Cole: 'I know my singing limits'

Cheryl Cole has admitted that her singing voice does not compare to Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey.

The new X Factor judge told The Sun that she would not audition for the talent show by singing a vocally demanding ballad.

"I know my limits and am realistic about my ability," she said. "I would never attempt a Whitney or a Mariah song. You'll always get compared. And there is no comparison."

Cole, who secured her spot in Girls Aloud on Popstars: The Rivals in 2002, added that it was "strange" to be judging a reality show with her former manager Louis Walsh.

"Who would have thought six years on I'd be sitting next to him doing the same job?" she remarked. "I was a bit apprehensive. But he was the first to come to my dressing room. He helped to make me feel comfortable and welcome."

The new series of The X Factor begins Saturday, 7.30pm on ITV1.