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{{short description|2006 studio album by Fergie}}
{{Other uses|Dutchess (disambiguation)|Duchess (disambiguation)|The Duchess (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox album
| name
| type
| artist = [[Fergie (singer)|Fergie]]
| cover
| border = yes
| caption = Standard edition cover; the background is colored black on the deluxe edition cover
|
| recorded = 2005–2006 <ref name=business>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/62635/black-eyed-peas-back-in-business |title=Black Eyed Peas Back In 'Business' |magazine=Billboard |date=2005-06-11 |access-date=2014-08-09}}</ref><ref name=canoe>{{cite web |author=Jane Stevenson |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/B/Black_Eyed_Peas/2005/06/05/pf-1072398.html |title=CANOE – JAM! - Interview with hip-hop diva Stacy Ferguson |publisher=Jam.canoe.ca |date=2005-06-05 |access-date=2014-08-09 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525102344/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/B/Black_Eyed_Peas/2005/06/05/pf-1072398.html |archive-date=2012-05-25 }}</ref>
| studio = The Black Eyed Peas Tour Bus and Morningview Studio
| genre = *[[Pop music|Pop]]
*[[Hip hop music|hip hop]]
*[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]<ref name=bostonphoenix>{{cite news|last1=Perry |first1=Kathryn |title=Fergie – CD Reviews |url=http://thephoenix.com/Boston/music/24519-fergie-the-dutchess/ |access-date=September 17, 2014 |work=[[The Boston Phoenix]] |publisher=Phoenix Media/Communications Group |date=October 10, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430111718/http://thephoenix.com/Boston/music/24519-fergie-the-dutchess/ |archive-date=April 30, 2012 }}</ref>
| length = 58:00
| label = *[[will.i.am Music Group|will.i.am]]
*[[A&M Records|A&M]]
| producer = {{flatlist|
*[[will.i.am]]
*[[Ron Fair]]
*[[Printz Board]]
*Rob Boldt
*[[Keith Harris (producer)|Keith Harris]]
*[[John Legend]]
*[[George Pajon]]
*[[Polow da Don]]
}}
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title = [[Double Dutchess]]
| next_year = 2017
| misc = {{Singles
| name = The Dutchess
| type = studio
| single1 = [[London Bridge (Fergie song)|London Bridge]]
| single1date = July 18, 2006
| single2 = [[Fergalicious]]
| single2date = October 23, 2006
| single3 = [[Glamorous (Fergie song)|Glamorous]]
| single3date = January 23, 2007
| single4 = [[Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie song)|Big Girls Don't Cry]]
| single4date = May 22, 2007
| single5 = [[Clumsy (Fergie song)|Clumsy]]
| single5date = September 25, 2007
| single6 = [[Finally (Fergie song)|Finally]]
| single6date = February 24, 2008
}}
}}
'''''The Dutchess'''''
''The Dutchess'' peaked at number two on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and was praised by music critics for its production and Fergie's vocals, but some criticized its lyrics and felt the material was not strong enough for her voice. It has since been considered an influential pop album of the 2000s. It was certified [[RIAA certification|five times platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) and platinum by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] (BPI), and has sold 12 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 15, 2019 |title='The Duchess' Turns 13 |url=https://www.papermag.com/fergie-the-duchess-13-years-2640361435.html?rebelltitem=7#rebelltitem7?rebelltitem=7 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |magazine=[[Paper (magazine)|Paper]]}}</ref> It was nominated for the [[50th Annual Grammy Awards|2008 Grammy Award]] for [[Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance|Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] ("[[Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie song)|Big Girls Don't Cry]]") and the [[Juno Awards of 2008|2008 Juno Award]] for [[Juno Award for International Album of the Year|International Album of the Year]], among [[List of awards and nominations received by Fergie|other accolades]].
''The Dutchess'' is one of the best-selling albums of the 2000s, propelled by five of its singles which set a number of records. "Big Girls Don't Cry", "[[Glamorous (Fergie song)|Glamorous]]", and "[[London Bridge (Fergie song)|London Bridge]]" topped the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], and "[[Clumsy (Fergie song)|Clumsy]]" and "[[Fergalicious]]" appeared within the top five. Those singles also sold over two million digital downloads individually in the United States, setting a record in the digital era for the most multi-platinum singles from one album, which Fergie held until 2012.<ref name="New.music.yahoo.com">{{cite web |title=Week Ending April 19, 2009: She's The Youngest To Ever Do It – Chart Watch |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/33072/week-ending-april-19-2009-shes-the-youngest-to-ever-do-it/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507183256/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/33072/week-ending-april-19-2009-shes-the-youngest-to-ever-do-it/ |archive-date=May 7, 2009 |access-date=September 21, 2010 |publisher=Yahoo! Music}}</ref><ref name="music.yahoo.com">{{cite web|url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-feb-12-2012-songs-luv-madonna-012009756.html. |title=Week Ending February 12, 2012. Songs: Luv For Madonna – Chart Watch |date=February 16, 2012 |publisher=Yahoo! Music |access-date=July 19, 2012}}</ref>
==Background and recording==
After ten years with the band [[Wild Orchid (band)|Wild Orchid]], Fergie joined the hip-hop group [[The Black Eyed Peas]] in 2002, replacing [[Kim Hill (soul musician)|Kim Hill]] and receiving a prominent role in the group.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Black Eyed Peas – Biography: AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-black-eyed-peas-mn0000091983/biography|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=September 16, 2014}}</ref> Fergie's debut album with the band, ''[[Elephunk]]'', was the group's breakthrough, spawning the worldwide hit singles "[[Where Is the Love?]]" and "[[Shut Up (Black Eyed Peas song)|Shut Up]]", selling over 8 million copies worldwide<ref name=canoe /> and receiving four [[Grammy]] nominations (and winning one for the song "[[Let's Get It Started]]").<ref>{{cite news|title=Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.AM pens songs for "Knight and Day" |url=http://studiocut.net/2010/06/03/black-eyed-peas-will-i-am-pens-song-for-knight-and-day/ |access-date=September 16, 2014 |work=Studio Cut |date=June 3, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305153916/http://studiocut.net/2010/06/03/black-eyed-peas-will-i-am-pens-song-for-knight-and-day/ |archive-date=March 5, 2012 }}</ref> Later, while releasing her second effort with the group, the even more successful ''[[Monkey Business (The Black Eyed Peas album)|Monkey Business]]'' (2005), which features the hit singles "[[Don't Phunk with My Heart]]" and "[[My Humps]]" (with both receiving a Grammy award) and sold 10 million copies worldwide,<ref>{{cite news|title=Black Eyed Peas New Album "The E.N.D." Will Have June Release Date |url=http://www.universalmusic.com/artist-news/black-eyed-peas-new-album-the-end-will-have-june-release-date |access-date=September 16, 2014 |publisher=[[Universal Music Group]] |date=February 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323194715/http://www.universalmusic.com/artist-news/black-eyed-peas-new-album-the-end-will-have-june-release-date |archive-date=March 23, 2012 }}</ref> the singer announced that she and the other members of the group were working on solo projects, with her debut album being announced for a 2006 release.<ref name=canoe /> In an interview for [[Jam! Canoe]], Fergie claimed, "We've been working on it, Will and I," she says. "And I'm so happy with the way it's turning out, but we just felt after 'Elephunk' that we needed to make another Black Eyed Peas record." Regarding the album's musical direction she said, "It'll be a deeper look into who I am. Soundwise, it'll be eclectic like the Peas but I'll get to experiment with more of the different sounds of my voice. I like to use my voice as an instrument sometimes and I'll be able to show that on that album."<ref name=canoe />
[[File:will.i.am in 2012.jpg|left|thumb|[[will.i.am]], fellow member of [[The Black Eyed Peas]], is the album's executive producer and produced eight songs.]]
