Fergie and Jack Harlow Shutterstock; John Salangsang/Shutterstock
Everyone loves a good comeback! Fergie shocked fans by making a surprise performance at the MTV’s 2022 VMAs on Sunday, August 28 — alongside rapper and cohost Jack Harlow.
In recent months, Fergie’s 2007 hit song “Glamorous” made a viral comeback after rapper Harlow sampled part of the track for his single “First Class.” Harlow, 24, who is cohosting the event, was confirmed to perform, sparking rumors swirl that the two could hit the stage as a duo.
Fergie and Jack Harlow Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Speculation proved to be right when the 24-year-old performer opened the show with a performance of “First Class.” After rapping the first verse solo, the Kentucky native introduced Fergie, who came out to join Harlow for the rest of the song.
The Black Eyed Peas crooner donned a silver dress and matching mic, with the words “First Class” in red font carefully painted on in various areas. Harlow, for his part, wore an all-black ensemble with a sparkly black top to coincide with Fergie’s look. A-list stars including Taylor SwiftYou could see her dancing and singing along.
Speculations that the California native would perform started earlier on Sunday, when the Daily Mail reported that the “Fergalicious” singer had been rehearsing at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey — where the awards show is held — the week prior the big event.
The Kentucky native meanwhile, pulled out from the Reading and Leeds Festival to perform at the VMAs and kept it a surprise when he was asked about the performance.
The rapper is nominated for seven awards at this year’s show, tied with Lil Nas X Kendrick LamarHarlow and Lil Nas X, who are both 23 years old, won the award for Best Collaboration at Night. These three hip-hop acts will be closely followed by Doja Cat Harry StylesEach recipient received six nods.
However, the biggest honor of the evening will go to Nicki MinajThe Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award will be presented to, who will receive it. Red Hot Chili Peppers will be awarded the Global Icon Award.
Maneskin is also included in Harlow and Fergie. LizzoBlackpink and Blackpink are also scheduled to sing. Minaj, 39 will also perform a medley her greatest hits.
While Fergie hasn’t taken the stage at the VMAs in recent years, her former group, the Black Eyed Peas, performed at the event in 2020. Will. I.Am, Taboo and Apl.De.Ap sang their song “Vida Loco” at the time, garnering attention after the male member’s genital regions began to glow on the beat while they thrust their hips.
In 2018, Fergie made headlines after performing the “Star Spangled Banner” at the NBA All-Star game in Los Angeles. Viewers were critical of Fergie’s rendition, feeling it was too different from the original.
“I’ve always been honored and proud to perform the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” she told Us Weekly In response to the criticism. “I’m a risk taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn’t strike the intended tone. I love this country and honestly tried my best.”
