will.i.am says Sir Tom Jones is so much more than a legend, he's "a monument".
The 39-year-old star works with the iconic Welsh singer on the UK version of The Voice. Although there is 35 years between them and they are from different music genres, will has nothing but admiration for his co-judge.
"I’m in awe with Tom as an accomplisher because he’s achieved longevity, Sir Tom Jones is longevity," will told bbc.co.uk.
"Not many people in the music industry have that type of career length. It’s incredible. Tom Jones is beyond legend, he’s a monument."
The new season of The Voice is about to hit screens and Rita Ora is a new addition to the panel. will was excited when he heard she was joining because they have known each other since 2008. Initially she wasn't sure whether she was ready for the programme, but the Black Eyed Peas star convinced her she has a lot to say and can help guide up-and-coming stars.
"Rita has that special pizzazz that is infectious; you want to be around it. My gut tells me there’s going to be some fights around the girls. Because girls are going to want to automatically go with Rita," he admitted.
So far none of the artists who have won the singing competition have been break-out stars, but that doesn't concern will. He believes 2015 could be the year to change all that, hinting there is some extra special talent making the cut this time around.
"This year I am looking for a demolisher. I’m looking for a disrupter, a wrecking ball. Not a girl with a g-string on a wrecking ball (even though I love Miley) I’m just looking for somebody really different to come knock down the walls," he laughed.
