Mel B gives Cheryl Cole US career advice

Melanie Brown has given Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole some advice on cracking America.

The former Spice Girl told Closer that Cole would have to work hard to succeed in the US.

She said: "I don't know her, and I don't know how well she sings, but Brits can do really well out here if you have determination, drive and talent - and it seems she has it!

"The only advice I'd give Cheryl is that out here, you have to prove yourself. You can't just come out and tell everyone you're going to be a star - she'll need to entertain people.

"If she's going to sing, then she should get her vocal chords in order and blast herself off with a big show."

Earlier this year, it emerged that Simon Cowell was planning to help Cole overcome her visa problems stemming from an assault conviction in 2003 and launch her career in the US.