PALIN MITENK BLOG

By AMY PROUD

Grin or grimace?: Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul were effusive in their greeting at the X Factor premiere in Hollywood tonight, but it seemed forced

They've been pitched as rivals from the outset.

Two beautiful women, both with with a respectable pop music pedigree and both judges on the hotly anticipated US incarnation of The X Factor.

But Nicole Scherzinger, 33 , and 49-year-old Paula Abdul put on a display of unity tonight at the premiere of the Fox show, which was held at the Arclight cinema in Hollywood.


Rapturous: The judges fell over themselves to embrace each other but their teeth appear to be clenched

The two women rushed towards each other with arms outstretched.

They then embraced but a simple hug was not enough, nor was the long passe and frequently mocked double kiss.


Stunning: Nicole wore a long backless silver sheath which highlighted her enviable figure


Have you been working out? Nicole looked very toned in the beautiful gown


Quick touch up: Nicole's stylists make sure not a hair or thread is out of place

Instead, the two women pressed their pretty heads together, the Pussycat Doll's slicked-back Pocahontas pony leaving her forehead exposed to rub against the 80s' star's impeccably coiffed honey-coloured hair.

They were both trying very hard in the style stakes - Nicole dazzled in a long column silver gown with a daring cut-out back.


BFFs: Paula snuggled up to Simon on the red carpet and dazzled in a striped sequinned dress


Spotlight: Paula faces the cameras at the event, held at Arclight cinemas on Sunset Boulevard


Is that my best side? Photographers clamoured to get the best shot of Nicole on the red carpet

Paula meanwhile wore a striped sequinned mini dress with gold spiked heels.

Theirs was quite a display of friendliness.

After all, any psychologist worth their salt, amateur or other, will tell you that we only touch heads with someone we like and trust.


Cheeky! Nicole laughs out loud possibly at something Simon said as Paula plants a kiss on his cheek


My eyes are up here, Simon! Nicole gives Simon and his wandering eyes a disapproving look

However, was there perhaps something a little forced about this pose?

If you read it another way, the two judges look like they're baring their teeth at one another, heads bent as they prepare for battle with one another.


Larks: Simon pinches Paula's nose to the obvious delight of the crowd


Flirts: Paula and Simon were up to their usual touchy-feely antics


United front: Simon's fiancée Mezhgan Hussainy also attended, after reports the pair had ended their engagement

Of course, if this is the case, it's just the way that talent show genius Simon Cowell, 51 , likes it.

The reality programming behemoth loves a spot of rivalry to spice up proceedings, a tumultuous panel makes for much better television.

And after the Dannii vs Cheryl style wars on the UK show, Simon is fully aware that no-one will be as interested in himself and fourth judge, L.A Reid, 55.


Time to face the music: The judges line up before heading into the auditorium


Supporting cast: L.A Reid and presenter Steve Jones just looked happy to be there


Bantering partners: According to reports from fans who watched the preview episode, Simon and L.A. rarely agree on anything

Cowell is less oblique in his dealings with Abdul, and continued to enjoy his pantomime-esque love and hate in with the diminutive singer.

The music mogul faux grimaced as she kissed him, and then pulled Abdul's nose as she tried to touch his face.

Reid and Welsh presenter Steve Jones, who is helming the show, meanwhile, just seemed pleased to be there.


What's so funny? Inside the screening, Paula and Nicole struggled to control their laughing as they fielded questions from journalists


X-Factor Launch Event Red Carpet - Nicole Scherzinger


X-Factor Launch Event Red Carpet - Paula Abdul



source: dailymail