X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger is teaming up with her former protégé James Arthur for a duet on his new album
Singer had been turned down by Rita Ora and Ellie Goulding
WHEN JAMES ARTHUR tried to get ex-girlfriend RITA ORA and old pal ELLIE GOULDING to duet on his new album, neither returned his calls.
But one person DID pick up the phone — his former X Factor mentor NICOLE SCHERZINGER.
It is the superstar collaboration he has been looking for.
In an exclusive interview, he revealed the Pussycat Doll has agreed to team up for a new version of album track Let Me Love The Lonely.
James said: “We had a session booked but she was unwell so we haven’t done it yet.
“We originally got a girl in Poland to sing it. It went really well so we thought we should give Nicole a shout.”
The girl was MARINA LUCZENKO, wife of Arsenal goalkeeper WOJCIECH SZCZESNY.
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James performed at their wedding before the Euros this year. The song was distributed to Polish radio, where James has a huge fanbase, but he wants a UK version with Nicole and is toying between releasing it as a single or putting it out as a bonus track online.
I recently revealed how James’s pleas for a collaboration to his former fling Rita and mate Ellie were met with radio silence.
He moaned: “It was tough to get people involved in this one, because I don’t think anyone expected me to come back.”
It’s little surprise Nicole was so keen to join forces.
She remained loyal to James through his downfall, encouraging him to get back into the studio and turn his career around.
He sent Nicole early recordings of his new tracks and she offered advice before they made the album.
No wonder it’s been a Schermazing success.
Is Brad the Marion kind?
BRAD PITT looked fresh-faced and lean being snapped at a public event for the first time since his shock split from ANGELINA JOLIE in September.
He joined fellow Hollywood royalty JULIA ROBERTS at a Los Angeles screening of his upcoming movie, Moonlight.
The pair, who starred in 2001’s The Mexican together, smiled for snappers on Tuesday before watching the drama, which has been produced by Brad’s production company Plan B.
Last night he was due on the red carpet at the LA premiere of World War Two flick Allied, alongside his pregnant French co-star MARION COTILLARD.
It would be the first time the two stars have been pictured together since Marion was forced to deny allegations that they had an affair.
It’s going to be one awkward red carpet.
Fans' spice mix-up
GERI HORNER and EMMA BUNTON sparked a SPICE GIRLS Instagram meltdown last night after posting a picture of themselves in a studio.
The pair and MEL B are aiming to relaunch the band next year with new music and a huge tour, even though Geri is expecting her second baby.
She wrote next to the pic: “In studio, oooooh.” I can reveal their meeting was Spice-related but, to calm fans’ excitement, they were not there to record.
A source said: “Geri and Emma can’t really lay vocals down without Mel, who’s out of the country.
“It was just a catch-up meeting, listening to a few potential tracks.”
Still exciting though.
Tove: My onstage re-leaf
IT appears TOVE LO has swapped stylists with MILEY CYRUS.
I named the Swede my New Star of 2015 for her debut album, Queen of the Clouds, and she launched her follow-up, Lady Wood, at London’s Laundry Building on Tuesday.
Halfway through her set, which included amazing single Cool Girl, she took off her top to show cannabis-shaped nipple pasties.
In an exclusive chat afterwards, Tove said: “I was only gonna do what I usually do, a little boob peek then put my top back on.
“But it got stuck and I was like, ‘Oh well, whatever’.
“It’s very comfortable performing like that because you can move and you’re not too sweaty. It’s great.
“I think nudity is natural, not shameful. You should just be able to choose what you do yourself, so the ones that want to, go ahead.”
But Tove, pictured partying with Sink the Pink dancers, right, isn’t looking to bag a boyfriend by stripping off on stage, as heartbreak inspired her new album.
She added: “I’m single and I’m having fun. But I’ve very much decided that I want to focus on my music now, so I’m not looking for anything.”
She’s got the right idea.