Will.i.am is set to join Jessie J on The Voice UK it has been reported.

The Black Eyed Peas star is said to be keen to get back at Simon Cowell, for dropping his pal and client Cheryl Cole from The X Factor USA earlier in the year and intends to hit him where it hurts, by raising the profile of a rival reality TV show.

The Voice will launch on BBC in January and follow the format of the successful US series, which featured Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine as judges and mentors.

After Jessie J made her appearance on The X Factor last month, BBC bosses piggy backed on her raised exposure and revealed that she would be their first judge on the UK version of the talent show.

The Sun today reports that Will has also agreed to join the panel, along with Welsh singing legend Tom Jones.

The Voice aims to be a more credible talent show that the likes of The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent and doesn’t choose contestants based on age, back stories or personality. Instead it’s hopefuls are selected by the four panelists without ever being seen and are awarded a place in the live shows, based purely on whether or not they can sing.

Jessie J recently claimed that she chose The Voice, over The X factor, because she couldn’t be a part of a show that laughs at and mocks people on a regular basis. She said that she wants to be an ‘inspiration and a mentor’ rather than a judge.

Applications are open and auditions for The Voice are being held across the UK next month. Find out more details and apply to audition for The Voice here.

Do you think Will.i.am would make a good mentor? Earlier this year he guest mentored on American Idol and was a big hit with viewers. Would you like to see him in a more prominent role in the UK? Should he fly Cheryl Cole in for a live performance? Leave your comments below.