''The Dutchess'' was initially recorded in 2005, among promotion from [[The Black Eyed Peas]]' album ''[[Monkey Business (The Black Eyed Peas album)|Monkey Business]]''.<ref name=business /><ref name=canoe /> Much of the album was recorded on the [[John Lennon]] studio bus while touring with the band. She stated "We'd go in a couple of hours before going on stage and that's how it got done. The songs span a seven-year period. Some were done before I was in the Black Eyed Peas – we just updated them, and some were done in this one-month span that we took off from touring, which is very rare for us. Will and I moved into this studio house in Malibu called Morningview. It's like a ranch. It was very serene-complete opposite to the chaos of touring. I was alone a lot, which is something that doesn't happen to me on tour, so I got to find these emotions that are a little bit deeper than the surface. [For example], 'The Makeup Song (All That I Got)' and 'Velvet' are very intimate lyrically and feeling-wise. I wanted [the latter] to sound like velvet feels-very smooth-and I wanted it to be sensual."<ref name=q&a />
According to Fergie, the songs on the album are "from a seven-year period, but [Interscope CEO] [[Jimmy Iovine]] heard some [tracks] and was like, 'This is great, let's put it out'.<ref name=q&a>{{cite magazine|title=Q&A: Fergie And Will.I.Am On "The Dutchess"|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57140/qa-fergie-and-william-on-the-dutchess|access-date=September 16, 2014|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=September 26, 2006}}</ref> One of the album's executive producers and fellow Black Eyed Peas member [[will.i.am]] stated that she was "writing about her personal struggles and casting her demons away and feminine power. [It's] her singing for young girls to be strong, and what they're going through in life, just growing up in this world of uncertainty."<ref name=mtvnews1>{{cite news|last1=Vineyard|first1=Jennifer|title=Black Eyed Peas' Fergie Gets Rough And Regal in First Video From Solo LP|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1536116/black-eyed-peas-fergie-gets-rough-and-regal-in-first-video-from-solo-lp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924041417/http://www.mtv.com/news/1536116/black-eyed-peas-fergie-gets-rough-and-regal-in-first-video-from-solo-lp/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2014|access-date=September 16, 2014|work=[[MTV News]]|date=July 11, 2006}}</ref> [[Ludacris]], [[John Legend]], [[B Real]] from [[Cypress Hill]] and [[Rita Marley]], [[Bob Marley]]'s widow, were also confirmed on the album. B Real was set to appear on a track called "Thriller Man", an homage to Cypress Hill's "[[How I Could Just Kill a Man]]", with B Real stating, "It's pretty hot. Basically she took the song and switched the story around to suit it to her and put the female touch on it. She did the same chorus, she even did my same rhyme style, but she sung it. It's hard to describe it, you just got to hear it – she did it justice."<ref name=mtvnews2>{{cite news|last1=Moss|first1=Corey|title=Fergie's Split-Pea Soup: Reggae, Jazz, Ludacris, B Real On 'Crazy' Solo LP|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1538614/fergies-split-pea-soup-reggae-jazz-ludacris-b-real-on-crazy-solo-lp/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140917044354/http://www.mtv.com/news/1538614/fergies-split-pea-soup-reggae-jazz-ludacris-b-real-on-crazy-solo-lp/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 17, 2014|access-date=September 16, 2014|work=[[MTV News]]|date=August 15, 2006}}</ref> However, "Thriller Man" was not included on the album. [[Ron Fair]] and DJ Mormile were also the album's executive producers, with Fair, chairman of [[Geffen Records]], expressing, "Once people get this album and hear what she's capable of as a singer and writer, I think that's when the roof blows off it. That's when she's not just a little trifling pop girl doing disposable hits." It was also announced that the album would feature samples from [[Little Richard]], [[The Commodores]] and [[The Temptations]].<ref name=theage>{{cite news |title=Fergie free from the Peas |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/fergie-free-from-the-peas/2006/09/25/1159036445782.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1 |access-date=September 16, 2014 |work=[[The Age]] |date=September 25, 2006 |agency=AP ([[Associated Press]])}}</ref>[[File:Sarah Ferguson in Leeds 2008.jpg|thumb|The album's title, ''The Dutchess'', is a play on words from the [[Duchess of York]]. (pictured in 2008)]]
The album's title, ''The Dutchess'', is a derivation of the noble title "[[Duchess of York|The Duchess of York]]", as Fergie (a derivative of her last name "Ferguson") and [[Sarah, Duchess of York|Sarah Ferguson]], the real Duchess of York, share a surname and nickname. The album's title garnered media attention, with Sarah Ferguson commenting, "Automatically, everybody in America thinks I'm Fergie, the most beautiful woman in the world, from Black Eyed Peas. [...] You know, I rang her up about that. I said, 'Fergie, it's Fergie... Now that you've done this, you have to sing at a concert for my foundation [[Children in Crisis]]'."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2006/11/16/clarke_takes_a_pass_on_game_plan_shot/ |title=Clarke takes a pass on 'Game Plan' shot – The Boston Globe |work=Boston Globe |date=16 November 2006|access-date=4 May 2010| first1=Carol | last1=Beggy | first2=Mark | last2=Shanahan}}</ref> Fergie then commented about its title, "If you notice, on the album cover it says 'Fergie as the Dutchess' because I wanted each song to be a movie poster. But because 'London Bridge' did so well so fast, we had to get everything done so only half the songs on the album have movie poster themes. For example, for 'Fergalicious' I'm holding a lollipop; it's pretty campy and cute. The pictures were all shot by [[Ellen von Unwerth]] in Paris so a lot of them are very [[Brigitte Bardot]]-esque."<ref name=q&a />
==Composition and themes==
According to ''[[The Age]]'' newspaper's website, "'The Dutchess' offers a more introspective Fergie, a woman willing to talk about her loves, her critics and her former meth ([[Methamphetamine]]) addiction."<ref name=theage /> Fergie explained in a Q&A interview for ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' that, "This [album] is a complete thought. It's not just a verse or a sentence. It's my complete feeling and emotion. I think people will be surprised because they don't know that sensitive side of me yet. I also like to experiment with different tones in my voice, and I wanted to make the album really colorful."<ref name=q&a /> She further explained the album's concept: "I couldn't have written songs today that I wrote five years ago, because I wasn't feeling that, so that's why I'm really excited about this, because it's just a mixture of emotions on this record. And it's very autobiographical. All of the love songs are definitely about different boyfriends that I've had. I've made a personal decision to not mention which ones are about who, out of respect for the people, but there are breakups, there are make-ups, there are dysfunctional relationships. There are also struggles with my substance abuse, a lot of vulnerability which I think people haven't seen from me in the [[Black Eyed Peas]]."<ref name="q&a3" />
Regarding the album's sound, Fergie explained, "It's a very colorful album. There's [[Dub music|dub]], there's [[reggae]], there's stuff like the Temptations, a band that I saw when I was 10 years old in concert. There's the low rider, oldie style that we revisit that I was really inspired by in high school. There's that [[punk-rock]] aspect – that just really raw [[rock and roll]], get your hair messed up, sweat as much as you want, don't feel pretty onstage – that aspect. There's [[jazz]]y. We're just crazy."<ref name=theage /> "Every song has its own character," she elaborated. "They use different pieces of my voice and that's what I want to express, 'cause it's fun. It makes the album less boring for me and hopefully for others as well."<ref name=mtvnews3>{{cite news|last1=Moss|first1=Corey|title=Meet A New Fergie on Each Track – Introducing The Dutchess|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1539519/meet-a-new-fergie-on-each-track-introducing-the-dutchess/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924045357/http://www.mtv.com/news/1539519/meet-a-new-fergie-on-each-track-introducing-the-dutchess/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2014|access-date=September 16, 2014|work=[[MTV News]]|date=August 28, 2006}}</ref> According to ''The Age'', the album contains "everything from torch songs to bouncy pop, reggae and even techno," representing her wide musical influences.<ref name=theage /> Andy Kellman of ''[[AllMusic]]'' noted that the album has "throwback [[hip-hop]], throwback [[soul music|soul]], reggae, [[ska-punk]], [[Scat singing|scat]], vaguely torchy midtempo fluff, and a classy string-drenched ballad.<ref name=allmusic />
"I'm not claiming to be a battle MC," she says. "That's not where I'm taking this. This is just paying homage to artists like Roxanne Shanté, Monie Love, Salt-n-Pepa, JJ. Fad – women I looked up to." Fergie loves hip-hop, but she has always known she's an outsider. "In junior high I was fascinated by gangsta rap," she says, sipping a caipirinha. "I was suburban, yet I had glimpses from where I lived. I'm hearing all the stories about what was going on in East L.A. and South Central, looking at it from the outside. I think I come from a whole generation of that. That's why a lot of people can relate with me, because they lived that, too. Seeing it but not really living it. So there weren't any of the negative consequences to the guns and all of that. It was just interesting and sexy."<ref>{{cite magazine|title = Music: Fergie Dances with Herself|last = Touré|date = Oct 19, 2006|magazine = Rolling Stone}}</ref>
=== Music and lyrics ===
{{multiple image
| align = right
| image1 = Ludacris 2008.jpg
| width1 = 138
| alt1 =
| caption1 =
| image2 = John Legend by Sachyn Mital.jpg
| width2 = 115
| alt2 =
| caption2 =
| footer = [[Ludacris]] (''left'') is featured on the R&B track "Glamorous", while [[John Legend]] is featured on the piano ballad "Finally".
