Nicole Scherzinger used to be obsessed with Paula Abdul and even had wallpaper emblazoned with pictures of the star.

The pair are currently both on the judging panel of the new US 'x factor' along with Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid and Nicole - who replaced ousted judge Cheryl Cole - was thrilled to get the chance to work with her idol.

She said: "Growing up, I loved Paula, like I was kind of obsessed with Paula. I had like Paula Abdul wallpaper and Paula Abdul, like, gowns and everything. Yeah. I was kind of obsessed with her."

The 'Don't Hold Your Breath' hitmaker is delighted to have joined the judging panel of the show after initially joining as co-host with Steve Jones and says she has finally found a "bigger diva" than herself in Simon.

In an interview on CNN's 'Piers Morgan Tonight', she explained: "I'm an artist, but I have actually finally met my match. I have actually found a bigger diva than myself."

Asked if she had ever met someone with a bigger ego than the music mogul, Nicole answered: "No, absolutely not. It's rubbing off on me, actually."