Sir Tom Jones has joked he had to "make sure" the other The Voice judges were up to scratch.

The 71-year-old singer is starring alongside will.i.am, Jessie J and Danny O'Donoghue as judges and mentors on the TV talent show.

Tom insists he's up-to-date with modern chart music and has joked about the credentials of his fellow panellists.

"I had to make sure the other coaches were good enough for the panel!" he laughed in an interview with British magazine Closer.

"Luckily, I'm a huge fan of the Black Eyed Peas, so will.i.am was a good choice, plus The Script's Danny and Jessie are such talented artists."

Tom admits to feeling emotional while judging the hopefuls on the programme.

"I'd seen judges on other shows crying and I'd always thought it was a load of rubbish but, when you're faced with sending someone really talented home, it's very said," he admitted.

"The more you try not to cry, the harder it is to keep it in!"