As fans of The X Factor will most likely recall, when Nicole Scherzinger was a guest judge on the show, she was instrumental in putting über successful boy band One Direction together…

And now that she’s a full time judge, she’s determined to outdo Tulisa’s success in mentoring winners Little Mix last year by spotting – or creating – the next big thing in bands.

While speaking at last week’s press launch, Nicole said “I practically put One Direction together with my hands tied behind my back.”

And of 1D’s amazing success, Nicole said, “It’s crazy to see how massive they are.

“They just performed at the Olympics and it just feels like yesterday we were auditioning them…

“I haven’t received flowers yet. I’m waiting.”

However, as mentioned, Tulisa did of course put together Little Mix last year, and she thinks that having now proven herself on the show, she’ll earn a bit more respect from her fellow judges.

She said, “I think people have been a little bit more respectful of my opinion, which has made it a lot easier for me because I feel that I’m on the panel to judge rather than being judged.

“But hey, it’s me, I’m always being judged – but it has been easier than last year.”

What do you think? Could The X Factor top the success – or replicate it – of 1D and Little Mix?