Nicole Scherzinger reflects on ‘beautiful’ experience with Liam Payne on Building the Band

Nicole Scherzinger had a “really beautiful” experience with Liam Payne on Building the Band.

The Pussycat Dolls singer features as a judge alongside the tragic One Direction star on the new Netflix show and has fond memories of working with Liam – who died aged 31 last year after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

Speaking to People, Nicole recalled: “We got pretty close through this whole experience.

“Liam is such a kind and beautiful heart, and selfishly I’m glad that I got to spend my time with him. I’m really happy that the world gets to see another one of his gifts, which is helping these blossoming artists, these bands.

“He was amazing. I was really impressed with him. He was just so giving and generous, even when the cameras weren’t rolling, spending time with all the fans and singing to them. It was lovely to watch him in his element.”

Nicole explained that she “jumped at the opportunity” to work on Building the Band – which is hosted by Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean and also features Kelly Rowland as a judge – having previously had similar TV judging roles on The X Factor UK and The Masked Singer.

The 47-year-old star said: “I’ve been doing this for quite a long time. I really pride myself in mentoring and helping out however I can, and one of my superpowers is trying to find the best in people and in blossoming artists. I was really excited to lend any of my gifts and experience to the show.”

Nicole explained that a lack of “ego” is important if a group is going to become successful in the music business.

Asked for the most important lesson she learned from her Pussycat Dolls experiences, the Don’t Cha singer said: “I think not to have an ego and everyone plays a strong role in their own way. There’s different roles and it’s all for the betterment of the band.

“When we were in this process, when the bands were forming, so many of the band members had unbelievable voices, really strong soloist voices, but not everyone could be a solo singer because it was a band. You had to know when you took your lead and you had to know when you could harmonise.”