}}
The album starts with "[[Fergalicious]]", an [[electronica]], [[hip hop]] and [[dance music|dance]] song,<ref name="billboard8years" /> which according to the song's co-writer, producer and featured guest, [[will.i.am]], has Fergie "just being sassy and flaunting her stuff from a strong female perspective, paying homage to [[Salt-N-Pepa]]."<ref name="mtvnews3" /> He also labelled it "the sister of [Black Eyed Peas hit] [[My Humps]]'."<ref name="q&a" /> Fergie stated that, "In 'Fergalicious,' I emulated ['80s female rap trio] [[J.J. Fad]], and sampled the track from [[Afro-Rican]]'s "Give It All You Got."<ref name="q&a" /> Lyrically, the song uses food metaphors to describe how tasty the singer is.<ref name="pluggedin">{{cite web|title=Fergie – The Dutchess – Plugged In|url=http://www.pluggedin.com/music/albums/2007/Fergie-TheDutchess.aspx|website=[[Plugged In (publication)]]|publisher=Focus on the Family|access-date=September 16, 2014}}</ref> "Clumsy" follows, with will.i.am comparing the song to [[Shangri-Las]] "[[Leader of the Pack]]" with a ghetto-ass beat, guitars and background singers."<ref name="q&a" /> Lyrically, it finds Fergie "trippin', stumblin', flippin', fumblin'" after being struck by Cupid's arrow.<ref name="pluggedin" /> In "All That I Got (the Make-Up Song)", she wants a guy who will love her for more than her outward appearance,<ref name="pluggedin" /> with the singer asking, "Would you love me/If I didn't work out/Or didn't change my natural hair?"<ref name="theage" /> "[[London Bridge (Fergie song)|London Bridge]]" was co-written by [[Sean Garrett]] and produced by [[Polow da Don]]<ref name="mtvnews1" /> and includes [[sexual innuendo]].<ref name="pluggedin" /> It was described as "a club track that only lightly touches on personal lyrics about fame and celebrity" ('It's like every time I get up on the dude/ Paparazzi put my business in the news,' she sings),<ref name="mtvnews1" /> with the singer also threatening to mace pushy photographers and boasts. "It's poking fun at certain things. I'm really not going to spray the paparazzi with mace – I don't know if you know that about me," she said in an interview.<ref name="theage" /> Regarding the song's title, she claimed, "There are a couple things that you could relate with that title, but I'm just going to leave it to people's imagination."<ref name="mtvnews2" />
"Pedestal" lashes out at gossip bloggers like [[Perez Hilton]] who "hide behind computer screens", as noted by Sal Cinquemani of [[Slant Magazine]],<ref name=slant /> while "Voodoo Doll" is a [[reggae]] song,<ref name=slant /> with [[dub music|dub]] influences,<ref name=theage /> where Fergie talks about her past and getting over those demons.<ref name=mtvnews3 /> According to Fergie, "It's about my struggle with [[Methamphetamine|crystal meth]]. There's a demon part that's a completely different voice than the singing part, and it's almost like two voices. It's me battling with myself."<ref name=q&a /> "Glamorous" is again produced by Polow da Don and features [[Ludacris]].<ref name=mtvnews2 /> It was described as an [[R&B]] song<ref name=billboard8years /> with [[techno]] influences.<ref name=theage /> Lyrically, it talks about how fame doesn't give her amnesia about where she came from.<ref name=pluggedin /> "Here I Come" features once more will.i.am and it is done to the tune of [[The Temptations]]' "[[Get Ready (The Temptations song)|Get Ready]]."<ref name=allmusic /> In "Velvet", Fergie invites a man to share her bed.<ref name=pluggedin /> As stated by Fergie, "I wanted it to sound like velvet feels – very smooth – and I wanted it to be sensual."<ref name=q&a /> The [[pop/rock]] song<ref name=slant /> "[[Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie song)|Big Girls Don't Cry]]" talks about a crumbling romance.<ref name=pluggedin /> will.i.am admitted that it "really pushed my production skills. I did an [[Edie Brickell]] type of production – 'I'm not aware of too many things,' on guitars."<ref name=q&a />
"Mary Jane Shoes" is a song inspired in [[reggae]], [[ska-punk]] and scat.<ref name=allmusic /> It features [[Rita Marley]], [[Bob Marley]]'s widow, and [[I Threes]]. "That was quite an honor for me," Fergie said of the song. "I kind of get to play Bob Marley in that song, which is a beautiful thing."<ref name=mtvnews2 /> She went on to describe the song as "a breezy reggae song, and at the end I go into a little bit of punk-rock mosh music because I love to do that if you've ever seen my stage shows."<ref name=q&a /> will.i.am commented, "She goes from dub, doing her interpretation of roots, to some ska-punk and ends up with jazz. From a production standpoint that was fun, flipping all those different styles."<ref name=q&a /> The melody of the chorus bears striking resemblance to the chorus of Marley's "No Woman, No Cry." The song is followed by the ballad "Losing My Ground", which is about desperation,<ref name=billboard8years>{{cite magazine|last1=Lipshut|first1=Jason|title=Fergie's 'The Dutchess' Turns Eight: An Appreciation|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6251548/fergie-the-dutchess-appreciation|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=September 15, 2014}}</ref> and the album closes with "Finally", a slightly [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]]-styled, ballad.<ref name=about.com /> It was named a "dramatic piano and string-laden coda" track.<ref name=ew /> It was co-produced by [[John Legend]], who also plays the piano.<ref name=q&a /> Lyrically, it reflects on lessons learned the hard way and decides that life is good.<ref name=pluggedin /> Fergie further explained the track: "'Finally' is the last song on the album. It's piano, strings and vocals, played by John Legend. He co-wrote that song. It's a timeless ballad that you can play 30 years from now, and it'll still be cool because it doesn't lend to any era. And it's really stripped down. I really had a chance to sing, although I didn't oversing anything. My taste is more to bring it out at certain moments."<ref name="q&a2" />
==Release and promotion==
"The Dutchess" was first released on September 13, 2006, in Japan and was released in the United States, Canada and New Zealand on September 19, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|title=iTunes – Music – The Dutchess by Fergie|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-dutchess/193131169|website=[[iTunes]]|date=January 2006 |access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> On September 21, 2006, Fergie held a launch party for the album, after a day of radio and television promotion.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Weinstein|first1=Farrah|title=Fergie Gets Blinged Out, Overwhelmed at Dutchess Release Party|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1541572/fergie-gets-blinged-out-overwhelmed-at-dutchess-release-party/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924061006/http://www.mtv.com/news/1541572/fergie-gets-blinged-out-overwhelmed-at-dutchess-release-party/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2014|access-date=September 17, 2014|work=[[MTV News]]|date=September 22, 2006}}</ref> She first performed "London Bridge" at the [[2006 MTV Video Music Awards]] on the ''Red Carpet on the Rock'' pre-show.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kaufman|first1=Gil|title=My Chemical Romance, Fergie Performing at VMA Preshow|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1539518/my-chemical-romance-fergie-performing-at-vma-preshow/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924053937/http://www.mtv.com/news/1539518/my-chemical-romance-fergie-performing-at-vma-preshow/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2014|access-date=September 17, 2014|work=[[MTV News]]|date=August 28, 2006}}</ref> She also went to ''[[Total Request Live|TRL]]'', [[NBC]]'s ''[[Today (U.S. TV program)|Today Show]]'',<ref>{{cite news|title=In NYC? Come see Fergie perform at the TODAY show!|url=http://www.fergie.com/news/nyc-come-see-fergie-perform-today-show|access-date=September 17, 2014|work=Fergie.com|date=September 14, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924041529/http://www.fergie.com/news/nyc-come-see-fergie-perform-today-show|archive-date=September 24, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[So You Think You Can Dance]]'' and ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'', performing the single "London Bridge".<ref name=imdb>{{cite web|title=Fergie – IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004914/?ref_=nv_sr_1#self|website=[[IMDb]]|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> She also performed the track during 2006 [[Fashion Rocks]], where she used a glittery mini-dress, and later was joined by her band The Black Eyed Peas to perform their single "[[Pump It]]".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Weinstein|first1=Farrah|title=Beyonce, Jay-Z, Christina Put The Rock in Fashion Rocks Concert|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1540510/beyonce-jay-z-christina-put-the-rock-in-fashion-rocks-concert/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714171340/http://www.mtv.com/news/1540510/beyonce-jay-z-christina-put-the-rock-in-fashion-rocks-concert/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 14, 2014|access-date=September 17, 2014|work=[[MTV News]]|date=September 8, 2006}}</ref> Fergie also went to the [[2006 Billboard Music Awards|2006 ''Billboard'' Music Awards]], performing the single "Fergalicious".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Janet, Fergie, Killers To Rock Billboard Awards|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56775/janet-fergie-killers-to-rock-billboard-awards|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=Billboard|date=November 2, 2006}}</ref> In 2007, Fergie continued the promotion of the album, being part of the [[AOL Sessions]], Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash, [[Radio 1's Big Weekend]], [[2007 MuchMusic Video Awards]], [[MTV Australia Video Music Awards 2007|2007 MTV Australia Video Music Awards]], [[Concert for Diana]], [[American Music Awards of 2007|2007 American Music Awards]] and more.<ref name=imdb /> To further promote the album, Fergie embarked on the [[Verizon VIP Tour]], which began on May 8, 2007.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fergie Previews Tour, Plus Paris Hilton, Jay-Z, Diddy, Nelly Furtado, Akon, Gwen Stefani & More in for the Record|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1559141/fergie-previews-tour-plus-paris-hilton-jay-z-diddy-nelly-furtado-akon-gwen-stefani-more-in-for-the-record/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924061103/http://www.mtv.com/news/1559141/fergie-previews-tour-plus-paris-hilton-jay-z-diddy-nelly-furtado-akon-gwen-stefani-more-in-for-the-record/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2014|access-date=September 17, 2014|work=[[MTV News]]|date=September 5, 2007}}</ref>
