British songstress Rita Ora has joked she's fancied Justin Timberlake since “she was born”, as he is "just so cool".

Ora and Timberlake will no doubt cross paths at the BRIT Awards in London on Wednesday (February 19), as there are both attending.

The 22-year-old singer is excited to appear at the coveted ceremony, especially after hearing her crush will perform at the annual event to mark his chart comeback.

She laughed in an interview with The Sun: “I have fancied Justin since, like, when I was born. Or at least since the *NSYNC days. I’m a massive fan. Oh my God, he is just so cool.”

Ora has been nominated in the best British single and best British breakthrough act categories at the BRIT Awards, and is ecstatic at how far her career has come over the past 12 months.

She gushed: “Last year was my first BRITs. I loved it, sitting on a table and watching the show. But I was just observing that day and learning a lot. It’s going to be different this year. I’m really excited and nervous because I’m nominated. Being up for best breakthrough is incredible, so fingers crossed.”