Will.i.am, the visionary frontman of the Black Eyed Peas, is known for his bold musical innovations and groundbreaking projects. But even he wasn’t immune to skepticism when it came to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The 49-year-old musician recently opened up about his initial doubts surrounding Swift’s record-breaking concert series, only to leave the show deeply inspired—and ready to make some major career decisions.
During a candid interview on SiriusXM’s Hits 1 Miami with Mack and Jen, Will.i.am shared how his curiosity led him to finally experience the highly-praised spectacle while in Italy this past summer. “I kept hearing people rave about it,” he said, describing his initial skepticism. “Everybody was talking about Taylor Swift’s show, and I’m like, ‘How dope can it actually be? It’s just a show.’” He admitted that when people hype something to this extent, it’s hard to believe the reality could live up to the buzz.
As the excitement continued to build around Swift’s Eras Tour, Will.i.am decided to take the plunge and see what all the fuss was about. “I went to Taylor Swift with super heavy skeptic goggles on. People were saying it was ‘changing the economy.’ I thought, ‘Let me go check this out for myself.’”
What happened next? A complete transformation. Will.i.am’s review was nothing short of glowing. “The best s— in the world,” he exclaimed, now fully converted to a member of the “Swiftie Swiftie gang.” He was clearly taken aback by the sheer energy, creativity, and scale of the show. But it wasn’t just the spectacle that left an impact; it was the wave of inspiration that followed. In fact, the Eras Tour show fueled a creative fire within him.
“Yo, we definitely doing Vegas,” Will.i.am recalled thinking after the show. “I haven’t been that inspired in a long time.” His newfound energy and motivation didn’t just stay with him in the moment—it led directly to him pushing for the Black Eyed Peas to say yes to a Las Vegas residency. “I called our management and said, ‘Yo, that Vegas offer still there? Say yes to it. I just came from Taylor Swift’s show, and we’re going to do it.’”
Indeed, the Black Eyed Peas’ upcoming 3008 The Las Vegas Residency, set to kick off in February 2025, will be the group’s first-ever residency in the entertainment capital. Will.i.am credits Swift’s groundbreaking concert as the catalyst that made him push for such an ambitious project. “I’ve been energized and inspired,” he says, adding a heartfelt thank you to Taylor Swift for reigniting his creative spirit.
For Will.i.am, the Eras Tour was more than just an entertainment experience—it was a masterclass in live performance. The Black Eyed Peas are known for their electrifying shows, and now they’re taking it to a new level. “Our first residency in Las Vegas gives us the opportunity to dream up something brand new and creative that pushes the boundaries of the live show experience,” he explains. Drawing inspiration from everything from Disney rides to AI and technology, the group is aiming to create a performance unlike anything fans have seen before. “It’s going to be an interactive journey to 3008 that is both a concert and a play,” Will.i.am teases.
Adding an intriguing twist to the group’s dynamic, Will.i.am revealed that the Black Eyed Peas will welcome a new member to the fold: Vida, an AI-powered member of the group. This exciting addition promises to add a futuristic dimension to the 3008 experience, merging technology and entertainment in a way that only the Black Eyed Peas can.
While the Eras Tour has been a defining moment in Taylor Swift’s career, it’s clear that her impact has extended far beyond her own fandom. Will.i.am’s story serves as a testament to Swift’s ability to inspire even the most skeptical of artists, motivating them to think bigger, bolder, and more creatively. For the Black Eyed Peas, this means an exciting new chapter in Las Vegas—a residency that promises to be as groundbreaking as the Eras Tour itself.
As the group prepares to take over Las Vegas in 2025, it’s clear that Will.i.am’s trip to see Taylor Swift live has sparked something profound. From skeptical observer to full-fledged fan, his journey mirrors the transformative power of live music and the creative inspiration that can come from even the most unexpected sources.
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