Rihanna has lent her support to X Factor hopeful Tamera Foster.

The 16-year-old singer is currently in the finals of the UK TV talent show, which is due to end in mid-December.

She was an early favourite to win the competition and comparisons had been made between her and US icon Rihanna.

The 'Stay' singer is quoted by the Daily Star as saying that she is a big fan of Foster's looks and voice.

She added that X Factor supremo Simon Cowell would be a fool not to sign her to his Syco label after the show. Rihanna said:

"I got sent a link of her after she sang one of my songs at Boot Camp and I have been watching her ever since. The shows need to produce a superstar every two or three seasons to give them credibility, and she is already there in week five or whatever it is. Simon is a smart guy, he will know she can sell records all around the world and will sign her to his label."

She added: "Tamera looks great, she has an amazing voice, and she has just the right amount of attitude."

Other hopefuls Foster has to beat to win this year's X Factor include Sam Callahan and Rough Copy.