Nicole Scherzinger -- Fired from 'X Factor' ... Laughs It Off in NYC

Hours before Nicole Scherzinger was officially bounced from "X Factor" last night ... the former judge was in NYC, laughing off questions about her demise as if the mere THOUGHT of termination was pure insanity.

Nicole was leaving Nello's when we asked, "Are you still doing 'X Factor?'" - Nicole simply giggled at the question ... and then waved us off.

FOX has since confirmed Nicole will NOT return to the show ... neither will host Steve Jones.