[Denver]

AFTER helping create X Factor’s best ever act in ONE DIRECTION and mentoring JAMES ARTHUR, NICOLE SCHERZINGER has done more than enough to earn cult status on the ITV show.

And it appears not even US superstar and iconic diva MARIAH CAREY can dislodge the former PUSSYCAT DOLL as the show’s most schermazing judge.

Despite my misinformed rivals stating Mariah was being lined up to replace her, I can reveal Nicole is to continue her love affair with the show by signing up for another year after talks with SIMON COWELL over the weekend.

I can confirm Mariah’s reps approached The X Factor about a place on the show, but their move only accelerated Nicole’s determination to sign.

A source said: “Nicole is so highly thought off by X Factor that there was always the intention to tie her down for another year. Once she heard other names being mentioned, she was keen to get her deal locked down and it’s now there to sign.

“Mariah’s name is still in the frame and, given it’s X Factor, it’s safer not to rule anything out.”

Mariah’s presence on the panel could become a real possibility should SHARON OSBOURNE rule herself out.

Mrs O has a long standing back problem and there are potential clashes with her US TV show The Talk.

But she overcame both obstacles to appear on last year’s series.

X Factor bosses have placed MEL B on the stand-by list should Sharon and Mariah be unobtainable as auditions approaches.

I revealed last month that Nicole was being lined up to take the lead role in the movie version of West End hit Wicked.

But her new music project with WILL.I.AM is now a more likely focus, which is expected to launch in the UK this summer.

Nicole is going to be releasing new music with Will.I.Am this summer
If the line-up for 2017 remains the same, also featuring Simon and LOUIS WALSH, it will be strong.

But I always think a new judge breathes life into a series and adds another notch of excitement to the build-up.

And Mariah, especially, is guaranteed to add some drama.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbi...ecome-a-judge/