Paulina Rubio on Celia Cruz and Being Called the 'Latin Madonna'

Mexican singer and 'The X-Factor' judge Paulina Rubio talked about her favorite female artists and explained why she doesn't like to be called the "Latin Madonna" during an interview with the Huffington Post.

"I am Paulina," Rubio replied when the interviewer told her she was the Latin version of the "Like a Prayer" singer, although she made sure to profess her admiration for the American artist. "I've admire her since I was a little girl and I love her because she is strong, she's a warrior, and she doesn't let anybody tell her what to do and she's an inspiration."  

The 42-year-old singer, who has sold 20 million albums worldwide, also talked about legendary salsa Queen, Celia Cruz.  "She was so empowering. She was always happy," recalled Rubio.  "I had the opportunity to share the stage with her a lot of times. We shoot a commercial. And she was always so optimistic and so positive, that as soon as she step into the set everybody was just smiling."

This year, the "Golde Girl" was the latest addition to THE "X-Factor," where she sits alongside singers Demi Lovato and Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland, and producer Simon Cowell at the judge's table.

"Paulina and Kelly have great taste and have massive experience in the music industry, and along with Demi, this is going to be a fun panel. It seems to be the time to do something different," said Cowell.

Rubio is no strange to singing competitions: she already appeared in Mexico's The Voice and The Voice Kids.

Back in September, she talked with People en Español, about participating in one America's most popular TV shows. "When Simon invited me, I was really excited. At first I was surprised... this is one of the biggest opportunities for my career and I'm excited to see how people have reacted to the news that I'll be participating," said Rubio.

She admitted to be one of Cowell's fans. "We have a similar sense of humor. We're both very sarcastic. But I also like his point of view that sometimes he's bratty, but fair, and that's why people like him," Rubio said.

The singer that one of the hardest parts of being a judge is "talking with your heart on your hand and tell them they have no talent." She confessed that she loves choosing songs for the show, "When we discover what kind of artist they want to be and the music genre they want to sing. I want to offer them direction, my opinion and inspire them to discover themselves through music."

Rubio also talked about co-star Demi Lovato, with whom she has built a strong bond. "(Lovato) is very dedicated to her world, like me; very beautiful, brilliant... I adore her. She's wonderful. We share so many things, we talk about music, art, love, friendships, life and the music industry."