Steely Nicole Scherzinger tells how she proved herself to smirking Simon Cowell on X Factor

The 34-year-old singer, who appeared on last years US Factor before moving to the UK version for the current series, said the pair were now very close as Cowell, 53, respects the steel in her character.

But things began differently last year during the former Pussycat Dolls American debut, after the panel had watched a wannabe give a sexually provocative performance of Big Spender.

Cowell hissed: You remind me of Nicole. I think this is what I would have seen with Nicole if shed have been 20, auditioning for this show for the first time.

Scherzinger wiped the smile off Cowells face when she sang an impromptu version of Whitney Houstons I Will Always Love You a cappella.

She said: This girl had just given her audition and I felt bad for her as Simon started making comments about me. When I sang Whitney, thats when Simon realised Im a real performer and have a steely character. I won him over. He likes women with steel.

Scherzinger was speaking at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Of The Year Awards with VO5 at the V&A Museum last night, where she collected its Ultimate Fun Fearless Female prize, left.

The judge, who is mentoring X Factors boys, added: Im loving living in London. This is my base. Im staying in Mayfair and I want to be here for my boys. The British people have given me the confidence to be myself.

Scherzinger, who is in a relationship with Lewis Hamilton, said she was broody after spending time with her three nieces.

She said: Children are what life is all about. I would love some, one day.