Nicole Scherzinger has not spoken to Cheryl Cole since she was fired from US 'X Factor'

The former Pussycat Doll ' who replaced the British singer on the judging panel after she had taken part in just four auditions ' does not know "what went down" or why Cheryl was sacked, and is just happy to have been offered the role.

She said: "I haven't spoken to Cheryl but she is a lovely talented sweet girl.

"I don't know how it went down. I found out at the same time as everyone else. I just tuned up for work and I'm happy to be here. I just hope she has made the right decisions for her."

An insider at the second round of auditions at the Prudential Center in New Jersey added the 32-year-old beauty seemed "more at home" on the panel of judges alongside Simon, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul because she is confident about giving her opinion to potential stars.

The source said: "Nicole seems more at home with Paula and other judge L.A. Reid and she isn't slow in coming forward with her opinions. Nicole and Paula seem to get on well and they are not fighting for Simon Cowell's attention in the way Paula and Cheryl were.

"Bosses want to move on and brush Cheryl's four days of auditions under the carpet."