Since Ferguson joined the Black Eyed Peas in 2003, the group - Ferguson, leader Will.i.am, Apl.de.ap and Taboo - has grown into one of the biggest pop acts in the world, a sui generis mash-up of old-school hippie utopianism, new-model global capitalism and avant-bubblegum dancefloor escapism.
Fergie does more than bring her humps to the Peas' world party: Beyond her obvious sex appeal, she grounds the group's far-flung exoticism, broadens its appeal to fellow lady-lump owners and belts out vocal runs with the windblown gusto of a vintage '70s rock god.
On first single "The Time," from the band's new Interscope album "The Beginning," she sings the kitschified Jennifer Warnes line "I've had the time of my life" with wet-eyed sincerity.
Fergie does more than bring her humps to the Peas' world party: Beyond her obvious sex appeal, she grounds the group's far-flung exoticism, broadens its appeal to fellow lady-lump owners and belts out vocal runs with the windblown gusto of a vintage '70s rock god.
On first single "The Time," from the band's new Interscope album "The Beginning," she sings the kitschified Jennifer Warnes line "I've had the time of my life" with wet-eyed sincerity.
"The Beginning" is the Peas' sixth album and the follow-up to "The E.N.D.," which has sold 2.8 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. "The E.N.D." was the first album in two decades by a group to yield five top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, highlighted by "I Gotta Feeling," the best-selling digital song in SoundScan history.
As a solo artist, Fergie's "The Dutchess," released in 2006, became the first debut collection by a female artist since 1990 to generate five top 10 singles.
Beyond music, Fergie has successfully branched out with her Avon fragrance line Outspoken, multiple fashion lines under Fergalicious and an acting career that includes a star turn alongside Kate Hudson and Penelope Cruz in the Academy Award-nominated musical "Nine." She's also been devoted to the cause of breast cancer awareness, taking part in Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events, recording public service videos and more.
"Fergie took the music industry by storm the moment she came onto the scene, and we're thrilled to celebrate her career achievements and incredible successes over the past year by honoring her with the Billboard Woman of the Year Award," Billboard editorial director Bill Werde says. "Fergie is a unique artist with great business savvy, style and an unbelievable dedication to philanthropic efforts, making her an inspiration to aspiring female artists everywhere."
Billboard caught up with Fergie when she was still between shows on the latest globe-crossing Black Eyed Peas tour.
Beyond music, Fergie has successfully branched out with her Avon fragrance line Outspoken, multiple fashion lines under Fergalicious and an acting career that includes a star turn alongside Kate Hudson and Penelope Cruz in the Academy Award-nominated musical "Nine." She's also been devoted to the cause of breast cancer awareness, taking part in Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events, recording public service videos and more.
"Fergie took the music industry by storm the moment she came onto the scene, and we're thrilled to celebrate her career achievements and incredible successes over the past year by honoring her with the Billboard Woman of the Year Award," Billboard editorial director Bill Werde says. "Fergie is a unique artist with great business savvy, style and an unbelievable dedication to philanthropic efforts, making her an inspiration to aspiring female artists everywhere."
Billboard caught up with Fergie when she was still between shows on the latest globe-crossing Black Eyed Peas tour.