Judges at war! Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger in X-Factor feud over his constant criticism

By Laura Schreffler

Last updated at 2:23 AM on 3rd November 2011

Nicole Scherzinger has had it up to here with Simon Cowell, who refuses to stop critiquing her contestants on X-Factor.

The 33-year-old singer is said to be furious with creator Cowell over his constant criticism.

They sparred onscreen last week when the 52-year-old Brit insulted Nicole's contestants, but their reality TV feud seems to have carried over into real life.

Feuding judges: Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger are reportedly on the outs

According to RadarOnline, Cowell is putting himself where he doesn't belong and co-mentoring the former Pussycat Doll's team in the lead up to tonight's show.

Tonight is the first night where the viewing public is actually allowed to vote.

A source tells the website: 'Simon said last week he didn't like Stacy Frances' song and called her a church singer, which Nicole took as a huge insult.'

Simon says: 'Nicole, you aren't doing your job!'

'It actually wasn't. It was about Nicole picking the wrong style song for Stacy. This week Simon started appearing at Nicole's acts during rehearsals.'

'He thinks it's hilarious that Nicole got so mad with him last week and he loves the fact Nicole's acts seek his approval. This week he's even taking credit for choosing Stacy's song.'

In other words, Simon Cowell is acting like a professional instigator.

A difference of opinion: Nicole and Simon clearly clash

He's even admitted it as such, saying today: 'Some of the best singers in the world are what I call church singers, like Aretha Franklin, that's what I mean, what's wrong with that?'

He added: 'But Stacy got it so wrong last week. So I'm going to take responsibility for what she's singing tonight. If she gets it wrong tonight I'll take full responsibility - but this is more me than Nicole with Stacy this week, it's been me guiding her.'

The former American Idol judge even criticised another of Scherzinger's contestants, LeRoy Bell.

The X-Factor: the show has already been renewed for a second season

'I don't think Nicole's connected with him. You have to get into a contestant's head and I'm not sure she has done that at all', he said.

One would say that Simon should focus on his own group, but he's doing that, as well.

In fact, he may be the reason why Fox announced today that X-Factor has been picked up for a second season.

He has beefed up security for his team, Rachel Crow, Drew Ryniewicz and Melanie Amaro after they were recently mobbed during a trip to the mall.

Two mentors: Stacy Frances is getting advice from both Nicole and Simon

He has ordered his own personal bodyguards to see that they never leave the studio alone.

Meanwhile, Nicole is still suffering after her breakup with boyfriend of four years, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

She looked heartbroken on a recent trip to London, where she performed her new single, Try With Me, on the UK version of X-Factor.

Her head and heart are clearly somewhere else at the moment - and that place might not be X-Factor.