Simon Cowell: Nicole Scherzinger would have killed me if I hadn't given her Cheryl Cole's job

Nicole Scherzinger is loving being the new judge on the US X Factor and Simon Cowell has confirmed she always wanted the role.

'I think
she'd have killed me if I had given the job to someone else,' Simon, 51, admits.

'She's a
great addition.'

Originally made a co-host with Steve Jones, Nicole, 32, has stepped right into Cheryl Cole's shoes.

And though losing her place on the panel was traumatic for the feisty Geordie, Simon doesn't believe it was a huge issue for X Factor fans.

'It wasn't really such a big deal as everyone thought,' says the media mogul.

'Truth is, you've got to move on. It's about the contestants. They've got no interest in us bickering.'

Pussycat Doll Nicole was a bit hit at the New Jersey auditions.

'After finishing my vry 1st day on the new job, every1 has bn amazing!
Thanku NJ 4 welcoming me. I'm truly grateful & excited 2 B judging
X,' Nicole, 32