meeting Astro called him “arrogant” and “obnoxious” yet “talented,” told the young rapper, “You just killed everybody… You are the next generation.”

Check out the video of Astro’s performance below, and share your thoughts.

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(GettyImages)

Nicole Scherzinger and her boyfriend of four years, race-car driver Lewis Hamilton, have broken up.

Gossip Cop is told that there was no third party, and that the split had everything to do with their relationship being ”long distance.”

The “X Factor” judge lives in L.A., and Hamilton is often on the road with races.

Last July, Gossip Cop busted an erroneous RadarOnline report that claimed the two had gotten engaged.

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(GettyImages)

Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger are in a “Clash of the X-treme Divas,” exclaims Star, which goes on to report that “while the women play nice for the cameras, behind the scenes, ‘It’s war!’”

The tabloid explains the two female “X Factor” judges have been “fighting nonstop… over who gets to wear the sexiest, most stylish outfits.”

(Happens every day in the Gossip Cop offices.)

Anyway, according to Star, Abdul “doesn’t want to be shown up by a sexier, younger woman. And she’s taking advantage of Nicole’s inexperience and her eager-to-please attitude.”

A source for Star notes Scherzinger is now “pushing back,” and “real fireworks are starting to go off” between the two ladies.

Not exactly.

A source involved with “X Factor” tells Gossip Cop, “Nicole and Paula have, and have always had, a great relationship. There is nothing competitive about it.”

Check out PHOTOS of Nicole rocking leather pants in NYC!

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(FOX)

“The X Factor” has picked its top 32 contestants, and the four judges/mentors have their teams.

Simon Cowell will mentor the Girls:

Caitlin Koch
Tora Woloshin
Simone Battle
Rachel Crow
Jazzlyn Little
Melanie Amaro
Tiah Tolliver
Drew Ryniewicz – Watch her audition here!

L.A. Reid will mentor the Boys:

Brennin Hunt
Brian Bradley
Skyelor Anderson
Nick Voss
Tim Cifers
Phillip Lomax
Marcus Canty
Chris Rene – Watch his audition here!

Nicole Scherzinger will mentor the Over 30s:

Elaine Gibbs
Tiger Budbill
Leroy Bell
James Kenney
Josh Krajcik
Krista Collins
Dexter Haygood
Stacy Francis – Watch her audition here!

Paula Abdul will mentor the Groups:

Stereo Hogzz
2Squared
4 Shore
The Brewer Boys
Illusion Confusion
The Anser

Who are you rooting for to win?

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(Fox)

Last night’s auditions on “The X Factor” included 14-year-old Drew Ryniewicz doing a slowed-down version of Justin Bieber‘s “Baby.”

It was pretty darn impressive.

Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger agreed, with both judges saying they actually preferred the teen girl’s rendition to The Biebs’ original!

Check out Ryniewicz’s big debut – and some pretty intense reactions from her family backstage – in the video below!

How do you think her “Baby” compares to Bieber’s?

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(GettyImages.com)

“American Idol” judge Steven Tyler and “X Factor” judge Nicole Scherzinger put aside their shows’ rivalry by performing together — and sharing an onstage kiss — at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas over the weekend.

The 63-year-old rocker and the former Pussycat Doll locked lips after performing Tyler’s new single “(It) Feels So Good.”

Fellow “Idol” judge Randy Jackson played guitar for Tyler and Scherzinger’s duet.

Check out the video below (Tyler goes in for the kill at the 3:22 mark).

What will Simon Cowell think?

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(YouTube)

Melanie Amaro provided the highlight of tonight’s “X Factor” auditions.

The 18-year-old from Florida sang Beyonce‘s “Listen,” and received a standing ovation from the audience and judges Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger, and Simon Cowell.

Reid told her afterwards, “You have ‘The X Factor.’”

Check out the video below of Amaro’s performance, and share your thoughts.

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(YouTube)

It started out innocently with 18-year-old Dylan Lawson, a Kentucky native who talked about how he sold his truck to buy a plane ticket to his “X Factor” audition. But then it got ugly — and quick.

Jumping wildly across the stage before judges Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger, and Simon Cowell, Lawson sang screeched a string of curses that were bleeped out until he fell and landed on the floor.

