(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Nicole Scherzinger says she found Mel B "pretty scary".

The 34-year-old singer thought she would be the harshest judge on the X Factor UK panel before she met Mel. Nicole insists she isn't as fiery as guest judge Mel and admits she feared the Spice Girls singer's harsh opinions just as much as the contestants.

"She's pretty scary!" Nicole exclaimed to Look magazine. "I try and let people down lightly and in a constructive way."

Nicole hinted that some famous faces are lacking in experience when it comes to finding new talent.

The former Pussycat Dolls star says she instantly knows whether people have what it takes to make it as an international artist. Nicole says people should not be fooled by her nice exterior as she can be just as intimidating as Mel B.

"I've done this for a long time, I've got a lot of experience and I know what I'm looking for," Nicole explained confidently. "At the end of the day I know who has it and who doesn't." (C) Cover Media