will.i.am: 'Kelis to be bigger than Peas'

will.i.am has claimed that Kelis could be "bigger" than the Black Eyed Peas.

The band's frontman has insisted that the R&B singer has what it takes to be a superstar.

Speaking to Vibe, will.i.am said: "Kelis has always been a best kept secret. The cool people know Kelis. But the majority of people just know 'Milkshake'. I would like Kelis to show she's an international sensation.

"She can be big. A lot of people think big is being on the radio or that being big is having a show in London, France and, sometimes, Japan. But that ain't international, that's just three countries. The Black Eyed Peas are big; the Black Eyed Peas are international.

"I think Kelis can be that big, as big as the Peas. A lot of rappers have these labels and they don't let their artist become bigger than them. I've proven that's not me. Fergie is huge. When Fergie blew up, she was bigger than me! I believe Kelis can do the same."