The 32-year-old Black Eyed Peas singer, who has become the first star to
agree to product placement in her songs, will write and perform tracks
endorsing fashion company Candie's on her second solo album.
An executive at Fergie's record label Interscope said: "With record sales in
decline, you must find novel ways to make money out of the music. The trick
is to make the brand part of the song so that it slips down easily rather
than chokes the fan.
"Candie's will have no say over exactly what Fergie will sing, or when.
Fergie does not sing jingles so it will have to work unobtrusively in the
song."
Fergie - real name Stacy Ann Ferguson - has also agreed to appear in Candie'
s TV adverts and allow Candie's advisors to style fans at her shows.
Some fans are outraged by Fergie's decision to promote a product in her
music, insisting it tarnishes her and the Black Eyed Peas' credibility.
Rickie Durtado, who runs a Los Angeles rap website, fumed: "Since 1988 the
Black Eyed Peas have been a socially responsible band who stood against the
bling-bling materialism of rap.
"But since Fergie joined the group four years ago they have become more like
a boy band.
"Fans are used to advertising banners at festivals, but making them part of
the song is not cool. There is no escape."