Black Eyed Peas are still Fergalicious

BOOM Boom Pow: Fergie (pic) is still a member of the Black Eyed Peas.

A representative for the singer told The Associated Press that the songstress has not left the group, even though a magazine reported Thursday that will.i.am said she was no longer in the group.

Fergie’s representative said she is “concentrating on her new album and can’t wait for fans to hearit.”

Will.i.am’s interview with Ahlan! magazine caused a frenzy online last Thursday with the suggestion that Fergie was no longer a member of the pop group. A day later, will.i.am said in a statement: “Fergie is family and will always be a Pea. She is focused on her solo album which we fully support.”

In the interview, will.i.am said that “nobody is replacing Fergie” and that the Black Eyed Peas are working on a new project. He said former Pussycat Doll leader Nicole Scherzinger would be featured on the project but didn’t say how much involvement she would have (Scherzinger was offered a spot in the Peas before Fergie).

The Black Eyed Peas released its debut in 1998 as an eclectic hiphop trio with will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo. Fergie first appeared on the group’s third album, 2003’s Elephunk, helping them achieve mainstream success. The group went on to win Grammy Awards, sell millions of albums and top the pop charts with hits from Where Is The Love to Boom Boom Pow.

Fergie also had major success with her 2006 solo debut, which was heavily produced by will.i.am. She plans to release her sophomore album, Double Dutchess, this year. — AP