Michael Jackson wanted to work with Cheryl Cole

Michael Jackson wanted to work with Cheryl Cole - so says Will.i.am.

The Black Eyed Peas star told The Sun "He would have worked with her, no doubt, and it would have been something special."

"They are both total perfectionists when it comes to their work so it would have been something really big. It's just a shame it can never happen now."

Will.i.am described Cheryl to Jackson as "the hottest thing in the UK. Michael was excited about everything I told him about Cheryl. It could have been one of the great collaborations of recent history."

So that collaboration won't happen by Will.i.am says more big names are queuing up to work with Cheryl.

"There are still lots of great artists waiting to work with Cheryl when she gets over to the US including Usher and Justin Bieber."