There was a time when “Promise This” singer Cheryl Cole and Black Eyed Peas rapper/The Voice UK judge Will.i.am were practically joined at the hip. Her first solo venture away from band Girls Aloud was as a featured vocalist on will.i.am’s 2008 single “Heartbreaker,” just the first of many projects the two would work on together, including her 2010 album “Messy Little Raindrops.”

Cheryl Cole Will.I.Am friendshipCheryl has explained her decision not to work with will.i.am on her current music

When Cheryl decided to go a little more low key following the whole X Factor US sacking debacle, nobody really knew a huge amount about what was going on with her and whether the pair were still close or not. Well, it turns out that their friendship is as strong as ever, although Cheryl has revealed the reason why the two are not working together professionally any more (at least for the time being).

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Cheryl explained, “Will’s been doing his own thing…I went and did a guest appearance for him on his tour.” She continued, “But it’s different, it’s like my fourth album. I wanted to step alone…And I would still ask him for his advice, play his tracks and stuff. But it just feels like I want to be my own person this time.” If Cheryl feels that she needs to step away from Will in order to pursue her own route, that’s very admirable and every artist’s prerogative.

If you need much more proof that the pair are still on good terms personally, Cheryl very publicly called will.i.am while The Voice was on air to let her know how much she loved his act, Jermain Jackman. Cheryl called in the show to have a chat with Will, and the 10 million people that watch the show. “Will?” Cheryl said, “Hello? Jermain was AMAZNG,” which was met by a huge applause by the audience. Will didn’t miss an opportunity to get a laugh in by replying, “Cheryl? Hello? I’m on TV. I’ll call you back.”

Cheryl Cole Will.I.Am friendshipCheryl and Will have a close personal and professional relationship

The Voice judge did at least try to call Cheryl back on the live final of the show, although had a few glitches on the tech side of things. Using his “smart” watch, Will tried to get in touch with Cheryl, although couldn’t seem to connect. The rapper had been trying to promote an upcoming self-branded computer smartwatch for the weeks running up to the rather embarrassing glitch, but on its first outing it didn’t quite wow the crowds, cutting out after Cheryl’s muffled voice briefly was heard.

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Click here to watch the video for Cheryl Cole's single "Promise This"