Nicki Minaj is out. Might Nicole Scherzinger be in?

The hip hop star will not judge The X-Factor, but Simon Cowell himself sounds very close to naming the former Pussycat Doll as the second judge on his upcoming singing competition.

“I want her to do it, but we’ve got to get the deal done and find someone she has chemistry with,” Cowell tells TV Guide. “I absolutely adore her. She was fantastic on the U.K. X Factor and I’m hopeful it will happen.”

Cowell says Cheryl Cole is in the mix and also explains his connection to L.A. Reid, who has been confirmed for the panel.

“I met him

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