Kelly Rowland discusses Beyonce award rivalry

By Steven McIntosh
Newsbeat reporter Kelly Rowland headlined 1Xtra Live at London's Brixton Academy

Kelly Rowland says she's "just happy to be nominated" for a Grammy, despite facing competition from Beyonce.

The singer was nominated earlier this week for best rap/sung collaboration at the awards ceremony.

Motivation, a duet with Lil Wayne, is up against songs by Rihanna, Drake, Eminem and Kanye West in the category.

Rowland also faces competition from former bandmate Beyonce Knowles, who has a nomination for Party, a collaboration with Andre 3000.

The 30-year-old has previously won awards at the ceremony as a member of Destiny's Child.

The X Factor judge said: "If I were to win it would make a fifth Grammy.

"There are so many artists that should be given an award. What's so cool about the Grammys is they're awards from your peers."

Speaking about going up against Beyonce Knowles in the category, Rowland said: "We've both had great years and great songs so I'm not tripping, I'm just happy to be nominated."

The singer also told Newsbeat the Grammy awards she has already won inspire her to keep making music.

"I take very good care of my Grammys," she said. "They actually make me want to work harder, because you do want more."

The ceremony takes place on 12 February, 2012.

X Factor

Kelly Rowland has been on the judging panel on this year's X Factor with Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh.

The singer has been mentoring the Girls category on the show.

One contestant, Amelia Lily, was recently voted back into the competition after being booted off the series on the first live show.

"Amelia has a great work ethic. And she's definitely committed and dedicated to making herself better, and I respect that," Rowland said.

She also responded to criticism that Lily would be an undeserving winner, having missed so many live shows.

"I think it's wrong for anybody to think that," she said. "I think that when you work hard at something and it shows, people can see it and that's what they want to vote for.

Kelly Rowland says she doesn't know whether she'll return to the show next year.

"We'll see," she said. "It's up to Mr Cowell. He's been very supportive."

Rowland is due to sing on this Sunday's X Factor results show.

She said: "I've been waiting to perform, it's going to be fun. I think some people are going to be surprised with this weekend's show."

The singer was speaking to Newsbeat at BBC Radio 1Xtra Live in Brixton.

Kelly Rowland's new album Here I Am is released this week.