Mandela tribute from Nicole Scherzinger

by Matt Shine | 6 December 2013

Nicole Scherzinger at the Cosmopolitan Awards

Nicole Scherzinger paid tribute to Nelson Mandela as she picked up her top TV personality prize at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards 2013.

The 'X Factor' UK judge sang an impromptu rendition of 'This Little Light of Mine' at the star-studded awards ceremony in London last night (05.12.13) after hearing of the anti-apartheid revolutionary's tragic passing at his home in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Nicole said she had performed the track for Mandela at his 90th birthday party and was moved to tears as she took to the stage at the V&A Museum.

The 35-year-old star later wrote on Twitter: "God Bless @NelsonMandela Tears stream as it was an honour to have known u. / U were truly exceptional & an inspiration. (sic)"

Nicole wasn't the only winner from the TV talent show as 2011 winners Little Mix were named best exports. 'Burn' singer Ellie Goulding took home the ultimate music star prize, while eccentric dresser Paloma Faith was named style icon.

Ellie said: "I am surprised but very happy - it is such an honour to win this. I have only won one Brit Award but I've been nominated for a few.

"I felt like the people who went up before me were so inspirational and so f**king cool, that I feel slightly inadequate, but at the same time I feel like I have come a long way and this is the real tip of my journey now."

Presenting double act Ant and Dec were given the ultimate men prize to celebrate their length career years as the nation's favourite TV presenters.

The pair's acceptance speech was broadcasted from Australia where they are filming 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'

Declan Donnelly said: "We just want to say how thrilled, excited, honoured and randy we are to be your men of the year. It's quite a thrill for us isn't it?"

Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards 2013 presented by Vauxhall Adam were hosted by Fearne Cotton, and the bash also recognised Baroness Doreen Lawrence who was given the editor's choice award.

The full list of Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards winners is:

Ultimate Music Star - Ellie Goulding

Ultimate TV Personality - Nicole Scherzinger

Ultimate Export - Little Mix

Ultimate Style Icon - Paloma Faith

Ultimate Radio Personality - Jameela Jamil

Ultimate Accessories Queen - Lulu Guinness

Ultimate Sports Woman - Christine Ohuruogu

Ultimate Men - Ant and Dec

Ultimate UK Actress - Sheridan Smith

Ultimate Film Actress - Scarlett Johansson

Ultimate Celeb Inspiration - Angelina Jolie