The cat who got the Cole: A relaxed Nicole Scherzinger leaves X Factor storm behind her to join the stars at Monaco Grand Prix

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

All smiles: Nicole Scherzinger looks happy and relaxed as she strolls through the enclosure at the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo earlier today


Last week, she found herself at the centre of a growing storm when it emerged she had replaced Cheryl Cole as a judge on the U.S. version of the X Factor.

But Pussycat Doll singer Nicole Scherzinger looked like she didn't have a care in the world in Monte Carlo earlier today, as she watched boyfriend Lewis Hamilton race in the Monaco Grand Prix.

Looking happy and relaxed in a grey and black patterned minidress, white sandals and a large oversize floppy hat, the 32-year-old singer smiled as she strolled through the race crowds.


In the shade: Nicole shelters racing driver boyfriend Lewis Hamilton before today's big race


She was also pictured holding an umbrella over her 26-year-old British boyfriend before the race to shade him from the Monaco sunshine.

The star was clearly enjoying some relaxation time before she is due to return to the U.S. where she will take Cheryl's place alongside Simon Cowell, L.A.Reid and Paula Abdul.

Nicole had originally been co-hosting the show alongside Steve Jones, but will now replace Cheryl after she was fired from the show.


Piece of the action: Wearing a pair of headphones, Nicole looks focussed as she watches the race


At one point, she was seen sporting a pair of headphones and watching the action intently from a raised platform.

Nicole joined a slew of other celebrities at the Monte Carlo circuit for what has become known as Formula One's most glamorous Grand Prix.

Accordingly, the stars were pulling out all the stops in the glamour stakes.



Royal presence: Princess Beatrice arrives in an apricot dress and cream wedges with boyfriend Dave Clark


Snap happy: Dressed in a green playsuit and pink heels, Geri Halliwell takes a few photographs of the action


Princess Beatrice arrived with her boyfriend Dave Clark looking chic in an apricot dress and wedge sandals while Geri Halliwell turned up with her boyfriend Henry Beckwith.

Looking striking in a bright green playsuit, the former Spice Girl larked around with a camera taking photographs of the action.

British racing driver Jenson Button's model girlfriend Jessica Michibata looked stunning in a white one shouldered minidress, while singer and actress Holly Valance went for a simple chic grey and black patterned dress teamed with Gladiator sandals.


Glamming it up: Holly Valance looked chic in a patterned dress and gladiator sandals, while racing driver Jenson Button's model girlfriend Jessica Michibata showed off her slim frame in a white minidress


It's a family affair: Richard Branson poses with his daughter Holly and her boyfriend Fred Andrews besides the Monte Carlo track


Millionaires playground: Bernie Ecclestone's daughters Petra and Tamara show off their svelte legs in shorts while Monaco royal Charlotte Casiraghi wears an orange and white dress


Monte Carlo was enjoying its reputation as something of a millionaires playground with Richard Branson posing with his daughter Holly and fashion mogul Philip Green also being spotted trackside.

Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone's daughters Petra and Tamara showed off their svelte figures as they arrived at the event, Petra in white shorts and Tamara sporting a white and black patterned playsuit.

Monaco royal Charlotte Casiraghi looked chic in an orange and white dress with beige sandal as she watched defending Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel race to victory.


Picture perfect: The Formula One circus is in the principality of Monte Carlo for round six of the 2011 calendar

source: dailymail