In April 2008, it was announced that ''The Dutchess'' was going to be re-released, with the inclusion of "[[Labels or Love]]," which first appeared on the soundtrack for the film ''[[Sex and the City (film)|Sex and the City]]'' (2008), [[Nelly]]'s "[[Party People (Nelly song)|Party People]]", "[[Barracuda (song)|Barracuda]]" (a [[Heart (band)|Heart]] cover) and a remix of "Clumsy" with [[Soulja Boy Tell 'Em|Soulja Boy]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Crosley|first1=Hillary|title=Fergie's 'The Dutchess' To Be Re-released|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1309651/fergies-the-dutchess-to-be-re-released|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=Billboard|date=April 21, 2008}}</ref> Along with the four bonus tracks, the new package features an exclusive fold-out poster illustration of Fergie, an insert coupon discount to merchandise and a connect CD option providing video content.<ref name=prnewswire>{{cite news|title=Fergie Has Sex and the City's Theme, 'Labels Or Love'|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fergie-has-sex-and-the-citys-theme-labels-or-love-57108997.html|access-date=September 17, 2014|work=PR Newswire}}</ref> An EP with the four tracks on the deluxe edition plus a fifth song 'Pick It Up' was released to the [[iTunes Store]]. ''The Dutchess Deluxe EP'' debuted at number forty-six on the US ''Billboard'' 200 chart with sales of 11,000 copies.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hasty|first1=Katie|title=Usher Scores Second Best Sales Debut Of '08|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045201/usher-scores-second-best-sales-debut-of-08|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=Billboard|date=June 4, 2008}}</ref>
===Singles===
"[[London Bridge (Fergie song)|London Bridge]]" was released as the album's lead single on July 18, 2006, to radio stations<ref name=r&r>{{cite news|title=Going for Adds-CHR/Top 40 |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=07/17/2006&Format=1 |access-date=September 17, 2014 |work=[[Radio and Records]] |date=July 17, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222070136/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=07%2F17%2F2006&Format=1 |archive-date=February 22, 2015 }}</ref> and on August 7, 2006, on the iTunes Store.<ref>{{cite web|title=iTunes – Music – London Bridge – Fergie|url=https://music.apple.com/br/album/london-bridge-single/179332976|website=[[iTunes]]|date=January 2006 |access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> The [[urban pop]] track caused controversy due to its [[double entendre]] lyrics,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sullivan|first1=Caroline|title=Caroline Sullivan talks to Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/sep/08/urban.popandrock|access-date=September 17, 2014|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=September 8, 2006}}</ref> topping the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] (for three weeks) and New Zealand charts, while also reaching the top-ten in over twelve countries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fergie – London Bridge – Music Charts|url=http://acharts.us/song/10646|website=Music Charts|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> The music video for the song features The Black Eyed Peas members as well as Fergie on the [[Tower Bridge]], among other scenes.<ref name=mtvnews1 />
The following single, "[[Fergalicious]]", was released on October 23, 2006.<ref name="r&r2">{{cite news|title=Going for Adds-CHR/Top 40 |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10/22/2006&Format=1 |access-date=September 17, 2014 |work=Radio and Records |date=October 22, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222070139/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10%2F22%2F2006&Format=1 |archive-date=February 22, 2015 }}</ref> The track, which features [[will.i.am]], reached number two on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, the top-five in Australia and New Zealand, although it peaked lower than "London Bridge" in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fergie and Will.I.Am – Fergalicious – Music Charts|url=http://acharts.us/song/11082|website=Music Charts|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> Its music video features Fergie as [[Willy Wonka]] in a candy factory.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Slezak|first1=Michael|title=Snap judgment: Fergie's 'Fergalicious'|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2006/10/23/snap_judgment_f_1/|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=October 23, 2006}}</ref>
"[[Glamorous (Fergie song)|Glamorous]]" was released as the third single from the album, on February 20, 2007.<ref name="r&r3">{{cite news|title=Going for Adds-CHR/Top 40 |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=02/20/2007&Format=9 |access-date=September 17, 2014 |work=Radio and Records |date=February 20, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109051952/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=02%2F20%2F2007&Format=9 |archive-date=November 9, 2014 }}</ref> The track, which features [[Ludacris]], became the second number-one single from the album in the United States, and also reached the top-ten in over seven countries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fergie and Ludacris – Glamorous – Music Charts|url=http://acharts.us/song/11849|website=Music Charts|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref>
The fourth single, "[[Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie song)|Big Girls Don't Cry]]", was released on May 22, 2007.<ref name="r&r4">{{cite news|title=Going for Adds-CHR/Top 40 |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=05/22/2007&Format=1 |access-date=September 17, 2014 |work=Radio and Records |date=May 22, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109051813/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=05%2F22%2F2007&Format=1 |archive-date=November 9, 2014 }}</ref> The ballad became a huge success worldwide, topping the charts of ten countries, including Australia, Canada and the United States; it was also the album's most successful single in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fergie – Big Girls Don't Cry – Music Charts|url=http://acharts.us/song/16148|website=Music Charts|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> The music video for the song features American actor [[Milo Ventimiglia]] as her love interest.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fergie grava cenas "quentes" com Milo Ventimiglia para clipe |url=http://www.cifraclubnews.com.br/noticias/8275-fergie-grava-cenas-quentes-com-milo-ventimiglia-para-clipe.html|access-date=September 17, 2014|work=Cifra Club|date=April 23, 2007 |language=pt}}</ref>
"[[Clumsy (Fergie song)|Clumsy]]" was then selected to be the fifth single of the album. It was released on September 25, 2007<ref name="r&r5">{{cite news|title=Going for Adds-CHR/Top 40 |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=09/25/2007&Format=9 |access-date=September 17, 2014 |work=Radio and Records |date=September 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109051855/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=09%2F25%2F2007&Format=9 |archive-date=November 9, 2014 }}</ref> and became a top-ten hit in five countries,<ref>{{cite web|title=Fergie – Clumsy – Music Charts |url=http://acharts.us/song/28296|website=Music Charts|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> including in Australia and the United States, becoming her fifth consecutive top-five hit in the U.S.<ref name="billboard8years" /> Its music video features Fergie falling head over heels for love in various scenarios shot using a [[green screen]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Fergie Falls Head Over Heels In 'Clumsy' Clip; Plus David Banner, Jay-Z, Britney Spears, Sarah Silverman & More, In for the Record|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1570500/fergie-falls-head-over-heels-in-clumsy-clip-plus-david-banner-jay-z-britney-spears-sarah-silverman-more-in-for-the-record/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127234719/http://www.mtv.com/news/1570500/fergie-falls-head-over-heels-in-clumsy-clip-plus-david-banner-jay-z-britney-spears-sarah-silverman-more-in-for-the-record/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 27, 2014|access-date=September 17, 2014|work=[[MTV News]]|date=September 25, 2007}}</ref>
"[[Finally (Fergie song)|Finally]]" was released as the sixth and final single to the United States and the United Kingdom on March 18, 2008.<ref name="r&r6">{{cite news |title=Going for Adds-CHR/Top 40 |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=02/25/2008&Format=1 |access-date=September 17, 2014 |work=Radio and Records |date=February 25, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222070927/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=02%2F25%2F2008&Format=1 |archive-date=February 22, 2015 }}</ref> A music video for the song was filmed, but it was never released.<ref>{{cite news|title=Holy Hits: Fergie Keeps 'Em Coming & Preps For 'Idol Gives Back'|url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/holy-hits-fergie-keeps-em-coming-and-preps-for-idol-gives-back_article_8713|access-date=September 17, 2014|work=[[Access Hollywood]]|date=March 10, 2008}}</ref>
"[[Pick It Up (Fergie song)|Pick It Up]]" was released as [[Promotional recording|promotional single]] exclusively to Japan on January 1, 2007.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=iTunes – Music – Pick It Up by Fergie|url=https://music.apple.com/jp/album/pick-it-up-song-single/1445059515|website=[[iTunes]]|date=January 2007 |access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> The song "[[Here I Come (Fergie song)|Here I Come]]" was released as promotional single in Australia and New Zealand on January 19, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Getmusic.com.au: Fergie : Discography : Here I Come |url=http://getmusic.com.au/artist/music/detail.aspx?pid=6679&aid=13773 |website=Get Music |access-date=September 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405235352/http://getmusic.com.au/artist/music/detail.aspx?pid=6679&aid=13773 |archive-date=April 5, 2011 }}</ref> It reached the top-forty in both countries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fergie – Here I Come – Music Charts|url=http://acharts.us/song/32236|website=Music Charts|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref>
