Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger (born June 29, 1978) is an American entertainer who is best known as the lead singer and dancer of the Pussycat Dolls.
Previously, Scherzinger was a backing vocalist for the late-1990s rock group Days of the New, then she was part of reality TV girl group Eden's Crush. After the disbandment of the group, she joined the Pussycat Dolls and became the group's lead vocalist during their transition into a career in music. With the Pussycat Dolls, she released two albums PCD and Doll Domination and embarked on several concert tours. After leaving the group in December 2010, Scherzinger began a solo career with the release of her debut studio album Killer Love. The album's second single, "Don't Hold Your Breath" peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart, in turn marking her first number one hit as a solo artist.
Scherzinger became the winner of the tenth season of Dancing with the Stars in early 2010, and was hailed by judge Carrie Ann Inaba, "by far the best dancer we've ever had on the show." She will judge the American version of The X Factor which will air in fall 2011.
Over the past five years Scherzinger was ranked in Maxim's Hot 100 at 22 and 21 in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Scherzinger has frequently appeared in FHM Magazine's 100 Sexiest Women poll ranking at #22 in 2007.
After a three-year relationship and engagement to 311 singer Nick Hexum, as well as a fling with reality TV star Talan Torriero, Scherzinger began dating 2008 Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who currently races for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.