The 32-year-old former Pussycat Doll has taken Cole's place on the judging panel and is apparently concerned that Brits will boycott her new album, Killer Love, as retribution.
'Nicole is really upset at what happened to Cheryl,' a source told Celebrity Gossip. 'She knows her well and thought she would have been great in the show.
'She knows how people in Britain are so proud of their stars and want to see them do well in the States too, so she is aware there could be a lot of unhappiness surrounding the rejection. The last thing she wants is bad blood between herself and Cheryl and anyone thinking she might have been lobbying to get her place.'