New Delhi, Nov 16 American singer Nicole Scherzinger has revealed that she grew up thinking she was an ugly duckling.

Scherzinger, 31, said it was only after she joined pop girl group Pussycat Dolls in 2003 that she started feeling confident and beautiful, reports China Daily.

"Growing up, I was incredibly shy. And awkward. And lanky! I always thought I was an ugly duckling. I guess it worked out OK in the end. Ultimately though, true beauty shines from within," she said.

"I know joining the group helped me to find out who I am - and I love the message that any woman can be strong, confident and sexy.

"I consider myself sexy when I'm dancing with the Dolls. It brings out an inner strength, a bolder attitude and a fiery, fearless spirit.

"But away from the stage I can be a different person. I'm either shy or goofy, depending on my mood," she revealed to Britain's Cosmopolitan magazine. (ANI)