The ex-Pussycat Doll had to be consoled by fellow judges Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh at Liverpool's Echo Arena, showing no signs that she has toughened up following the criticism of her misty-eyed appearance on the US version last year.
Nicole Scherzinger X Factor judges leaving their hotel to attend the boot camp stage of the competition Liverpool, England - 18.07.12 Mandatory Credit: WENN.com
Scherzinger's outburst came after one of this year's youngest contestants took to the stage for a performance that received a standing ovation from the entire crowd.
Their success was made all the more significant after Barlow admitted that the track they chose to cover is "close to the top" of his "top five... most annoying songs".
X Factor fans appeared to warm to Scherzinger after the incident, repeatedly shouting out: "We love you Nicole."
The 'Don't Hold Your Breath' star responded by turning around to wave at the audience and making a heart symbol for them with her fingers.
It has recently been reported that Scherzinger is having doubts about her relationship with Lewis Hamilton following revelations of his late-night partying with ten girls.
