Nicole Scherzinger: "I Still Love Lewis Hamilton"

23 December 2011, 12:00 | Updated: 23 December 2011, 20:55

The 'Try With Me' singer admits it is hard to talk about her relationship with the Formula One driver because the break-up was so recent.

Nicole Scherzinger says she still loves ex-boyfriend Lewis Hamilton but claims they both need to focus on their careers for the time being.

The X Factor USA judge split from Lewis back in October and, despite recent reports of a potential reconciliation, says they are definitely not together at present.

"I still love him," Nicole told The Mirror. "It's all very recent.

"It's hard for me to talk about it. But we are good friends. We're great friends."

The 'Wet' singer explained: "Right now he's got to focus on his career and I've got to focus on mine."

Earlier this week Nicole admitted she would consider returning for a second year on The X Factor USA if network bosses want her, despite feeling "very emotional" throughout the current series.

The X Factor USA came to a close on FOX last night in a grand finale that saw guest performances from Justin Bieber, Stevie Wonder, 50 Cent and Leona Lewis.