Nicole Scherzinger lands $4.5M record deal, rings in 2014 with ex Lewis Hamilton

Nicole Scherzinger got a double-dose of good cheer to ring in 2014.

The X Factor judge and former Pussycat Dolls singer has reportedly landed a $4.5 million recording contract with Sony Records to release a new album this summer.

"Nicole was the most popular member of the X Factor panel this year and is the real winner in terms of bankability," a source dished. "She is set to sign with Sony and can't wait to get back to her music which took a back seat during X Factor."

The album is due to be her first since her 2011 debut, Killer Love.

The sweet end to the year was made even sweeter as Scherzinger appears to have spent the Wednesday with her on-again, off-again sweetheart, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

The two posted nearly identical images of themselves posing on snowmobiles, enjoying a romantic sunset over a snow-covered landscape.

"What better way to kick off 2014 in God's Country! Praying and snow mobiling! #Everything! #Glorious!" Scherzinger wrote on Instagram.

A short while later, Hamilton added his own comment.

"Great way to enter the year....snowmobiling with Gods view. Truly am blessed to have a great family with me. #onelove." The pair also spent New Year's Eve together at a party thrown by Alicia Keys and her husband, Swizz Beats.

Scherzinger and Hamilton, who began dating in 2008, split last July over their hectic schedules.