Nicole Scherzinger:

Mar. 23 2014
by Jordan Grevet

Many times postponed, the opus has finally seen the light of day, and it seems that the wait has been beneficial for the former leader of the Pussycat Dolls: her second single, "Don't Hold Your Breath," is a hit across the Channel and has just ended Adele's reign in the British charts. In France, "Killer Love" has been available since Monday in digital and will be released in stores on April 25.

Nicole Scherzinger was in Paris to promote the long-awaited "Killer Love" and gave us an interview. The singer returns to her album's musical style, her collaboration with the producer RedOne, and her future with the Pussycat Dolls. Especially for our readers, Nicole Scherzinger also talks about her travel habits and her favorite destinations. And who would have thought: she is a fan of the South of France!

"Pussycat Dolls fans will love this album"

Jordan Grevet: You have been working on this first solo album since 2006. Why did you wait so long to release it?
Nicole Scherzinger: I didn't release the album at the time because I'm a perfectionist and wanted the album to fit me, but also because I felt that the fans wanted another Pussycat Dolls album. So I put a lot of my solo tracks on "Doll Domination" (the second and last Pussycat Dolls album). Then, many of the girls left the band, so I thought it was an excellent time to make my own music.

JG: Are the songs on "Killer Love" new, or did you reuse songs you had already written that were never released?
NS: The only song I took from the previous album is "Power's Out." It's a song produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart in which I sing a duet with Sting.

JG: How is "Killer Love" like you as a solo artist?
NS: "Killer Love" is an album with songs that I chose and wrote, songs that reflect my life, my experiences, and what I have been through. I think a lot of people can relate to that. Pussycat Dolls fans will love this album because it's very eclectic: it contains powerful and danceable songs, acoustic songs that put you in a good mood, and ballads in which I cry all the tears of my body!

"It's music with teeth!"

JG: How is the album different from what you did with the Pussycat Dolls, and how is it similar?
NS: It's first different because it's personal and not tied to a band. There are a lot of songs that are more aggressive, more dance, and not just pop. I call it music with teeth! Other songs are about my past, my relationships, a period when I lost my way, and how I managed to get back on track. But there are also empowering songs that can help people take charge. That's how "Killer Love" is similar to the Pussycat Dolls.

JG: Electro-pop beats are everywhere right now. Did this musical style tempt you in "Killer Love," and is it why you asked RedOne (Lady Gaga's famous producer) to collaborate on this album?
NS: I met RedOne by chance while singing "We Are the World" for Haiti. I really liked his work. We talked, and we said we had to work together. I told him my ideas. I told him that I had this music that I wanted to make explosive, dynamic, and full of energy. He told me he had been thinking about music specifically for me for a long time. By combining our ideas, we came up with songs like "Poison," "Killer Love," and "Club Banger Nation," for which we were inspired by Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Tina Turner... It started like that. As for the dance aspect, music evolves with time, and I love dance; it makes me want to dance. That's why I made these songs.

JG: The French know you, of course, for the Pussycat Dolls and your duet with Enrique Iglesias, "Heartbeat," which was very successful in France. Do you plan to collaborate with other artists? Are there any you would like to work with?
NS: On the album, I sing a duet with Sting, which is an honor. And there are a lot of other artists I'd like to work with: Eminem, Bruno Mars, Adele, Jessie J... Even though we're all very busy, we can always find a way!

"A return of the Pussycat Dolls? Never say never!"

JG: Is there any chance you'll ever get back together with the Pussycat Dolls, or are you definitely a solo artist?
NS: The girls left the group, so it no longer exists. I don't know what the future holds, but I focus on my album and all the good things that will come from it. But never say never.

JG: Are you already working on a second album?
NS: Yes. I'm always working on my music; I never stop.

JG: You won the tenth edition of Dancing with the Stars in the US last year. Why did you decide to participate in the show?
NS: I joined Dancing with the Stars for several reasons. First, I saw the show as a challenge. Once in the game, I couldn't return even if I didn't want to. I love challenges. I had never done ballroom dancing before the show. The other reason is that it allowed me to show the public another side of myself that was not well known. Until now, the public only equated me with the Pussycat Dolls, and thanks to the show, they got to know me, Nicole.

JG: Did you enjoy doing it?
NS: Yes, even though it was hard, I didn't stop for three months. When I get involved in something, I do it all the way!

Nicole Scherzinger at the Hotel de Sers © Jordan Grevet

"I wasn't asked to be a juror on The X Factor."

JG: There are rumors that you will replace Cheryl Cole on The X Factor in the UK and others that you will be a juror on the American version of the show. So, which rumor is true?
NS: (Laughs). I have no idea what's true! It's all speculation at this point; I have no idea what's going on. But it would be an honor for me to be asked to be on the jury.

JG: The producers didn't ask you?
NS: No! Of course, I spoke to Simon Cowell briefly on the panel last year (she replaced Dannii Minogue, who left for the United States). Dannii Minogue, who went on maternity leave) but I think he's very busy with all his shows and hasn't offered me a definite offer. I don't know any more than you do!

"I love the South of France"

JG: Let's move on to our questionnaire about your travel habits and favorite destinations... First question: what is your favorite part of the world?
NS: Aside from Hawaii, where I was born, I love the South of France. I recorded most of my album there. I've been there many times; I love that region.

JG: What is the best city to party in and why?
NS: You know what? When I was in Lebanon, in Beirut, I found that people partied a lot - and big parties! They know how to have fun in Paris and the south of France too!

JG: In which city do you find the most cute guys?
NS: I don't know; I don't look at boys because my boyfriend (the racing driver Lewis Hamilton, ed.) is the cutest! But in Paris, I think everyone looks like they're on the cover of a magazine. People are so chic and elegant. Wherever you are, whether on the street or in the metro, Parisians look like models! But I meet beautiful people of all races and nationalities in every city I travel to.

JG: What is the ideal city to fall in love?
NS: Paris, what a question! Paris is such a romantic city. It's been that way since the beginning of time.

"My travel tip: always bring a pillow!"

JG: What item do you always take with you when you travel?
NS: My iPod with all my music, BlackBerry, and the bracelet my parents gave me.

JG: When you fly, are you more of an aisle or window person?
NS: Porthole, always. I hate aisles!

JG: Your number one travel tip?
NS: Always bring a travel pillow. Resting whenever you can is essential, and with a pillow, it's more comfortable! Otherwise, you should also drink a lot of water.

JG: When is your next trip and where?
NS: I'm flying tomorrow to the other side of the world, to Australia. I will be supporting my boyfriend for his first race of the year.

JG: Finally, what is your dream destination?
NS: One place I've never been and would love to visit is Tahiti, especially Bora-Bora. I would love to go there.