Nicole Scherzinger 'to miss X Factor auditions due to family illness'
Nicole Scherzinger could miss out on the opening X Factor auditions, after her aunt was taken seriously ill, according to reports.
Scherzinger will fly home to the US early next month to be with her family in the wake of the illness, The Sun reported.
A source told the publication that her aunt's illness had left the singer "devastated".
They said: “While Nicole wants to make sure she gives X Factor her full attention, of course she has to be with her family. She wants to make sure she is there to support her auntie so will be back in the US in upcoming weeks — and it looks likely to clash with the first auditions.
“It’s an incredibly difficult time for Nic but the X Factor will provide her with a good distraction when she returns.”
Filming for the 13th series of the talent show is due to start in June, so it is likely Scherzinger will miss out on at least the first few weeks of auditions, but it is hoped she will be back in time to participate in the later Bootcamp and Judges’ Houses stages.
This series has been anything but plain sailing for Scherzinger, who was reported to have been reluctant to rejoin. There were also rumours that she would be replaced by Mariah Carey.
However after talks with head judge Simon Cowell, the singer was persuaded to return.
Scherzinger has a strong history as a judge on the show. She helped mastermind One Direction, the most successful X Factor act ever back in 2010, and mentored James Arthur to victory in 2012.
It is thought that singer Mel B is on standby to fill in for Scherzinger on the judging panel alongside Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osborne if the former Pussycat Doll is absent.
Standard Online has contacted representatives for Scherzinger and The X Factor for comment.
The new series of The X Factor will air later this year.
Nicole Scherzinger 'to miss X Factor auditions due to family illness'X FactorNicole ScherzingerSimon CowellNicole Scherzinger 'to miss X Factor auditions due to family illness'The singer has been forced to return to the US after her aunt was taken seriously ill
Nicole Scherzinger to miss X Factor auditions due to family illnessPublishedImageMedium width1Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 11:59'Devestated': Nicole Scherzinger has been forced to return to the states following a family illnessOnEnable video endboarddefaultTuesday, May 23, 2017 - 11:00Greater LondonGBKey Points