Check out the video below for this memorable (though not in a good way) performance, and tell us what you think.

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(Fox)

The lowlight of “The X Factor” premiere tonight was probably Geo Godley, a 43-year-old blogger who sang an original song called “I’m A Stud.”

Shortly after he began, Godley pulled off his pants.

He was wearing nothing underneath.

Yes, “The X Factor” kicked off with a man showing his genitals to mortified judges and audience members.

Nicole Scherzinger shrieked. Simon Cowell sat in stunned horror. L.A. Reid looked confused.

And Paula Abdul literally fled the scene looking like she was about to be sick.

Needless to say, Geo Godley will not be the $5 million winner.

Check out the video below!

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(TBS)

Conan O’Brien got caught looking at Nicole Scherzinger‘s boobs last night.

The talk show host seemed taken by Scherzinger’s dress from the moment she stepped on stage, asking, “Are you able to sit in this dress? It’s like it’s painted on!”

Later, “The X Factor” judge busted O’Brien, whose eyes apparently lingered too long on her chest (just after the 2:00 mark).

Scherzinger interrupted herself to say, “Focus, Conan,” drawing laughter from the crowd and embarrassed protests from O’Brien.

“You didn’t think I was gonna look down there?”

Check out the awkward clip below!

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(Fox)

“The X Factor” makes its long-anticipated premiere next week, with Simon Cowell and his all-star panel hoping to turn the British import into an American phenomenon.

Cowell will be joined by fellow judges Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul, who apparently scurried for cover when a would-be contestant named Geo took off his pants to perform his song “I’m A Stud.”

Fortunately, there are also singers with incredible vocal talent who left the panel awed and the crowd screaming.

Check out an extended preview for the show below!

Are you looking forward to it? Do you think it will be better than “American Idol” and “The Voice”?

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(ShowYourHeart)

Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and other social media superstars will lend their enormous influence to a great cause – the “Show Your Hearts” campaign – starting tomorrow.

On July 3, a car accident killed Joshua and Robin Berry and left their sons Peter (9) and Aaron (8) paralyzed below the waist. Now the boys and their sister Willa (6) are in a Houston-area hospital, facing incredible challenges.

The “Show Your Hearts” fundraising campaign to benefit the Joshua and Robin Berry Children’s Trust officially begins tomorrow, July 27.

It will be aided by celebrities including the Kardashians, Diddy, Jennifer Hudson, Selena Gomez, Julianne Hough, Nicole Scherzinger and “Glee” cast members.

These stars and others are asking everyone to spread awareness about the Berry kids by swapping out profile pictures and avatars for “Show Your Hearts” artwork.

People are also encouraged to post a picture or video of themselves making the “heart” symbol with their hands.

Donations can be made via PayPal and text.

More information can be found on the Joshua and Robin Berry Children’s Trust’s Facebook page and on ShowYourHearts.org.

Spread the word!

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(RadarOnline)

“Nicole Scherzinger Engaged To Race Car Champ Lewis Hamilton,” reads a headline from RadarOnline.

According to the blog, “The former Pussycat Doll, who will be starring on The X Factor this fall, is engaged to British Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton.”

Working off a report from the Daily Mail, RadarOnline quotes the singer’s dad Alfonso Valiente as saying, “Yes, they are engaged.”

But she is NOT engaged.

A rep for Scherzinger tells Gossip Cop that reports of an engagement are “not true.”

Last month, Scherzinger replaced Cheryl Cole and joined Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and L.A. Reid on the judges’ panel of “The X Factor,” which airs this September on Fox.

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(FOX)

Simon Cowell is back.

TV’s biggest curmudgeon – along with fellow judges L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul – stars in a brand new preview for “The X Factor,” the music talent competition Cowell is bringing to America this fall.

The clip shows a newer, nicer, sweater-clad Cowell heaping praise on singers… until he wakes up in a cold sweat.

From then on, Cowell returns to the form that made him the biggest personality on “American Idol.”

Watch the video below!

Are you excited for “The X Factor”? Will you stick with “Idol”? Do you prefer surprise hit “The Voice”?

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