Is Nicole Scherzinger leaving ‘X Factor’?

Could Nicole Scherzinger be leaving X Factor? According to sources, the singer wants to quit the talent show and return to focusing on her career. A showbiz insider said: “Nicole has proved really popular with viewers – men want to be with her and women want to be her.”

The former Pussycat Doll, 34, said that getting two of her acts — James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas — into the final would be the perfect exit strategy. She said: “I’m really glad I did the show. I don’t know if I’ll come back next year. End on a high, right?”

Nicole has emerged as the most popular judge on this year’s panel and her departure would be another nail in the coffin of the ailing ITV1 show. However, Nicole, who has a new album in the pipeline, is keen to go back on tour.

She said: “This year has changed my life. As an artist, it’s put into perspective what I want, how to go about it.

“People have made me so comfortable and I have to thank you.”

There were reports earlier in the series that Simon Cowell was eager to poach Mel B from the Australian version of the show after a successful guest judging stint.

Reports suggest that besides Scherzinger, the only judge Cowell wants to see return to the show is pal Louis Walsh.

“Tulisa has lost her touch this year and her heart doesn’t seem to be in it, while Gary has a new album and touring commitments with Take That,”the source said.

It has previously been reported that Cowell is intending to return to the UK version of the show next year, and that negotiations are at an advanced level with Cheryl Cole on her return.

The X Factor has lost millions of viewers in the UK this year, and is down almost 10 million on its peak in 2009.

Liverpool singer Christopher Maloney has seen his odds slashed with the bookies as millions have been placed on him to win the competition.

The final of the X Factor 2012 takes place this weekend.

It makes no difference to me if she quits or not, but I think it would be great if she could get back to singing!

Here are new pictures of Nicole at last night’s press conference for X Factor in Manchester, England.

PS: What the HECK is she wearing??