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

Will.i.am is planning to release a new solo album, Willpower, in 2012

Will.i.am will be a coach on The Voice UK, it has been announced.

The Black Eyed Peas member joins British singer Jessie J on the judging panel for the series, which will launch on BBC One in the New Year.

The 36-year-old, whose real name is William Adams, said he felt "proud" to be taking on the role on the show, based on a US series.

The rapper said: "The UK was the first place I saw success, it's the place I'm the most creative outside of home."

The Voice has already been a hit in the USA.

In the show, coaches sit with their back to the contestants during "blind" auditions.

The contestants are then judged on their voices rather than how they look.

BBC One controller Danny Cohen said: "He is a huge star who will bring a unique creativity to the show."

The Voice, which is tipped to be the BBC's answer to The X Factor, launches in the spring and will be hosted by Holly Willoughby and Radio 1 DJ Reggie Yates.

Will.i.am has sold 31 million albums as a member of the Black Eyed Peas.

In 2008, the rapper had a UK top five hit with Heartbreaker, a collaboration with Cheryl Cole.

He has also worked with Justin Timberlake, Pussycat Dolls, Rihanna, Kelis and Usher.

He is planning to release a new solo album, Willpower, in 2012.

The lead single, The Hardest Ever, features Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez.