Nicole Sherzinger: I am an artist first, not a judge first!

HASH POWER 7113// Acreditation: ThatGrapeJuice, Radar Online
While 2011 brought success for many an act, Pop trier Nicole Scherzinger was gifted a lump of coal.

Failing to capitalise on the moderate success of her ‘Killer Love’ LP in Europe, the 32 year old has spent much of the year trying to jump-start the project in the US – to no avail.

Speaking in a recent interview, the singer lamented on the hardships of juggling her judging duties on the X Factor with her music career.

Peep her comments, which include her plans for 2012, after the jump…

In an exclusive interview with RadarOnline.com, Nicole danced around the question when asked if she’ll be returning next season.

“Next year for me, it’s about my music,” Scherzinger said. “This has been quite a learning experience, quite a journey for me. I didn’t expect to have been so emotional through the whole elimination process. I wanted to just mentor and empower artists.”

The singer blames her hectic work schedule on X Factor for the delay of her album release.

“The reason it hasn’t come out yet is because of The X Factor,” Nicole said. “It’s been so time consuming. I work with these contestants six days a week. So I delayed the album, but I was able to perform one of my new singles last week.”

Nicole also shared that she found it hard to be on the other side of the stage, and claimed she identifies more with being an artist than a judge.

“I’m used to being on stage and performing and singing for people and people cheering for me,” Scherzinger said. “I am an artist first, not a judge first!”

Not here at all for that last line, as she’s (rightly) used any and every medium to try and kick-start her solo career. A career which, though backed heavily by her label, seems to be a non-starter. It’s not just to blame the X Factor, when it’s a) the only reason you’re of any relevance in the States and b) your your material is all flavours of wack, boasting little to no cohesiveness.

One can only hope her music plans for 2012 include scrapping ‘Killer Love’ for the US (it’s just not happening). More than anything, she needs to cultivate a sound and image which are unique to her as opposed to a pick ‘a’ mix of what’s working for everyone else. As, it’s safe to say, the next few months will be make or break. She’s talented, so we can only wish her the best.