After reports emerged that Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas would be leaving the group, there was talk that the band had already found someone to replace her. Rumor had it that R&B singer Ashanti would be the new addition to BEP. Truthfully, it did seem like quite the odd match up.

Some unknown source told MediaTakeOut, “The group had been looking for a replacement for some time. Ashanti was reportedly brought onto the group's world tour - as sort of an audition, to see if she could work with the band - and it worked out perfectly."

However Ashanti’s reps have addressed the rumor and told Entertainment Weekly, that the news was false. So, now that the rumor has been laid to rest, I wonder if they intend on replacing Fergie or if they’ll leave the band as it is.

During an interview with band member Taboo, it appears as though Fergie’s departure is centered around wanting to focus on starting a family with her actor husband, Josh Duhamel. Taboo said in a recent interview, "We have to respect Ferg. Ferg is our sister. She definitely wants to have a family, and we're happy for her. You can't not respect people's wishes. As our sister, we have to give her space."

Though the Peas had been working on music since 1988, they only really started to gain popularity and recognition after they added Fergie to the mix and released their 2003 album Elephunk, their first international hit single being “Where is the Love?”. Since then, they have sold over 56 million records worldwide. I’m sure it must be sad for them to move on without her. It’ll be interesting to see if the group can keep up its success after the departure of their leading lady. Good luck to Fergie in starting her family.

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