==Reception and legacy==
{{Music ratings
| MC = 58/100<ref name="Metacritic"/>
| rev1 = [[About.com]]
| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=about.com>{{cite news|title=Review: Fergie's ''The Dutchess''|url=http://top40.about.com/od/albums/fr/fergiedutchess.htm|publisher=[[About.com]]|access-date=September 17, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008193446/http://top40.about.com/od/albums/fr/fergiedutchess.htm|archive-date=October 8, 2014}}</ref>
| rev2 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev2score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web |title=Review: Fergie's ''The Dutchess''|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r854152|pure_url=yes}}|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[The Boston Phoenix]]''
| rev3score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=bostonphoenix />
| rev4 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
| rev4score = B+<ref name=ew>{{cite magazine|title=Review: Fergie's ''The Dutchess''|url=https://ew.com/article/2006/09/18/dutchess/|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=2006-09-18|access-date=September 17, 2014|archive-date=2014-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108235346/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1535137,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''
| rev5score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name=latimes>{{cite news|last1=Powers|first1=Ann|title=Fergie is down with dirty|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-sep-17-ca-rack17-story.html|access-date=September 17, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=September 16, 2006}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[MSN Music]]'' ([[Robert Christgau#Consumer Guide|Consumer Guide]])
| rev6score = {{Rating-Christgau|cut}}<ref name=rc>{{cite web|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?id=5697&name=Fergie|title=Robert Christgau: CG: Fergie|website=[[MSN Music]]|access-date= September 17, 2014}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[PopMatters]]''
| rev7score = {{rating|2|10|full=Disc Plain yellow dark.svg|half=AwesomeTemplate.svg|empty=Plain Disc 40% grey or 20% black.svg|rating=disc}}<ref name=popmatters>{{cite news|last1=Joseph|first1=Mike|title=Fergie: The Dutchess | PopMatters|url=https://www.popmatters.com/fergie-the-dutchess-2495710776.html|date=October 3, 2006|work=[[PopMatters]]|publisher=PopMatters Media, Inc.|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| rev8score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=rs>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/11548637/review/11736788/the_dutchess| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061021224410/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/11548637/review/11736788/the_dutchess| url-status=dead| archive-date=October 21, 2006|title=Fergie The Dutchess Album Review | Rolling Stone|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=September 20, 2006|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[[Slant Magazine]]''
| rev9score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref name=slant>{{cite magazine |title=Review: ''The Dutchess''|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/fergie-the-dutchess/957/ |magazine=[[Slant Magazine]]|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref>
| rev10 = [[Yahoo! Music]]
| rev10score = 7/10<ref name=yahoo>{{cite news|last1=Gennoe |first1=Dan |title=Fergie The Dutchess Album Review on Yahoo! Music |url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/060929/33/20pxc.html/ |access-date=September 17, 2014 |work=[[Yahoo! Music]] |publisher=[[Yahoo! Inc. (1995–2017)|Yahoo! Inc.]] |date=October 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613142812/http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/060929/33/20pxc.html/ |archive-date=June 13, 2011 }}</ref>
}}
Critical response to ''The Dutchess'' was mixed.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Low |first=Tracy |date=August 2, 2016 |title=This week in... 2006 |url=https://www.tnp.sg/entertainment/music/week-2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125074525/https://www.tnp.sg/entertainment/music/week-2006 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |access-date=May 8, 2025 |work=[[The New Paper]] |quote=The Dutchess was a worldwide commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the US Billboard 200, despite its mixed reviews}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Crossan |first=Andrew |date=October 11, 2017 |title=Is Fergie’s New Music Glamorous or So Two Thousand and Late? |url=https://studybreaks.com/culture/sounds/fergies-new-music-glamorous-two-thousand-late/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816032613/https://studybreaks.com/culture/sounds/fergies-new-music-glamorous-two-thousand-late/ |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=May 8, 2025 |work=Study Breaks}}</ref> At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[Standard score|normalized]] rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has received an [[weighted mean|average]] score of 58, based on 15 reviews, which indicates "mixed or average reviews".<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web|title=Reviews for The Dutchess by Fergie – Metacritic|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/the-dutchess/fergie|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive Inc]]|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> "Big Girls Don't Cry" was nominated for a [[Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]]. Leah Greenblatt wrote for ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' that "Though not every track is a gem, The Dutchess reaches further than most albums by contemporary divas," prov[ing] that she's earned her Black Eyed independence – and perhaps even her new royal title."<ref name=ew /> Bill Lamb of [[About.com]] agreed, writing that it "is one of the top debuts of the year, [which] is good enough to pull into question the wisdom of Fergie sticking with the Black Eyed Peas or considering striking out on her own. [...] Adventurous, bold, and a whole lot of fun, she is an artist to be relished."<ref name=about.com /> ''[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]]'' called it "one of the most rambunctiously entertaining and high-spirited records of 2006,"<ref name="Metacritic" /> while [[Robert Christgau]] gave the album a "choice cut", praising the tracks "Fergalicious" and "London Bridge".<ref name=rc /> Kathryn Perry of ''[[The Boston Phoenix]]'' named the album "an eclectic, danceable collection of hip-hop, R&B, and pop confections,"<ref name="bostonphoenix" /> while Rob Sheffield of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' called it "a shameless solo debut full of Eighties-style electro bangers."<ref name=rs /> Dan Gennoe of [[Yahoo! Music]] saw the album as "an exceptionally random R&B mixtape," but perceived that while "be[ing] loaded with future hits and staggering imagination, it's also fundamentally flawed."<ref name=yahoo />
In a more lukewarm review, Andy Kellman of [[AllMusic]] noted that the album is "mildly entertaining but tremendously taxing" and writing that the album has "passable switch-ups, but none of them has any lasting (or even immediate) value, with the possible exception of the inexplicably asinine 'London Bridge'."<ref name=allmusic /> Sal Cinquemani of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' analyzed that "the album too often seems to be striving to display diversity at the expense of artistry," also criticizing the song's lyrics, writing that they "don't delve very deep."<ref name=slant /> Mike Joseph of ''[[PopMatters]]'' was more negative, observing that it "sounds like it was driven maybe 10% by an artist and 90% by a focus group. Fergie prances, preens, moans, talks and raps, but the result is canned and sterile."<ref name=popmatters /> Although expressing that "Fergie is talented enough to compete with the likes of [[Gwen Stefani]] and [[Christina Aguilera]]," Norman Mayers of ''Prefix Magazine'' noted that "the material on 'The Dutchess' won't take her to those heights,"<ref>{{cite web |title=Album Review: Fergie – The Dutchess|author=Norman Mayers|url=http://www.prefixmag.com/reviews/fergie/the-dutchess/15512/ |publisher=Prefix Magazine|access-date=September 17, 2014|date=October 13, 2006}}</ref> while Benjamin Boles of ''[[Now (newspaper)|Now]]'' pointed out that it "would've been better if they cut the 'serious' songs."<ref name=now>{{cite news|author=Benjamin Boles |title=Fergie | NOW Magazine |url=http://www.nowtoronto.com/music/story.cfm?content=155537&archive=26,3,2006 |newspaper=[[Now (newspaper)|Now Magazine]] |access-date=September 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229094232/http://www.nowtoronto.com/music/story.cfm?content=155537&archive=26%2C3%2C2006 |archive-date=December 29, 2013 }}</ref> Ann Powers of ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' concluded that "the problem is the Duchess herself. Fergie exudes earthy charm, but can't keep up with the breakneck music. She forces emotion on the slower show-stoppers, and she's all cartoon kitten on the come-ons."<ref name=latimes />
While analyzing the album after eight years of its release, Jason Lipshutz of ''Billboard'' commented: "A monster hit by any metric, as well as an underrated pop pastiche that introduced the world to a fearlessly individual female artist that had been hiding in plain sight. It arrived, it conquered, and eight years later, it still has no upshot." [...] "It's a weird, wild debut, and one of the most successful ones of this century. Fergie deserves retroactive praise for an uncompromising first look, and we'll keep spelling 'tasty' with an E tucked in the middle."<ref name="billboard8years2">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fergie-the-dutchess-appreciation-6251548/ |title=Fergie's 'The Dutchess' Turns Eight: An Appreciation |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=September 15, 2014 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 23, 2025}}</ref>
== Commercial performance ==
[[File:Mmva2007 Fergie a.jpg|thumb|The album earned Fergie three number one singles on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100, including two more songs in the top five.]]
