Will.i.am announced as coach on BBC's The Voice

The Black Eyed Peas singer, will.i.am, has been revealed as the second coach to star in the BBC's new singing contest show, The Voice.

Black Eyed Peas singer, Will.i.am, has been revealed as the second coach to star in the BBC's new singing show, The Voice.

The Black Eyed Peas front man will join the quirky Brit pop and rap star Jessie J on the talent show, alongside two more celebrity coaches, yet to be announced.

Willi.i.am, 36, has hinted in the past he wanted to be involved in a singing contest as a mentor, after helping close friend Cheryl Cole choose her final four contestants on last year's X Factor show.

The seven-time Grammy Award winner said, 'I'm proud to be doing The Voice UK because the UK was the first place I saw success. It’s the place I'm the most creative outside of home.'

As the founder of The Black Eyed Peas, who have sold 31 million albums and 58 million singles worldwide, the BBC are hoping Will.i.am will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge with him.

BBC One Controller Danny Cohen says: 'I am thrilled that will.i.am has signed up to be a Coach on The Voice. He is a huge star who will bring a unique creativity to the show.'

The BBC has not recorded anything comparable to the X Factor since Fame Academy days, but it is pinching the Dutch format of The Voice from the creator of Big Brother, hoping for record ratings.

The programme has been sold all over the world, becoming a smash hit in the US with coaches Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera.

In a unique twist, coaches listen to the first round of auditions blindfolded, so contestants are judged purely on their voice, before battling it through rounds and live finals.

The Voice UK will be presented by Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates and is scheduled to appear on our TV screens in the spring next year.

What do you think to this idea of a new singing contest? And do you think Will.i.am and Jessie J will make good coaches? Let us know what you think in the comments box below...

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