Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am has offered X Factor contestant Cher Lloyd a record contract according to reports.

The singer has apparently promised to take that 17-year-old “under his wing” after they performed together on Saturday’s (December 11) show.

"He vowed to help her grow and develop as a recording artist,” a source told The Sun. "Will also spoke to her family, promising them he'll try to make her a star."

Lloyd sang Black Eyed Peas ‘Where Is The Love?’ before being joined by Will.i.am on ‘I Got A Feeling’.

But the duet was not enough to keep the singer, who was being mentored by Cheryl Cole, in the competition. Matt Cardle was crowned X Factor champion on Sunday (December 12).

(by Jason Gregory)