''The Dutchess'' debuted at number three on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] with sales of 142,000 copies in its first week.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Mayfield|first1=Geoff|title=Timberlake Halts Charts Churn, Withstands Aiken|magazine=Billboard|date=October 7, 2006|volume=118|issue=40|page=39|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_A4EAAAAMBAJ&q=the+dutchess+debut+billboard+200&pg=PA39|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> It later fell to number nine,<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Mayfield|first1=Geoff|title=Ludacris Edges Jackson; Last Issue's Charts Revised|magazine=Billboard|date=October 14, 2006|volume=118|issue=41|page=62|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6g0EAAAAMBAJ&q=ludacris&pg=PA62|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> selling 74,000 copies.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Ludacris Scores Third No. 1 With 'Release Therapy'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57060/ludacris-scores-third-no-1-with-release-therapy|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=Billboard|date=October 4, 2006}}</ref> After four weeks falling on the charts, ''The Dutchess'' became the "greatest gainer" of the week ending November 18, 2006, climbing from number twenty-one to number fourteen.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|date=November 18, 2006|volume=118|issue=46|page=58|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZA4EAAAAMBAJ&q=fergie&pg=PA24|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> In 2007, the album remained inside the top-twenty, while in March it kept on climbing, due to the success of its single "Glamorous", which was inside the top-ten at the time.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|date=March 17, 2007|volume=119|issue=11|page=54|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lxMEAAAAMBAJ&q=fergie|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> In May, the album continued its success, becoming once more the "greatest gainer", reaching number twelve on the week ending May 5, 2007.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|date=May 5, 2007|volume=119|issue=18|page=38|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PxMEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+2007&pg=PA50|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|issn=0006-2510}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|date=May 12, 2007|volume=119|issue=19|page=38|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=fergie|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> After the [[Concert for Diana]], in which Fergie performed, the album reached number eleven, becoming for the third time the week's "greatest gainer".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=New T.I. Triumph Extends Album Rally in Top 10|magazine=Billboard|date=July 21, 2007|volume=119|issue=29|page=45|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tA4EAAAAMBAJ&q=fergie|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> A week later, the album re-entered the top with the aid of the single "[[Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie song)|Big Girls Don't Cry]]," ascending to number eight in its forty-third week on the chart with 50,000 copies.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hasty|first1=Katie|title=T.I. Holds Off Pumpkins, Interpol To Remain No. 1|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050782/ti-holds-off-pumpkins-interpol-to-remain-no-1|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=July 18, 2007}}</ref> The song kept on climbing the following weeks, remaining at number six for two weeks, with sales of 50,000 and 56,000 copies, respectively.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hasty|first1=Katie|title='NOW 25' Scores 12th No. 1 Album of the Series |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050536/now-25-scores-12th-no-1-album-of-the-series|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=Billboard|date=July 25, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Hasty|first1=Katie|title='NOW 25' Fends Off 'Hairspray,' Prince To Remain No. 1|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050323/now-25-fends-off-hairspray-prince-to-remain-no-1|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=Billboard|date=August 1, 2007}}</ref> It later fell to number nine with sales of 53,000 copies,<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hasty|first1=Katie|title=Common Scores First No. 1 on Billboard 200|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050060/common-scores-first-no-1-on-billboard-200|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=Billboard|date=August 8, 2007}}</ref> and climbed to numbers 8 and 7 in the following weeks.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hasty|first1=Katie|title='High School Musical 2' Blasts in at No. 1|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049747/high-school-musical-2-blasts-in-at-no-1|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=Billboard|date=August 22, 2007}}</ref> After fifty-one weeks on the chart, ''The Dutchess'' reached a new peak on the US ''Billboard'' 200 chart, climbing to number two with sales of 49,000 copies.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hasty|first1=Katie|title='High School Musical 2' Still Tops on Billboard 200|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049353/high-school-musical-2-still-tops-on-billboard-200|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=Billboard|date=September 12, 2007}}</ref> It spent ninety-four weeks on the albums chart, and went on to sell 3.9 million copies, according to [[Nielsen SoundScan]].<ref name=billboard8years />
In the United Kingdom, it debuted at number twenty-seven and eventually peaked at number eighteen, spending thirty weeks on the chart.<ref name=acharts /> It was later certified platinum by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] (BPI) for selling over 300,000 copies.<ref name="bpi"/> In [[ARIA Charts|Australia]], the album debuted at number thirteen, before moving to number ten. The album kept on falling on the charts, before re-entering at number thirty-five on May 13, 2007. It entered the top-ten once again with the success of "Big Girls Don't Cry", which brought the album to rise until reach a peak of number-one for four consecutive weeks. It has shifted over 210,000 copies and it was certified triple platinum by the [[Australian Recording Industry Association]],<ref name="auscert"/> spending sixty-two weeks inside the nation's top-fifty, and twenty-one weeks inside the top ten.<ref name=aria>{{cite web |url=http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?key=37340&cat=a |title=Fergie – The Dutchess |website=australian-charts.com |access-date=2010-09-21}}</ref> The album also received platinum certifications in [[Canadian Recording Industry Association|Canada]], [[Recording Industry Association of Japan|Japan]], [[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|New Zealand]], [[Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry|Poland]] and Russia.<ref name="cancert"/><ref name="japancert"/><ref name="nzcert"/><ref name="polcert"/><ref name="ruscert"/> It has sold over twelve million copies worldwide.<ref name="'The Duchess' Turns 13">{{Cite web |date=2019-09-15 |title='The Duchess' Turns 13 |url=https://www.papermag.com/fergie-the-duchess-13-years-2640361435.html?rebelltitem=7#rebelltitem7?rebelltitem=7 |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=PAPER |language=en}}</ref>
''The Dutchess'' became one of the most commercially successful albums of 2006 and 2007, spawning five top-five hits in the United States. When the album's fourth single, "Big Girls Don't Cry", was released, she became the first female artist with three number-ones from one album since [[Christina Aguilera]] in 2000.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Cohen|first1=Jonathan|title=Fergie Scores Third Solo No. 1 on Hot 100|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049612/fergie-scores-third-solo-no-1-on-hot-100|access-date=September 17, 2014|magazine=Billboard|date=August 30, 2007}}</ref> In the United States, with the fifth single "Clumsy" climbing to the top ten, Fergie earned her fifth top-five hit, becoming the first album to produce five top five singles in the 21st century, being surpassed only in 2010 by [[Katy Perry]] with her third studio album ''[[Teenage Dream (Katy Perry album)|Teenage Dream]]''.<ref name=billboard8years /> The album also set a new record in the digital era for the most multi-platinum singles from one album, with each single selling over two million digital downloads in the United States.<ref name="New.music.yahoo.com" /> Fergie held this record until 2012, when Katy Perry surpassed her again, achieving six multi-platinum singles with her album ''Teenage Dream'' (2010).<ref name="music.yahoo.com" /> Fergie also had five consecutive top-five hits in Australia, becoming the second artist to achieve the feat with a debut album;<ref name=aria /> the first artist to do so was [[Delta Goodrem]] with her 2003 album, ''[[Innocent Eyes (2003 Delta Goodrem album)|Innocent Eyes]]'', which had five consecutive number ones.
