The Black Eyed Peas are set to kick off their first residency in Las Vegas next year, and they will be accompanied by a groundbreaking new member on stage.

Alongside group members Will.i.am, Apple de Ap, Taboo, and J. Rey Soul (who took Fergie’s place in 2018), a new AI named Vida will join them, designed to mimic human expression.

“We saw this coming back in 2009 with our ‘The E.N.D.’ album and the character we featured there,” Will.i.am shared in an interview with YSL News. “To think that when we were just kids—me in L.A. and Apple in the Philippines—to have our group include the first AI member globally, it’s incredible.”

Fans will have the chance to meet Vida during a 15-date residency at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Named “The Black Eyed Peas: 3008 The Las Vegas Residency,” the shows will start on February 15, with performances spread across February, March, and May.

Starting September 14 at 10 a.m. ET, tickets will be available to the general public at ticketmaster.com.

Presales for specific groups begin on various days: 7 a.m. ET on September 11 for Citi cardmembers, 7 a.m. ET on September 12 for members of the historical artist fan club, 9 a.m. ET on September 12 for community fan clubs, and 7 a.m. ET on September 13 for Caesars Rewards members and Live Nation/Ticketmaster customers.

How will the AI member of the Black Eyed Peas function?

There are many questions regarding Vida, which translates to “life” in Spanish. Will.i.am is eager to share the vision that inspired this development for the group, relating it back to a certain billionaire whose tour has redefined live performances, namely Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, and how Vida will fit into their show.

It’s important to note that Vida is not a hologram.

“Holograms require a projector, meaning you could only experience them in Vegas during live shows,” Will.i.am explains. “With an AI member like Vida, you can connect and interact 24/7. She will be in sync with all band members, stage crew, and even audience members who wish to engage with her.”

Vida will also participate in the musical part of the performance.

“J. Rey will share songs with Vida, and she’ll be rapping and singing alongside Taboo and me,” Will.i.am adds. “It’s going to be the most engaging experience before, during, and after the show. Vegas is the ideal setting for this kind of interaction.”

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour served as an inspiration

Will.i.am describes the upcoming live show as similar to an experience at Disneyland or Disney World—a “journey, a voyage, a ride.” He credits Taylor Swift’s Eras tour as a key influence for their production.

After attending Swift’s monumental concert in Milan this past summer as “a newly initiated Swiftie,” he was astonished by the level of creativity and engagement it offered, far exceeding his expectations.

“I was completely taken aback. I haven’t felt this inspired in a long time. That’s when I realized I really need to start dreaming bigger and putting in the work,” said Will.i.am. “What elements can we borrow from the Empress Swift to enhance our Vegas performances? Her use of camera technology is unprecedented for artists. I felt like I was watching an extraordinary theatrical pop culture event. The emotional depth she brings is executed perfectly.”

Looking ahead, Will.i.am envisions expanding their show beyond Las Vegas, potentially taking it to Broadway or London’s West End.

For now, he is deeply engaged in the creative process.

“It feels like I’ve been waiting my entire career for this moment.”