The Black Eyed Peas have bid farewell to their Las Vegas stage dreams. On Sunday, January 19th, the multi-platinum selling supergroup made an announcement on Instagram Stories that shattered hearts: they were canceling their highly anticipated Las Vegas residency due to "prevailing circumstances."
"To our cherished Peabodies," the heartfelt message began. "It is with profound sadness that, considering the current situation, our Las Vegas shows will not proceed as envisioned."
They further elaborated, "Ticket providers will automatically issue full refunds. Keep an eye out for updates on future performances by staying connected with us — we eagerly await the day we can unite with you once more."
Back in September 2024, the Black Eyed Peas had unveiled their debut Las Vegas Strip residency with much fanfare. Dubbed "Black Eyed Peas: 3008 The Las Vegas Residency," the concerts were set to enchant audiences at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino come February.
"Our maiden residency in Las Vegas offers the Black Eyed Peas a chance to shine in our element, crafting something fresh and imaginative that redefines the live concert experience," Will.i.am enthused in a statement then.
Scheduled across 15 dates spanning February, March, and May, the hip-hop ensemble, comprising Will.i.am, Apple de Ap, Taboo, and J. Rey Soul (who joined in 2018 post Fergie's departure), was poised to mesmerize. A striking revelation emerged: an artificial intelligence entity named "Vida" was set to become a new band member.
"We foresaw this in 2009 with our 'The E.N.D.' album and the avatar personality in the video, along with the character on our album cover," Will.i.am shared with USA TODAY in September 2024. "When I was running around the projects in L.A. as a kid, and Apple was doing the same in the Philippines, the notion that we'd have the first AI member in a globally acclaimed urban pop-hip-hop group… it's surreal."
He clarified that "Vida" wasn't a hologram. "With a hologram, you need a hologram projector, limiting it to Vegas shows. But with Vida as our AI member, you can interact and converse around the clock… she'll be integrated with every band member, stagehands, and the audience, if they wish to engage," said the 49-year-old artist.