==Track listing==
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess''{{nobold| – Standard edition}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 58:00
| title1 = [[Fergalicious]]
| note1 = featuring [[will.i.am]]
| writer1 = {{flat list|
*[[will.i.am|William Adams]]
*[[Fergie (singer)|Stacy Ferguson]]
*[[J. J. Fad|Dania Maria Birks]]
*[[J. J. Fad|Juana Michelle Burns]]
*Juanita A. Lee
*Kim Nazel
*Fatima Shaheed
*[[Afro-Rican|Derrick Rahming]]
}}
| extra1 = [[will.i.am]]
| length1 = 4:52
| title2 = [[Clumsy (Fergie song)|Clumsy]]
| writer2 = {{flat list|
*Adams
*Ferguson
*[[Bobby Troup]]
}}
| extra2 = will.i.am
| length2 = 4:00
| title3 = All That I Got (The Make Up Song)
| note3 = featuring will.i.am
| writer3 = {{flat list|
*Adams
*Ferguson
*[[Keith Harris (record producer)|Keith Harris]]
*[[Lionel Richie]]
*[[Commodores|Ronald LaPread Sr.]]
}}
| extra3 = {{flat list|
*Harris
*will.i.am
*[[Ron Fair]]{{ref|a|[a]}}
}}
| length3 = 4:05
| title4 = [[London Bridge (Fergie song)|London Bridge]]
| writer4 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*[[Polow da Don|Jamal Jones]]
*[[Sean Garrett]]
*Mike Hartnett
}}
| extra4 = [[Polow da Don]]
| length4 = 4:01
| title5 = Pedestal
| writer5 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*[[Printz Board]]
}}
| extra5 = Board
| length5 = 3:22
| title6 = Voodoo Doll
| writer6 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Adams
}}
| extra6 = will.i.am
| length6 = 4:23
| title7 = [[Glamorous (Fergie song)|Glamorous]]
| note7 = featuring [[Ludacris]]
| writer7 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Jones
*Adams
*[[Blac Elvis|Elvis Williams]]
*[[Ludacris|Christopher Bridges]]
}}
| extra7 = Polow da Don
| length7 = 4:08
| title8 = [[Here I Come (Fergie song)|Here I Come]]
| note8 = featuring will.i.am
| writer8 = {{flat list|
*Adams
*Ferguson
*[[Smokey Robinson|William Robinson Jr.]]
}}
| extra8 = will.i.am
| length8 = 3:21
| title9 = Velvet
| writer9 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*[[George Pajon]] Jr.
*Michael Fratantuno
}}
| extra9 = {{flat list|
*will.i.am
*Pajon Jr.
}}
| length9 = 4:53
| title10 = [[Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie song)|Big Girls Don't Cry]]
| writer10 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*[[Toby Gad]]
}}
| extra10 = {{flat list|
*will.i.am
*Fair{{ref|a|[a]}}
}}
| length10 = 4:28
| title11 = Mary Jane Shoes
| note11 = featuring [[Rita Marley]] and [[I Three|I-Three]]
| writer11 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*[[Vincent Ford]]
*Adams
}}
| extra11 = will.i.am
| length11 = 3:55
| title12 = Losing My Ground
| writer12 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*[[Stefanie Ridel]]
*[[Renee Sands]]trom
*Rob Boldt
}}
| extra12 = {{flat list|
*Boldt
*Fair
}}
| length12 = 4:08
| title13 = [[Finally (Fergie song)|Finally]]
| note13 = featuring [[John Legend]]
| writer13 = {{flat list|
*[[John Legend|John Stephens]]
*Ferguson
*Ridel
}}
| extra13 = {{flat list|
*Legend
*Fair
*Ridel{{ref|a|[a]}}
}}
| length13 = 4:52
| title14 = Israel Nights (Maybe We Can Take a Ride)
| note14 = hidden track
| length14 = 3:34
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess''{{nobold| – North American [[iTunes Store]] edition (bonus tracks)}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 66:34
| title15 = Close to You
| writer15 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Boldt
}}
| length15 = 4:26
| title16 = Paradise
| writer16 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Adams
*[[Jay Beckenstein]]
}}
| extra16 = will.i.am
| length16 = 4:28
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess''{{nobold| – North American iTunes Store pre-order and re-uploaded edition (bonus track)}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 69:37
| title17 = Wake Up
| writer17 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Adams
*Ray Brady
}}
| extra17 = {{flat list|
*will.i.am
*Fair{{ref|a|[a]}}
}}
| length17 = 3:03
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess''{{nobold| – International standard edition (bonus track)}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title14 = Get Your Hands Up
| note14 = featuring [[The Black Eyed Peas]]
| writer14 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Adams
*Melvin Lewis
*Michael Matthews
*Jean-Baptiste
*Anthony Tidd
*[[Taboo (rapper)|Jaime Gomez]]
*[[apl.de.ap|Allan Pineda]]
*Jaime Munson
}}
| extra14 = Noizetrip
| length14 = 3:33
| title15 = Israel Nights (Maybe We Can Take a Ride)
| note15 = hidden track
| length15 = 3:34
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess''{{nobold| – Australian and British standard edition and deluxe international edition (bonus tracks)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pt.7digital.com/artist/fergie/release/the-dutchess-1-369453 |title=The Dutchess (Deluxe International...; Fergie; Downloads de MP3; 7digital Portugal |publisher=pt.7digital.com |date=2006-09-18 |access-date=2016-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112032522/https://pt.7digital.com/artist/fergie/release/the-dutchess-1-369453 |archive-date=2016-11-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://play.spotify.com/album/4WzNe7tHROZltrKNa8gsRj|title=The Dutchess (Deluxe International Version)|date=1 January 2006|website=spotify.com}}</ref>}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title15 = Wake Up
| writer15 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Adams
*Brady
}}
| extra15 = {{flat list|
*will.i.am
*Fair{{ref|a|[a]}}
}}
| length15 = 3:03
| title16 = Israel Nights (Maybe We Can Take a Ride)
| note16 = hidden track
| length16 = 3:34
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess''{{nobold| – Japanese standard edition (bonus tracks)}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title16 = Paradise
| writer16 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Adams
*Beckenstein
}}
| extra16 = will.i.am
| length16 = 4:28
| title17 = Israel Nights (Maybe We Can Take a Ride)
| note17 = hidden track
| length17 = 3:34
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess''{{nobold| – Japanese limited deluxe edition (bonus track)}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title18 = [[True (Spandau Ballet song)|True]]
| writer18 = [[Gary Kemp]]
| extra18 = will.i.am
| length18 = 3:45
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess''{{nobold| – Japanese limited deluxe edition (bonus DVD)}}
| title1 = London Bridge
| note1 = music video
| title2 = Fergalicious
| note2 = featuring will.i.am) (music video
| title3 = Glamorous
| note3 = featuring Ludacris) (music video
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess +3''{{nobold| – bonus tracks}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title18 = [[Pick It Up (Fergie song)|Pick It Up]]
| note18 = featuring will.i.am
| writer18 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Adams
*Harris
}}
| extra18 = {{flat list|
*Harris
*will.i.am
*Fair{{ref|a|[a]}}
}}
| length18 = 4:34
| title19 = Personal
| note19 = Big Girls Remix) (featuring [[Sean Kingston]]
| writer19 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Gad
}}
| extra19 = {{flat list|
*will.i.am
*Fair{{ref|a|[a]}}
*[[J.R. Rotem]]{{ref|b|[b]}}
}}
| length19 = 3:53
| title20 = Clumsy
| note20 = Remix
| writer20 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Adams
*Troup
}}
| extra20 = {{flat list|
*will.i.am
*Pajon Jr.{{ref|b|[b]}}
}}
| length20 = 3:31
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess''{{nobold| – Australian tour edition}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 79:55
| title18 = Personal
| note18 = Big Girls Don't Cry Remix) (featuring Sean Kingston
| writer18 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Gad
}}
| extra18 = {{flat list|
*will.i.am
*Fair{{ref|a|[a]}}
*Rotem{{ref|b|[b]}}
}}
| length18 = 3:53
| title19 = Clumsy
| note19 = Pajon Rock Mix
| writer19 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Adams
*Troup
}}
| extra19 = {{flat list|
*will.i.am
*Pajon Jr.{{ref|b|[b]}}
}}
| length19 = 3:29
| title20 = Clumsy
| note20 = Collipark Remix) (featuring [[Soulja Boy]] Tell 'Em
| writer20 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Adams
*Troup
}}
| extra20 = {{flat list|
*[[Mr. Collipark]]
*The Package Store
}}
| length20 = 3:52
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess Deluxe'' {{nobold|(bonus tracks)}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title14 = [[Barracuda (song)|Barracuda]]
| writer14 = {{flat list|
*[[Ann Wilson]]
*[[Nancy Wilson (rock musician)|Nancy Wilson]]
*[[Heart (band)|Michael DeRosier]]
*[[Roger Fisher (guitarist)|Roger Fisher]]
}}
| extra14 = will.i.am
| length14 = 4:39
| title15 = [[Party People (Nelly song)|Party People]]
| note15 = [[Nelly]] and Fergie
| writer15 = {{flat list|
*[[Nelly|Cornell Haynes]]
*Ferguson
*Jones
*Garrett
}}
| extra15 = Polow da Don
| length15 = 4:02
| title16 = Clumsy
| note16 = Collipark Remix) (featuring Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
| writer16 = {{flat list|
*Ferguson
*Adams
*Troup
}}
| extra16 = {{flat list|
*Mr. Collipark
*The Package Store
}}
| length16 = 3:52
| title17 = [[Labels or Love]]
| writer17 = {{flat list|
*[[Salaam Remi]]
*[[Rico Love]]
*[[Douglas J. Cuomo|Douglas Cuomo]]
}}
| extra17 = [[Salaam Remi|Salaamremi.com]]
| length17 = 3:51
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''The Dutchess Deluxe''{{nobold| – Japanese edition bonus DVD}}
