X Factor 2012: Nicole Scherzinger jets to Los Angeles to attend grandmother's funeral with Lewis Hamilton after she ...

By Kimberley Dadds and J J Anisiobi

PUBLISHED: 12:28 EST, 13 November 2012 | UPDATED: 12:42 EST, 13 November 2012

Nicole Scherzinger was particularly emotional on Saturday night's X Factor, but the reason behind her tears has been revealed.

The former Pussycat Doll's grandmother had passed away on Saturday morning and some of the songs performed by contestants had brought back memories of the matriarch.

Nicole, 34, was joined by her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, 27, who was accompanying her as the couple were seen arriving at the airport on Monday.

The smile says it all: Nicole Scherzinger looks the picture of happiness as she jets away with boyfriend Lewis Hamilton for some much needed time together

Comforting company: Nicole Scherzinger was accompanied by Lewis Hamilton as she flew to Los Angeles for her grandmother's funeral

Remember the times: Nicole was moved to tears after hearing District 3 perform Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton

Remember the times: Nicole was moved to tears after hearing District 3 perform Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton

Viewers witnessed Nicole break down in tears after District 3 performed Eric Clapton's emotional song Tears in Heaven.

As she wiped away! tears from her eyes, she mentioned that the track was rather poignant for her but didn't elaborate further.

A representative for Nicole told MailOnline: 'Nicole had to return to the US to attend her grandmothers funeral. Sadly, she passed away on Saturday morning.

'She did mention on the show that a couple of the songs were particularly poignant for her.'

Emotional night: The former Pussycat Doll mentioned that some of the songs were a little poignant to her

Emotional night: The former Pussycat Doll mentioned that some of the songs were a little poignant to her

Despite the sad news Lewis and Nicole looked relatively happy in each others company as they hid their eyes behind sunglasses.

Nicole only has a few days before she's due back on screens for the next X Factor contest but she appears to be making the most of her days off from the live programmes by spending it with Lewis this week.

The look of love: The x Factor judge is enjoying her down time form the show by flying out of London with her Formula 1 ace beau

The look of love: The X Factor judge was comforted by her Formula 1 ace boyfriend

Rare smile: Even Lewis dropped his usually stern exterior to show his delight at their mini-break together

Rare smile: Even Lewis dropped his usually stern exterior and smiled as he led his girlfriend through the terminal

The racing driver has a break in his own hectic schedule ahead of his next Grand Prix in the States next weekend.

The pair co-ordinated in complimenting ense! mbles as ! they stepped out holding hands in dark outfits.

Nicole looked chic in skinny jeans and a coat with a floppy hat on her head, while she wore large sunglasses over her eyes.

Time off: The pair wore co-ordinating dark ensembles for the trip as they walked through the airport hand-in-hand

Time off: The pair wore co-ordinating dark ensembles for the trip as they walked through the airport hand-in-hand

Hats off: Nicole has been busy concentrating on judging duties while Lewis is almost finished this year's Grand Prix season

Hats off: Nicole has been busy concentrating on judging duties while Lewis is almost finished this year's Grand Prix season

On their way: Scherzinger looked stylish in her airport outfit as they made their way to Heathrow Airport

On their way: Scherzinger looked stylish in her airport outfit as they made their way to Heathrow Airport

On their way: Scherzinger looked stylish in her airport outfit as they made their way to Heathrow Airport

She completed her look with her glossy long locks worn down and black shoes on her feet.

Lewis, meanwhile, also went for a dark get-up as he headed out in baggy jeans and a stripey T-shirt with a beanie hat and his own sunglasses on.

But although she only has a few days to spare Nicole was loaded up with bags as she left her London hotel and made her way to her plane.

And! Hamilton played the protective partner as he lead the way holding his girlfriend's hand.

Loaded up: The pair looked like they'd packed for a while despite Nicole being due back on The X Factor on Saturday

Loaded up: The pair looked like they'd packed for a while despite Nicole being due back on The X Factor on Saturday

In unison: They couldn't hide their delight as they casually strolled through to get their flight

In unison: They put on a show of unity as they smiled at cameras waiting for them