SPEAKING WITH…Fergie

By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
July 18, 2003 Friday

The Black Eyed Peas are enjoying the success of their new album, “Elephunk” (Interscope). Currently on tour with Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake–who sings with them on the oh-so-cool “Where Is the Love”–while also playing their own gigs, the Peas’ sole woman, Fergie (no, not that one), woke up early to call us at noon, yawning every now and again.

“Sorry about that,” said Fergie, 28. “I’m not used to getting up this early.” Hey, that’s rock ‘n’ roll.

HERE’S WHAT ELSE FERGIE HAD TO SAY:

Your royal highness: No one compares me to Sarah Ferguson. My grandfather’s nickname is Fergie and I’m Fergie Jr. in the family.

Peas in a pod: We all clicked right away.

Working with Justin Timberlake: He’s a great and talented guy.

Keeping it real: We work really hard on this tour. We have two shows a night on a lot of dates.

I’m just a girl: It’s crazy being the only girl in the band.

Soul sisters: I change in the dancers’ dressing room ’cause they’re all my friends anyhow. Nothing against the guys, but it’s nice to get some girl time.

Favorite day-off activity: I watch chick flicks!

Favorite chick flicks: I saw “What a Girl Wants” and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.”

Best movie you’ve seen: I love the “Godfather” trilogy. “True Romance,” too.

Are you a player?: The guys play videogames. I don’t partake in them.

Current reading material: I’m reading 10 Stupid Things Women Do to Mess Up Their Lives (Perennial, $12.95) by Laura C. Schlessinger. I try to do as much self-help/therapy as possible.

Current status: I’m single. My ex-boyfriend and I broke up right before the tour. It was really hard, but we’re on good terms.

The ‘ex’ factor: It’s not healthy for us to be talking right now. Someday. I just want to be on good terms and keep my side of the street clean.

Your rule of thumb: Give 110 percent in what you do.

Best advice you ever got: My dad used to wake me up every day for school and say, “Knowledge is power” to make me want to go to school. I didn’t really believe it then but it’s ingrained in me now.

Night owl: I go to bed at 6 a.m. and wake up around 3 p.m.

Favorite Chicago food: I’m always down for pizza.

Favorite Chicago restaurant: Gino’s East. That’s some good stuff.

Favorite sports teams: I’m a Miami Dolphins fan. I also love the Los Angeles Lakers.

What Justin and Christina don’t know: We’re not supposed to go on Christina’s ramp that goes into the audience, but we do. We touch it to see what it’s like and sneak out on it.