Fergie's Absence Explained

In an interview with Billboard, Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am explained Fergie is simply focusing on her family and raising her son, Axl. He speaks on this further by saying:

"That's a hard job, and that's what she really wants to do and we're here for her, and she knows how to contact us for a retreat or a breakaway. 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."

Fergie shares the responsibility of taking care of her son with ex-husband, Josh Duhamel. She joined the group alongside Will.i.am, Taboo, and Apl.de.Ap back in 2002.

Now, the Black Eyed Peas have a new female singer, J. Rey Soul. When asked by Billboard if Fergie had listened to their new album, Translation, Will.i.am noted that she hadn't, but that he hopes she likes it. He goes on discuss the current state of the music group's relationship with Fergie:

"We try to keep in touch. We reach out every once in a while and say our hellos and happy birthdays and Merry Christmas and Happy Easter. She knows where we're at! We're at the studio."

Translation is out now on Spotify and other music streaming platforms!