Nicole Scherzinger

By Albert Lawrence

Photo: Albert Lawrence/MTV 

Fronting one of the sexiest girl groups of the 21st century is a feat that Nicole Scherzinger appears to have mastered with ease. With the aid of her Pussycat Doll band mates, Scherzinger has ascended the ranks of international pop stardom, one sultry song at a time, and now she’s lending her performance expertise to MTV’s StarMaker judging panel as a special guest. Her enchanting image is the stuff that dreams are made of. 

Albert Lawrence: Nicole, you’re such a perfect person to be a guest judge on StarMaker, because not only do you have experience being in a group, but you’ve had a solo career as well. How are the challenges different now that you are going solo?

Nicole Scherzinger: Wow, it’s different when you branch out to be a solo artist, because everything’s resting on you and your shoulders. You just have to really be confident, believe in yourself, stay true to your heart and who you are as an artist, and bring it always. Show them what you’re made of, because there are so many people out there who are doing the same thing. Just be you. I’m really fortunate that I’ve been able to be a part of the Pussycat Dolls and to be able to branch off and do my own thing. Especially being able to do stuff with amazing artists like Diddy – love you Diddy! – So it’s been fun.

I feel blessed. I love what I do! So, it’s not too much work for me.

A: You did an awesome job as a guest judge on StarMaker.

N: I don’t think I’ve ever guest judged – I think I kind of did on The Pussycat Dolls Presents – but this is real! Rodney’s a friend of mine, and he’s so serious. And I was like, “Oh my gosh! Rodney’s so serious. Get serious Nicole!”*

A: But you were such a perfect balance for his seriousness because you were so kind and nurturing to the contestants. Did you feel that each one of the contestants had something that made them a star, or did your heart go out to them, because you know how it feels to be competing for a spot?

N: My heart definitely went out to them because I have been in that place in my life. I started out on an actual reality pop series – Pop Stars. I’ve been in their shoes. I believe every person has a star inside of them. It’s up for you to find it within yourself and to find that confidence. I think it’s beautiful if everyone can find that light within themselves and shine it and share it with the world! 

*Rodney Jerkins is a mega-producer and permanent judge on the StarMaker panel.