A big Congratulations going out to Black Eyed Peas artist [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]will.i.am[/lastfm]! He is joining singer [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Jessie J[/lastfm] as a coach on The Voice UK!

Why Will.i.am? He’s a multi-platinum selling rapper, singer, musician, producer, songwriter, and actor who has won 7 Grammy Awards, sold over 31 million albums and 58 million singles worldwide! BBC 1 Controller Danny Cohen said the following about the accomplished artist:

I am thrilled that will.i.am has signed up to be a coach on The Voice. He is a huge start who will bring a unique creativity to the show.

Will.i.am, born William James Adams, also expressed how thrilled he was about being a judge for The Voice UK which is going to air on BBC1 next Spring:

I’m proud to be doing The Voice U.K. because the U.K. was the first place I saw success. It’s the place I’m the most creative outside of home.

Other judges who have been considered or are currently being considered for the show include [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Kylie Minogue[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Mary J. Blige[/lastfm], Frankie Sanford, and Tom Jones.