Fergie made an emotional return to the stage with Black Eyed Peas at the American Music Awards. Their 2009 hit Rock That Body won Best Throwback Song, honoring its unexpected second life fueled by viral trends on TikTok and Instagram. Nearly a decade after leaving the group in 2018, she reunited with will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where they were met with a standing ovation as the song’s resurgence introduced it to a new generation of listeners.

Filipino-American apl.de.ap opened the acceptance speech by thanking fans worldwide and speaking in Filipino: “Maraming salamat, mahal ko kayo, mabuhay ang Pilipino!”

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Originally released during the Black Eyed Peas’ global peak, the song has become a streaming-era revival story, with its high-energy beat and dance hook fueling viral clips and fan-made content online. That renewed attention ultimately carried it into awards recognition more than 15 years after its debut.

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Onstage, Fergie was visibly emotional as she thanked fans for keeping the song alive. “What a moment,” she said, as she held hands with her bandmates. She reflected on the era when the song was released and even joked that viral TikTok videos helped introduce the track to her son, Axl.

Fergie left the group in 2018 to focus on her solo career and family. The 2026 AMAs also highlighted other Filipino winners, including Sophia Laforteza from KATSEYE, and Bruno Mars.