Will.i.am: 'Cheryl doesn't need The X Factor'

Cheryl Cole can still crack the US, according to her manager Will.i.am.

The Black Eyed Peas frontman says she doesn't need The X Factor or Simon Cowell to help launch her career in the US.

'The X Factor is not the only way for Cheryl to break the US, it's not like it's the only show on television,' he said. 'And remember that Cheryl is a recording artist first.

'Over the next few months she's potentially going to be working with artists like Rihanna, Katy Perry, Usher and of course, the Peas,' he added.

The Black Eyed Peas star also defended Cowell over the decision made by US TV executives to drop Cheryl from the show.

'It's easy to imagine Simon as this one-man empire, but that's not the case,' will.i.am told Heat magazine.

'He has people he needs to answer to and sometimes his hands are going to be tied. I can only tell you what I've seen first hand: that's a guy who deeply cares for her.'

Jessie J, who has been enjoying success in the US, also told Capital she believes Cheryl will bounce back.

'Of course she will, Cheryl Cole is the most strongest person,' she added. 'I've only had a taste of the media attention she has had and she deals with it so well. 

'At the end of the day she is an amazing person, she has amazing family and friends and she'll pull through. Go on Chezza you can do it.'