NICK HEXUM of 311 and NICOLE SCHERZINGER

Hexum, of American band 311, was secretly engaged to the STICKWITU star but conflicting schedules eventually pushed the couple apart.

Scherzinger and Hexum met when 311 and The Pussycat Dolls toured together two years ago (04), and attempted to keep their relationship going, but Scherzinger's success has left Hexum feeling neglected.

A close friend tells British newspaper the News Of The World, "They were very private and never spoke publicly about their relationship. Things came to a halt recently because of spending so much time apart. Their relationship just kind of fizzled out."