Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger were once co-judges on The X Factor together, but it seems their friendship is set to take a competitive turn.
The former Pussycat Dolls star, 46, has long been a performer and mentor in the music industry. Now, he is rumored to be reprising his role as a talent judge after signing a new deal with Netflix.
Nicole, who has proven she has a knack for finding the next best thing after putting together successful boy band One Direction in 2010, will reportedly return to the hot seat for a new talent show called Building The Band.
It is understood that Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean will host the event. It has not been revealed whether there are other judges and who they are.
Nicole has a long history of judging and mentoring after teaming up with Simon, 64, several times between 2007 and 2019 for The X Factor and its spin-off, Celebrity and Band.
Despite not judging for more than five years, Nicole remains close to Simon. The music mogul was even spotted backstage at the West End show, Sunset Boulevard, in March.
While it’s unclear if the new Netflix show Pussycat Doll will affect their friendship, a source told The Sun that Nicole’s signing on to the project proves Netflix is ’serious’ about competing with other shows in the genre.
“Nicole is a huge coup for Netflix as she has been on so many UK and US talent shows in the past that she is synonymous with the genre,” a source said.
‘This shows how serious the bosses at the streamer are about competing with the main channels.’
‘Nicole is the whole package. With experience in the industry, she also brings personality, warmth and glamour. He is perfect. Casting AJ was a smart move as she has a huge fan base and is a real freak on screen.’
Netflix has yet to release a preview and release date for the upcoming show, but in its synopsis, the streamer announced that it will follow 50 ‘talented singers’ on the ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ as they search for ‘the perfect bandmate based solely on music. compatibility, connection, and, most importantly, appropriateness.’
It adds, ‘He will be in complete control every step of the way, but chemistry is enough to make him successful? And when the band finally met, how was the performance, choreography, and style? Expect plenty of drama, next-level artistry, and unforgettable performances.’
This comes after news Simon wants to form the next One Direction is looking for a new boy band.
On June 4, the TV personality promoted the announcement by posting a large sign that read: ‘Simon needs you! Future megastar wants for a new boy band. Not a waste of time.’
Metro.co.uk has approached Nicole’s representatives for comment.
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