Nicole Scherzinger: `I have the eye of the tiger`

The former Pussycat Doll, who replaced Cheryl Cole on the US X Factor, said that she has earned her place on the judges' panel because of all her hard graft and won't take no for an answer attitude.

'I definitely have the eye of the tiger,' the 33-year-old told Marie Claire. 'I've fought my way to where I am and will continue to do so. I'm a hard worker - I get it from my family. We only know work. Nothing was handed to us. When I believe in something, I go after it. It's very hard to tell me 'no.''

The Hawaii-born singer attended performing arts school in Kentucky, competed in state-fair talent shows, and worked as a lion mascot at a theme park before winning Popstars at age 23.

She later joined the Pussycat Dolls, but left them behind in a bid to pursue a career as a solo artist. With her debut album Killer Love, now on the shelves, she said she is finally reaching her goals.

'With the Pussycat Dolls, I had four other girls to fall back on - we were a gang, a team, and that gives you extra confidence. Now I'm bringing it all on my own.

'I've been working toward this my whole life. This album [Killer Love] is my dream. Everything is timing.

'My music is the driving engine, and The X Factor is where I can give back to the contestants - pay it forward, since I got my start on reality shows. I'm ready to take it all on.'