will.i.am wants Mariah Carey to join The Voice U.K.

will.i.am would like superstar Mariah Carey to join him as a coach on The Voice U.K.

The musician and entrepreneur, 41, is the only coach who has appeared in every series of the TV talent contest since it launched in Britain in 2011.

For the most recent series earlier this year (16), he was joined by Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, Paloma Faith and Boy George, but Ricky has since quit the show.

Asked by Britain's The Times newspaper if singer Cheryl Cole could fill out the panel, the Black Eyed Peas star said, "Cheryl? I don't even know if she'd do it."

He was then questioned on who he thought would be a good replacement for Ricky, and quickly suggested "Mariah Carey".

Will, real name William Adams, also spoke about his love for the show, which this year (16) was won by former Liberty X member Kevin Simm.

"I love The Voice, I really do. I love shedding light on the kids," he said.

One reason the hip hop star is particular fond of appearing on the U.K. version of the show is his love for Britain, as he added, "I like coming to the U.K., it's my favourite place on Earth, literally."

He has previously revealed a desire to make the country his adopted home and raise a family, as he loves its cosmopolitan nature and countryside.

However the Scream & Shout musician is not particularly bothered as to whether he has biological children or adopts, saying, "Last time I checked that (being a biological father) had nothing to do with raising a child. I'm not selfish to the point where it has to be my DNA."

The star also feels his desire to nurture is fulfilled by his educational programme, which has helped more than 300 children get scholarships to universities to study science, technology, engineering or maths, adding, "Right now I already have 327 kids."

While in the U.K. will has staged a reunion with his old Black Eyed Peas bandmates, staging a reunion at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday (11May16) during what had been advertised as a solo set.

He was joined by bandmates Taboo and apl.de.ap for the gig, however the group's female member Fergie was not present.