Gaining worldwide popularity after transitioning from the Pussycat Dolls to judge on "The X Factor," Nicole Scherzinger was selected to cover the January 2012 issue of Cosmopolitan South Africa.

The 33-year-old brunette beauty looks striking in a spread shot by photographer Pavel Havlicek while speaking with the magazine about topics including body confidence, being anti-diets and her supposed feud with British singer Cheryl Cole.

Highlights from Nicole's interview are as follows. For more, be sure to visit Cosmopolitan South Africa!

On whether she's always been body-confident:
"I was so awkward and lanky, and only felt comfortable when I escaped to my room to listen to Whitney Houston and sing at the top of my voice."

On whether she and Cheryl Cole are enemies:
"I have to consciously distance myself from what is said in the tabloids, because I'm highly sensitive to that stuff. How do they come up with it? I think they were trying to start a rivalry between us. But it's all silly and, at the end of the day, you just have to laugh about it because it's not real."

On her averseness to dieting:
"I don't believe in diets very much. I have tried every one out there and I've realized they don't work. It's more about having a consistent diet in everyday life. I don't believe in depriving myself of anything. Balance, moderation and staying active - that is what works."

On the standing of the Pussycat Dolls:
"I'll tell you as much as I know. I've never left the Pussycat Dolls. I'm still the lead singer of the group. I do know that a few girls have left to pursue solo careers. I wish them only the best. I'm happy for them."



Photo Credit: Pavel Havlicek for Cosmopolitan South Africa