Don’t Stop the Party! It’s Been 3 Years Since Fergie Left The Black Eyed Peas and We’re Still Salty

Don’t phunk with our hearts! The Black Eyed Peas have finally revealed why Fergie left the group in 2017 — giving fans some much-needed clarity.

Will.i.am explained Fergie called it quits to focus on being a “great mom” to her son Axl, 6, in a new interview with Billboard magazine on June 19. “We love her, and she’s focusing on being a mom. That’s a hard job, and that’s what she really wants to do and we’re here for her … It’s really the way Fergie designed it, so we’re respecting her design. We love Fergie, and we don’t want anything but awesomeness for her.”

Why Did Fergie Leave The Black Eyed Peas?

Back in June 2017, the singer’s rep clarified that Fergie was taking a break from The Black Eyed Peas. Fergie is “concentrating on her new album and can’t wait for fans to hear it,” her rep said at the time. Will.i.am echoed the news in a statement which read, “Fergie is family and will always be a Pea. She is focused on her solo album which we fully support.”

Following Fergie’s departure, the group found singer J. Rey Soul to fill her shoes. “I feel we’re giving birth to a new artist, J. Rey Soul. I really want to give her ultimate praise and respect. What the fellows said — Ferg, she’s doing the mom thing — but we have an amazing artist we’re developing,” band member Taboo added.

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Are Fergie and Will.i.am Still Friends?

Although the two haven’t really displayed any affection since Ferg went out on her own, we think it’s safe to say they are on good terms. Fergie congratulated the band on their latest album, Translation, in an Instagram post on June 19, 2020. “Congrats, fam,” she wrote with several celebratory emojis. In response to her tribute, Taboo commented, “Thanks @fergie. Hope you and Axl are doing well.”

Fergie and her former bandmates seem to be the type of pals that don’t talk for months but still wish each other a happy birthday every year. In fact, in March 2019, Fergie sent Will, 44, a birthday message on her Instagram page. “happea b-day, Will!!!! @iamwill,” she wrote at the time. The songstress also sent some love to one of her other bandmates Taboo for his big day back in July 2019. “[Happea bday] to my brother @taboo sending luv !!”

Where Is Fergie Now?

The “London Bridges” songstress has been keeping herself busy since stepping away from the group. In August 2017, she released her second solo album Double Dutchess and later that year separated from her husband Josh Duhamel after 10 years of marriage. The star made headlines again in 2018 for her performance at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game for her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Her sultry spin on the song wasn’t well received and was highly criticized. Nowadays, she’s a busy mom to her son. We hope to see this pop diva back on stage sooner than later!