Kelly Rowland Dishes on X Factor Drama, Her Next Album, and More

Kelly Rowland finally put the rumors surrounding her sick leave of absence

from judging on the British star search show X Factor to rest.

“I would’ve definitely come, except for the fact that I would’ve been a huge germ and been contagious,” she told British-based pop culture blog That Grape Juice in a recent interview, referring to the extreme throat infection she caught during a trip to Los Angeles.

“My doctor didn’t allow me to fly because I could’ve burst my eardrums.”

Although she says she was extremely upset by the fact that her sickness was turned into a myriad of crazy stories like a rift in the judges’ panel, she was more sick to her stomach to learn that her girls Sophie and Misha were in the bottom two.

In terms of her career outside of X Factor, the “Motivation” singer has been keeping herself plenty busy. Rowland admitted that she was already recording in London for her fourth album. She was tightlipped about details but said she has reached out to Labrinth and upcoming producers.

“There’s no slated time,” Rowland said regarding the album’s release. “I just like it to be spontaneous.”

The former Destiny’s Child star also addressed the sexiness of her music video content as seen in “Down For Whatever” and “Lay It On Me.” “Why would they be racy for me?,” she asked.

“I’m a grown woman and I’m allowed to express myself however I want.” With a new album in the works and coming off her recent tour with Chris Brown, Rowland says that there are many opportunities lined up for her in 2012.

Shes hope to work on a possible track with Kanye West, whom she chose as the only artist on her collaboration wish list. Despite her hectic schedule, the one constant Rowland wishes to maintain is recording.

“It strikes your creative chord,” she said. “It keeps music out there.” And with the material she’s been putting out, it’s safe to say her fans will continue to want more. --Adelle Platon