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Jack Harlow revealed he had a major childhood crush on Fergie in a recent interview

“I was eight years old, but I was sexually attracted to her. Like she was an awakening for me,” he told Rolling Stone

Harlow and Fergie performed together at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards

Jack Harlow had his eyes on Fergie!

The 28-year-old singer revealed he had a major crush on the “Clumsy” artist, born Stacy Ferguson, in an interview with Rolling Stone published on Thursday, April 23.

Harlow recalled auditioning for his elementary school talent show with Fergie and will.i.am.‘s 2006 hit “Fergalicious” because of his admiration for the singer. “I just liked the song. I just loved the tempo and I loved her rap verse on it. I loved Fergie,” he said.

Jack Harlow attends British Vogue & GQ Celebrate Fashion & Film at Simpsons in the Strand on Feb. 22, 2026 in London.Credit: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty

Jack Harlow attends British Vogue & GQ Celebrate Fashion & Film at Simpsons in the Strand on Feb. 22, 2026 in London.
Credit: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty

The rapper, who sampled Fergie’s “Glamorous” on his 2022 hit “First Class,” continued to say, “Fergie has always been huge to me.”

“I think I was young…  I was eight years old, but I was sexually attracted to her. Like she was an awakening for me. But also I loved the music. Probably should have just said attracted, but I was speaking my truth. At that age, I was sure it was both,” he continued of the 51-year-old pop star.

Harlow said he ultimately wasn’t allowed to perform the track at his school’s talent show “because it was too promiscuous” and he ended up just working behind the scenes.

However, Harlow eventually had the Fergie encounter of his dreams. While opening the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards with a performance of “First Class,” which samples Fergie’s “Glamorous,” he surprised the crowd with an appearance from the former Black Eyed Peas vocalist.

Jack Harlow and Fergie attend the 2022 MTV VMAs at Prudential Center on Aug. 28, 2022 in Newark, N.J.Credit: John Shearer/Getty

Jack Harlow and Fergie attend the 2022 MTV VMAs at Prudential Center on Aug. 28, 2022 in Newark, N.J.
Credit: John Shearer/Getty

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Earlier that year, the rapper spoke to Entertainment Tonight about sampling Fergie’s music. “I have, like, a strong artistic connection to Fergie. I’ve been wanting to do that for a while, and it just came together, and I figured it’s time,” he said.

Harlow released his first studio album, Thats What They All Say, in 2020. Two years later, he released Come Home the Kids Miss You, followed by 2023’s Jackman and 2026’s Monica.

In March, the “Lovin on Me” rapper spoke about his latest album on the New York Times’ Popcast, saying, “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more concerned with finding my voice. I’m much more averse to mimicry or anything that feels derivative than I was in the past.”

“I think I was so determined to achieve a certain thing and land in a certain place, maybe the spot I wanted to land in my head wasn’t as nuanced as it is now. I’m looking to carve out my own island and I’m less concerned with how immediately big I can make that island,” he continued.

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