(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Nicole Scherzinger thinks she is the "luckiest person alive".

The former Pussycat Doll has opened up about becoming a judge on the American version of The X Factor in the September issue of Marie Claire. She's delighted about being given the opportunity to be involved with the programme, which hits screens this September.

Nicole took over from British singer Cheryl Cole after the Girls Aloud singer was asked to step down by Simon Cowell.

"I'm the luckiest person to get a front-row ticket to the Simon and Paula show," Nicole gushed about working with the former American Idol judge and Paula Abdul. "This whole thing has felt like a roller-coaster ride."

But Nicole says she is incredibly ambitions and has worked hard to get where she is today.

"I definitely have the eye of the tiger," she proclaimed. "I've fought my way to where I am and will continue to do so.

"I'm a hard worker I get it from my family. We only know work. Nothing was handed to us. When I believe in something, I go after it. It's very hard to tell me no."

Nicole recently denied rumours that she is engaged to Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton. (C) Cover Media