Pop sensation Nicole Scherzinger is back on the judging panel—this time for Netflix’s newly launched music competition series, Building the Band. The show premiered on July 9 and features Nicole in a dual role as both mentor and judge.

Nicole is best known as the lead vocalist of The Pussycat Dolls, one of the most successful girl groups of the 2000s. She has earlier judged top reality shows like The X Factor and The Masked Singer, and now brings that experience to this fresh format.

Excitement for the New Journey

In an interview with PEOPLE, Nicole opened up about her enthusiasm for the show and her personal journey in the music industry. She spoke about how Building the Band gives her a chance to guide rising talent and share wisdom from her own career.

When asked about the possibility of a Pussycat Dolls reunion, Nicole didn’t rule it out. She said, “Never say never, girl. No idea. I mean, I’m still in Norma land and Sunset Boulevard land, but who knows what the future holds?”

She referred to her current role in the Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard, which recently earned her a Tony Award.

Lessons from the Pussycat Dolls

Nicole also reflected on what she learned as part of a music group and how those lessons are helping her coach young artists today. She believes that every band member should understand their individual role and leave their ego behind.

“I think to not have an ego, and everyone plays a strong role in their way,” she explained. Nicole said many contestants on the show had powerful solo voices, but success in a band requires more than just talent.

“When we were in this process when the bands were forming, so many of the band members had unbelievable voices, really strong soloist voices, but not everyone could be a solo singer because it was a band. You had to know when you took your lead, and you had to know when you could harmonise,” she added.

Knowing When to Shine

Nicole, who was with The Pussycat Dolls from 2003 to 2010, stressed the importance of recognizing one’s strength within a group. She encouraged contestants to give their best, but also to support others.

“That’s when you are going to be able to make the band as strong as it can be,” she emphasized.

Inside ‘Building the Band’

The first four episodes of Building the Band are now available on Netflix. The show features AJ McLean as host and includes Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne on the judging panel alongside Nicole.

The show follows a unique concept. Contestants build their bands while sitting in individual booths, without seeing one another. They choose teammates based purely on voice and musical chemistry, making the selection process entirely blind.

A New Chapter for Nicole

With Building the Band, Nicole begins another exciting chapter—this time as a guide for the next generation of stars. While fans continue to hope for a Pussycat Dolls reunion, Nicole’s focus remains on mentoring, inspiring, and sharing the spotlight with new voices.