CELEBS FACTORY

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.

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.

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.

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 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.