[Red Moon]

X FACTOR CATFIGHT

SNEAKY X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne has stepped up her TV war with Dannii Minogue – using a sexy secret weapon.

Sharon is about to get a big helping of the sex-factor in the shape of Pussycat Dolls babe Nicole Scherzinger.

The sexy singer has been recruited by Sharon, 54, to help pick her final three wannabes.

Sharon hopes the 29-year-old, who is single, will be her secret weapon to pick a winner – and beat deadly rival Dannii, 35, in the glamour stakes. Our X Factor mole said: “Getting Nicole on her team is a big boost for Sharon.

“Not only is she the lead singer in the most successful girl band around – but she is also extremely sexy.

“Sharon knows she can’t compete with Dannii in the sex appeal stakes herself – so she has brought in someone who can.”

This fourth series of X Factor has already proved the hottest, thanks to *stunning pop princess Dannii – but the show has been rife with rumours of bad blood between her and Sharon.

And this latest move seems sure to upset Dannii and make her a real sour Puss. The two female judges have denied not getting on – but both admit to being incredibly competitive about the show.

Sharon was reportedly devastated by the shock sacking of eccentric vocal coach Mark Hudson, 56, earlier this year.

Show boss Simon Cowell, 47, is believed to have brought down the axe on the music producer after he labelled last year’s winner Leona Lewis, 22, as “bland”.

Our source added: “Sharon and Mark are extremely good friends so his sacking caused a bit of a rift between everyone.

“But Sharon is a hugely successful businesswoman and she has used this opportunity to bring a big star on board.”

Nicole has become a huge hit all over the world as the main Pussycat Doll.

And her career is expected to take a huge jump with the release of her first solo album – Her Name Is Nicole – which is due in the shops next month.

Meanwhile, Dannii has called in music producer and close pal Terry Roland to fight her corner. She has worked closely with Terry on several albums.

Our insider said: “Dannii wanted a friend she trusted rather than some other celebrity.”

Judge Cowell is relying on his long-time pal Sinitta, while Louis Walsh has re-hired Westlife star Kian Egan.

Meanwhile, the poshest man in pop – James Blunt – is being lined up to appear on X Factor as a mentor.

The ex-Army officer is due to join mega-stars J.Lo, Elton John, Celine Dion and Dannii’s big sister Kylie on the show.

Ladies’ favourite James – who will top the album charts today with his second offering All The Lost Souls – will be brought in to perform his hits and give tips to the wannabes.

A show insider said: “James is a massive scoop and he is keen to appear.”

X Factor boss Cowell plans nine live shows, with a different singing sensation performing each week – starting with last year’s winner Leona Lewis, 22, who will be singing her new single Bleeding Love on the first show.

Source:
Daily Star