Nicole Scherzinger‘s ruthless approach to her solo career may work for her, but it’s not making everyone happy.

Case in point, theatre maestro Andrew Lloyd-Webber who says he is “furious” with the singer.

Find out why below…

Rita Ora‘s departure from The X Factor UK judging panel this week left a vacant spot at the table, a spot the British press have speculated will be filled by former judge Scherzinger.

Speaking with The Economist Radio, Lloyd-Webber confirmed the news – adding that it’s wreaked havoc for the Broadway adaptation of his ‘CATS’ show.

See, after a successful stint playing Grizabella in the show’s London revival, Scherzinger had been tapped to reprise the role in the production’s hotly anticipated New York return. That all changed, at the absolute last minute it seems, once The X Factor opportunity was presented.

Lloyd-Webber explained:

“A week before we were going to go into rehearsal with Cats on Broadway, which luckily I’m not producing, she calls me and says she’s decided she wants to do X Factor, having [already] agreed everything.

I mean, she’s crazy. But the American producers just took a view – ‘Well, fine, we’ll get somebody else’, because she’s actually not very well known in America amazingly. She’s much better known here [in the UK].

I’m furious because I really believe she’s the most fantastically talented girl and I went out on a limb to get her for the London Palladium here, and it makes me look like an absolute twot with them all.

But never mind, there’ll be another girl on Broadway and Nicole will not get her Tony Award.” [Source]

He threw a forrest of shade – whether intended or not.

We’re torn, though.

On the one hand, a cheque is a cheque and perhaps the larger payday, lighter workload (Broadway is no joke), and commercial benefits (see: music and endorsements) made the X Factor an altogether more enticing option.

Still, sometimes (just…sometimes), it profits the artist to look at the bigger picture.

Firstly, The X Factor UK is on the last year of its current TV deal, so beyond its 2016 instalment there are no guarantees about its future.

What’s more, frankly speaking, Nicole has been on the struggle bus musically for almost 10 years. Indeed, despite a few solid songs here and there, it just has not been working for her solo post the Pussycat Dolls.

With Broadway, she had to the opportunity to create a new success narrative for herself, one that can’t be fettered by the fickleness that all-too-often defines popularity in music. And one that doesn’t hinge on the ratings of an arguably declining TV show.

In opting for door #1, she’s done so in a way that has clearly angered all behind door #2, and potentially deterred those on the other side of #3 from wanting to work with her in the future.

Still, we’re firm believers in everyone’s license to do what’s best for them. As such, we hope it all works out.

Your thoughts?