Will.i.am has spoken out in praise of teen star Justin Bieber, proclaiming that he is more talented that people think he is.

The Black Eyed Peas man opened up about Bieber to Access Hollywood, noting that he has seen the Canadian's talent with his own eyes after working with him.

Will.i.am added that he thinks Bieber will still be going strong in 10 or 15 years time from now. He said:

"[He is] very talented, beyond what people probably think he's capable of. I've worked with him and [seen] how talented he is."

He continued: "In the industry, especially as it's changing, you're going to [need] some type of real talent. Maybe people can't see [it], right now, but 10, 15 years from now, he'll still be around."

The Voice UK coach meanwhile bumped into Bieber on a flight to Toronto, with will.i.am tweeting today (July 24):

"I'm on a airplane to toronto and guess who's on the same flight with me??? My little brother @justinbieber...#dopeness."