Stacy Ann Ferguson (born March 27, 1975), professionally known as Fergie, is a Grammy Award-winning American pop/R&B singer and actress. She is a former member of Kids Incorporated, Wild Orchid, co-host of the TV show Great Pretenders and current vocalist of The Black Eyed Peas. Now, she is pursuing a solo career and released her first solo album, The Dutchess, in 2006.

Biography and music career

She was born in Whittier, California to Patrick Ferguson and Terri Gore. As a child actress, she appeared on the television program Kids Incorporated for several years with Renee Sands, who would become another member of Wild Orchid. Ferguson's well-scrubbed image on that show presents quite a contrast with the "ghetto-funk" image she has more recently begun to cultivate. Ferguson was the voice of Sally Brown in two Charlie Brown specials: It's Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown (1984), Snoopy's Getting Married, Charlie Brown (1985) and also voiced Sally in the 1985 version of "The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show". She has one sister, Dana, who is an actress. Later, Ferguson was a member of the female trio Wild Orchid which she fronted with fellow Kids Incorporated star Renee Sandstrom and Stefanie Ridel. Wild Orchid released two albums, but after completing a third album, their record label declined to release it. This prompted an emotional crisis, and Stacy sought therapy. She left the group shortly thereafter.

Her disappointment with Wild Orchid led to an addiction to ecstasy and crystal methamphetamine. She told a Glasgow paper, "I started doing Ecstasy. Then I got addicted to crystal methamphetamine. My weight dropped to 90 lb so I lied to my friends and said I was bulimic. Finally, I started going crazy." In September 2006, Ferguson talked with Time magazine about quitting her crystal meth addiction. "It was the hardest boyfriend I ever had to break up with," she says. "It's the drug that's addicting. But it's why you start doing it in the first place that's interesting. A lot of it was being a child actor; I learned to suppress feelings."

In July 2003, she had a guest role on the Rocket Power special, Reggie's Big Beach Break, on Nickelodeon, voicing a fictitious pop music star named Shaffika.

In 2003, Ferguson took over the lead female vocal duties for the band, The Black Eyed Peas, replacing background singer Kim Hill, who left the group in 2000. Ferguson recorded five songs with the group before she was invited to join permanently. Ferguson's addition to the band, which had been playing unnoticed for years, initiated a whirlwind of success. She appeared on the cover of FHM in January 2005.

In March 2005, Ferguson was cast as Stevie Wayne (the role originated by sex symbol Adrienne Barbeau) in the update of John Carpenter's The Fog. She would later back out due to creative differences. While rumors surfaced that Charisma Carpenter was replacing her, Selma Blair would eventually get the part. Ferguson's departure proved to be a wise move, as the remake was a box office flop universally panned by critics and fans alike.

In 2006 Ferguson returned to acting, appearing in the movie Poseidon. She is also featured as No. 36 on Maxim's Hot 100 list for 2006.

After two hit BEP albums, Ferguson has turned her sights on a solo career. Her first album, released on September 19, 2006, is entitled, The Dutchess, a misspelled variant of the former title of Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, with whom she shares a surname and popular nickname. The solo deal however, does not mean the demise of the Black Eyed Peas. Ferguson is intending on staying with the group, and alternating between the two duties. Music on The Dutchess is expected to be reminiscent of the Black Eyed Peas sound, most likely due to fellow BEP member, will.i.am, featured on production duties. Ferguson had two hit singles with "London Bridge" and "Fergalicious". Ferguson worked with an array of talent, and the lyrics will focus on Fergie's own brand of style and delivery.


Personal life
Ferguson is currently dating Josh Duhamel who stars in the television show Las Vegas. Ferguson appeared in the episode titled "Montecito Lancers". Ferguson is also due to appear in the feature film Grind House due out in 2007.


Education
Ferguson attended Glen A. Wilson H.S. in Hacienda Heights, CA (Class of 1993). She was a member of the cheerleading squad.


Selected filmography

Year       Title Role                            Genre
2005        Be Cool As herself                  Comedy
2006        Poseidon Gloria                      Action-Adventure
2007        Grind House Tammy               Horror

Awards & Nominations