Will.i.am believes former Voice contestant Leah McFall is an Adele in the making.

The Black Eyed Peas man coached the singer on the UK show's last series but she failed to win as she came runner-up to Andrea Begley.

He has since, however, extended his relationship with McFall and has been recording with her in the US.

Speaking to the Metro, will.i.am claimed that the singer could be the next Adele, such is her massive potential. He said:

"We’re not on TV and I’m not the coach any more but I brought her to Los Angeles to do her record. The contract says we can’t do that but who cares? I don’t think it’s fair."

The coach added: "My team doesn’t end when the cameras are off. I feel obligated. Just singing on The Voice isn’t enough. Leah was the best singer by 1,000 miles. You want to be able to launch an act that baffles the US with how great her voice is. She’s a potential Adele – her voice is phenomenal. But people are guided by story, so, as far as the results go, they were emotional, it’s a problem in the format. The singers don’t have enough time for you to get to know them."