Ugly duckling Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Scherzinger always thought she was ugly.

The 31-year-old Pussycat Doll - who is currently working alone after the group decided to take a temporary break in order to pursue solo projects - said she only started to feel attractive once she joined the group in 2003.

She said: "Growing up, I was incredibly shy. And awkward. And lanky! I always thought I was an ugly duckling. I guess it worked out OK in the end. Ultimately though, true beauty shines from within.

"I know joining the group helped me to find out who I am - and I love the message that any woman can be strong, confident and sexy."

The 'Don't Cha' singer said dancing with the band - who have been criticised for their overly explicit moves - had helped her to feel sexy.

Nicole - who is dating motor racing ace Lewis Hamilton - added to Britain's Cosmopolitan magazine: "I consider myself sexy when I'm dancing with the Dolls. It brings out an inner strength, a bolder attitude and a fiery, fearless spirit.

"But away from the stage I can be a different person. I'm either shy or goofy, depending on my mood."

Nicole Scherzinger's music priority

Nicole Scherzinger thinks music is more important than sex.

The Pussycat Dolls star - who is currently dating Formula one star Lewis Hamilton - says performing and writing songs is her priority in life.

She said: "Sex is not important to me but making love is... but music is more important. Having my relationship so much in the spotlight definitely makes things interesting."

Nicole also revealed she has become happier over the years by not placing too much pressure on herself.

She told Britain's Observer newspaper: "Yes, I'm happy. It's hard because you always want the next thing; you're always expecting so much of life and of yourself - but I've really learned in the past year how to be happy in the moment."

Although she's happy with life at the moment, Nicole has not ruled out using therapy in the future if things become too much for her.

She said: "I've never had it, but I'd consider it for the future, sure. I would use whatever help was available - I think we all should."

Celebrities at Mandela's birthday party in London

Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins arrives for the birthday dinner party of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela at Hyde Park in London June 25, 2008.

British F1 race car driver Lewis Hamilton and singer Nicole Scherzinger arrive for the birthday dinner party of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela at Hyde Park in London June 25, 2008.

British singer Leona Lewis arrives for the birthday dinner party of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela at Hyde Park in London June 25, 2008.

U.S. television presenter Oprah Winfrey arrives for the birthday dinner party of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela at Hyde Park in London June 25, 2008.

Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins arrives for the birthday dinner party of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela at Hyde Park in London June 25, 2008.