Flo Rida admires Rihanna's work ethic.

The 'Whistle' hitmaker was named the UK's biggest selling singles artist of 2012, but is still in awe of the 'Diamonds' singers' career, which saw her score numerous number one albums and singles over the last seven years.

He told the Daily Star newspaper: ''The artist I admire right now would be Rihanna. I think she's a rock star and worked hard to get where she's at. She has some big hits out there.''

Flo also hopes 2013 will bring him more success after he recorded several ''masterpieces'' in the same studio where the late Michael Jackson put together his biggest selling album.

He added: ''I actually for a chance to do some recording in the same studio where Michael Jackson did 'Thriller'.

''We did some work in there and I came up with seven masterpieces.''

The 33-year-old rapper has already expressed interest in collaborating with both Rihanna and 'Crazy In Love' hitmaker Beyonce, hoping they too can help boost his music to ''greater heights''.

He recently said: ''Right now, I would love to do something with Beyonce and Rihanna.

''[Rihanna's] doing some amazing things and I just think that's next level for me. Because in anything you do, you always want to take your career to greater heights, especially if you look forward to being around for quite a while.''