The X Factor hasn’t had its best year, what with dwindling audience numbers and format tweaks that have failed to please everyone.

But ITV bosses and Simon Cowell are banking on this weekend’s two-part finale to remind viewers how thrilling the song contest can get, with tense sing-offs, guest performances and a truckload of confetti bringing their flagship sing-a-thon to a glittering climax. 

Where The X Factor has got it right this 14th series is with the judging panel, a reprise of last year’s quartet of Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger.

Nicole, the youngest at 39 and the only actual chart-topping singer, has brought much of the fun to the panel, indulging in “schermazing” (to borrow her parlance) antics like dancing on tables and using colourful language. 

Nicole quipped recently that her group’s name, the “Overs” [artists over 25], was too negative, insisting a better name for them would be the “Sexies.” 

Nicole says that she appreciates this year’s format changes. She’s pleased not to have to send anyone home, citing the major switch that’s seen the judges losing their voting power to the public. 

“I love all the changes Simon’s making,” she says.

“You have to, in this day and age. Things are moving so fast over social media, you have to be changing with the times. We’re evolving as a show; we want to give the people what they want.” 

Nicole adds that the show’s ability to spot new talent has paid off and attracted an ever-better crop of contestants.

“I think because of X Factor’s reputation we’re starting to get more people from all around the world coming here, because they know that we actually do make dreams come true, as cheesy as that sounds,” muses Nicole.

“Our proof is in the pudding. Former X Factor contestants are now artists and they’re dominating the charts.”

It’s true – although many X Factor winners have faded into insignificance, as expected, it’s created an impressive number of global successes – its acts have sold more than 250 million records worldwide, including 200 number one hits and 380 Top Ten records, creating acts like One Direction and Little Mix and spotting talents like Leona Lewis, Olly Murs and Alexandra Burke.  

And Nicole’s record on the show has been noteworthy. In the four years she’s been a judge, she’s won with James Arthur in her debut year, 2012, and again in 2016 with Matt Terry.

“Simon has won three times, but I’ve been on the show for just a couple of times and have won twice. Thank you!” she quips.

Nicole says she stays in the UK throughout the competition – rather than jet back to her home in LA – in order to put energy into mentoring, and says she’s been confident that every Saturday night her contestants go out onstage, they’re ready. 

She reveals that, if anything, she is the one feeling the nerves!

“As a singer, I feel much more comfortable performing onstage than I do speaking,” admits Nicole.

“I try to focus my energy on the contestants and making sure they’re okay, but the nerves always creep in.”

She’s certainly a polished performer, as any Pussycat Dolls or X Factor fan can tell you – her X Factor duet of And I’m Telling You with Sam Bailey, and last year’s solo diva mash-up, were show-stoppers. As the final approaches, it’s hoped that Nicole will sing solo or as part of a duet with a finalist again this year. 

Nicole has said she’s already been asked to return next year – although rumours are flying that Cheryl Tweedy may be offered her spot instead – but Nicole has hinted that she simply may not have the time. It’s difficult, she says, to strike the right balance between judging The X Factor and forging ahead with her own singing career. 

“Whenever I commit to something, especially this show, I give 110 per cent every time,” she says.

“It requires a lot of my time, so every year I do re-evaluate whether I am spending enough time on myself as an artist, on my music and my projects.” 

One of her upcoming projects is monumental – next year’s reunion of the Pussycat Dolls, the girl band that catapulted Nicole to global stardom in 2003 alongside fellow Anglophiles Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt. They broke up in 2009 and it’s been said they’ll reunite next year, not that Nicole is giving too much away.

“I have a project that’s my dream project. So I want to take some time to really create that and bring that project, that album and tour, into fruition. 

“It always goes back to the music, touring and singing to the fans: that’s my everything. After that I want to do more movies, more theatre, more charity work and then, in five years’ time, hopefully I’ll have a family. Touring, singing, creating, movies and a family: I want to be like Sade, J-Lo, Bette Midler, all of them, still killing the game.”

You wouldn’t bet against her. 

Part one of the X Factor final airs this Saturday at 7:05pm on ITV.