Will.i.am has revealed that he stuck up for Cheryl Cole in front of Simon Cowell after she was dumped from the X Factor USA.

The Geordie singer was originally part of the judging line-up for the inaugural series of the American reality show back in 2011 but she was axed after only a couple of shows.

Speaking to The Sun, will.i.am - who manages Cole - said that he almost wrecked his relationship with Simon Cowell after he stuck up for the 'Call My Name' star. He said:

"It was just wrong what happened to her and I stuck my neck out to fight for her. When I see Simon now it is all fresh."

The '#willpower' man said: "But with the incident that happened with Cheryl I was like, 'Hey Simon, Cheryl asked me to manage her, I have to fight for her but I hope it doesn't change how you view me as an artist'. But since then the relationships have been mended. I could have burned myself, but that didn't happen and hats off to Simon for that."