Fergie in Marie Claire: Ditching her raunchy past to be a responsible wife and role model

As the front woman for the mega successful hip-hop group, the Black Eyed Peas, Fergie is known for her sexy style, her edgy persona, and as she puts it, being "a little rough around the edges." But she's also a talented songwriter, a fashion designer, an actress and most recently, a wife. While taking on the role of new bride to actor Josh Duhamel, Fergie has decided to overhaul her raunchy onstage image. With even the First Family as fans, perhaps suggestive dance moves and dirty lyrics need to be toned down. Is the pop star we know and love going soft? Marie Claire gets the scoop on the work in progress that is Fergie.

She's adapting her image as she matures as an artist
"I wasn't trying to be a role model with The Dutchess," she says, of the stacked-heel seductress she evokes on the album. "But suddenly, seeing little girls in the audience with their moms made me think about what I do onstage a little bit more. I had to watch my mouth, because it can be filthy. It changed things for me." So did learning that "Fergalicious" is Sasha Obama's favorite song. When Fergie performed at this year's White House Easter egg hunt, even the president told her, somewhat surreally, "I can relate to the line 'working on my fitness.'"

She wants to take on new challenges
"I've been working straight since 2003, so I might just want to take an improv or theater class," she offers. "That excites me. I can't wait to do different characters-not necessarily the leading chick who gets the guy, but the weird, freaky cousin."

She admits she has flaws
She feels she's "a little rough around the edges," unlike, say, Beyoncé or Gwen Stefani, who seemingly have it all. "They're the ones who I like to say are on the perfect cruise. Those people who always get it right. I've had a few more scandals."

She's still adjusting to married life
"Well, my boyfriend..." Fergie starts, referring, presumably, to her swoony new husband, Transformers star Josh Duhamel. "Oh my gosh, my boyfriend? I didn't even say my fiancé! He's going to kill me," she says, doubling over with laughter. "I told you we were newlyweds."

After a series of rocky romances, she now appreciates a healthy relationship
"It's funny, because at work I have to be a very strong, tough woman. But when I'm with him, I just turn on this baby girl voice because ... he's my big tall man!" she says with a throaty laugh. With heavy personal challenges behind her, including a well-documented meth addiction, Fergie—the former Kids Incorporated child star, onetime straight-A student, and spelling-bee champ—doesn't take the gift of a good man lightly. "I've been in a lot of relationships that were exciting but unhealthy, very Sid-and-Nancy-esque. I wanted somebody I could count on. With all the craziness of this business, I know I can count on my man—and he knows he can count on me."

For the full story, check out MarieClaire.com

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