| title1 = Fergalicious
| note1 = featuring will.i.am) (music video
| title2 = Glamorous
| note2 = featuring Ludacris) (music video
| title3 = Big Girls Don't Cry
| note3 = music video
| title4 = Big Girls Don't Cry
| note4 = extended version) (music video
| title5 = London Bridge
| note5 = music video
| title6 = Making of Clumsy
| note6 = video
| title7 = Clumsy
| note7 = music video
}}
'''Notes'''
*{{sup|{{note|a|a}}}} signifies a vocal [[record producer|producer]]
*{{sup|{{note|b|b}}}} signifies a [[remix]]er
'''Sample credits'''
*"Fergalicious" contains:
**an [[Interpolation (popular music)|interpolation]] of "[[Supersonic (J.J. Fad song)|Supersonic]]", written by [[J. J. Fad|Dania Maria Birks]], [[J. J. Fad|Juana Michelle Burns]], Juanita A. Lee, Kim Nazel and Fatima Shaheed.<ref name="Liner notes">{{cite AV media |title=The Dutchess |publisher=[[A&M Records]] |type=Liner notes }}</ref>
**a [[sampling (music)|sample]] of "Give It All You Got", written by [[Afro-Rican|Derrick Rahming]], as recorded by [[Afro-Rican|Afro Rican]].
*"Clumsy" contains a sample of "[[The Girl Can't Help It (song)|The Girl Can't Help It]]", written by [[Bobby Troup]], as recorded by [[Little Richard]].<ref name="Liner notes"/>
*"All That I Got (The Make-Up Song)" contains a sample of "Zoom", written by [[Lionel Richie]] and Ronald LaPread Sr., as recorded by the [[Commodores]] on their album ''[[Commodores (album)|Commodores]]''.<ref name="Liner notes"/>
*"Here I Come" contains a sample of "[[Get Ready (The Temptations song)|Get Ready]]", written by [[Smokey Robinson|William Robinson Jr.]], as recorded by [[the Temptations]].<ref name="Liner notes"/>
*"Mary Jane Shoes" contains an interpolation of "[[No Woman, No Cry]]", written by [[Vincent Ford]].<ref name="Liner notes"/>
==Charts==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2006–2008)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|1|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true}}
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Urban Albums ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.aria.com.au/issue954.pdf|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20080626053545/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20080620-0000/issue954.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 June 2008 |title=ARIA Urban Album Chart - Week Commencing 9th June 2008 |journal=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] |issue=954|page=19 |date=June 9, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |via=[[Pandora Archive]]}} {{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|1
|-
{{album chart|Austria|17|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|45|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019|refname=world charts}}
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|63|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|4|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
|-
{{album chart|Denmark|27|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|46|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
|-
{{album chart|France|44|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
|-
{{album chart|Germany|11|id=37340|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
|-
{{album chart|Ireland2|9|artist=Fergie|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
|-
{{album chart|Italy|29|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
|-
! scope="row"|Japanese Albums ([[Oricon]])<ref name="JPN">{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/306108/products/669662/1/|script-title=ja:ファーギーのプロフィール|work=Oricon|access-date=March 25, 2025|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250325184748/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/306108/products/669662/1/|url-status=live|archive-date=March 25, 2025}}</ref>
| 3
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|2|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Norway|17|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Poland|14|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Portugal|25|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Scotland|19|date=20070826|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
|-
{{album chart|Spain|93|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Sweden|35|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|11|artist=Fergie|album=The Dutchess|rowheader=true}}
|-
! scope="row"|Taiwanese Albums ([[G-Music|Five Music]])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.5music.com.tw/billboard.asp|title=Taiwan 39/2006 |language=Chinese |publisher=Five-Music |accessdate=August 5, 2024 }}</ref>
| 1
|-
{{album chart|UK2|18|date=20070826|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
|-
{{album chart|UKR&B|1|date=20070826|rowheader=true|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|2|artist=Fergie|refname=charthistory|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|46|artist=Fergie|rowheader=true|refname=charthistory|note=The Dutchess Deluxe EP}}
|}
{{col-2}}
===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2006)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]<ref name="Billboard">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2006/top-billboard-200-albums|title=Fergie – The Dutchess – Music Charts|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2018-10-01}}</ref>
| 115
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2007)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Albums ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-albums-2007.htm |title=ARIA Top 100 Albums 2007 |publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA) |access-date=September 21, 2010}}</ref>
| 5
|-
! scope="row"| New Zealand Albums ([[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|RIANZ]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nztop40.co.nz/index.php/chart/albums?chart=2088 |title=RIANZ Top 50 Albums 2007 |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand]] (RIANZ) |access-date=October 1, 2018}}</ref>
| 28
|-
! scope="row"| UK Albums ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-artist-albums-chart/20070107/37502/|title=End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2007|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=April 27, 2021}}</ref>
| 85
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]<ref name="acharts">{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/album/14602|title=Fergie – The Dutchess – Music Charts|publisher=aCharts.us|access-date=2010-05-07}}</ref>
| 3
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2008)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Albums ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vanessaamorosi.net/2009/01/02/official-aria-charts-top-100-2008/|title=Official ARIA Charts Top 100 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124035749/http://www.vanessaamorosi.net/2009/01/02/official-aria-charts-top-100-2008/|archive-date=January 24, 2009|access-date=December 23, 2017}}</ref>
| 64
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]<ref name="Billboard 2">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2008/top-billboard-200-albums|title=Fergie – The Dutchess – Music Charts|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2018-10-01}}</ref>
| 45
|}
===Decade-end chart===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (2000–09)
!scope="col"|Position
|-
!scope="row"| Australian Albums (ARIA)<ref name="ARIA end of Decade">{{cite web|url=https://www.ariacharts.com.au/annual-charts/2009/end-of-decade-albums-chart|title=2009 ARIA End of Decade Albums Chart|publisher=ARIA|access-date=16 January 2020}}</ref>
|align="center"|94
|}
{{Col-end}}
==Certifications==
{{certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Argentina|title=The Dutchess|artist=Fergie|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2006|certref=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=Fergie&album=&LanDesde_MM=0&LanDesde_AA=0&LanHasta_MM=0&LanHasta_AA=0&Galardon=O&Tipo=1&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP|title=Discos de Oro y Platino - Fergie|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531183943/http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=Fergie&album=&LanDesde_MM=0&LanDesde_AA=0&LanHasta_MM=0&LanHasta_AA=0&Galardon=O&Tipo=1&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP|archive-date=May 31, 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=August 26, 2021}}</ref>}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Australia|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Platinum|number=4|certyear=2014|relyear=2006|access-date=September 17, 2019|refname="auscert"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Platinum|type=album|relyear=2006|certyear=2009|access-date=January 25, 2020}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Canada|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2008|relyear=2006|access-date=September 17, 2019|refname="cancert"}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Denmark|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Platinum|certyear=2017|relyear=2006|access-date=September 17, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Germany|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Gold|certyear=2007|relyear=2006|access-date=September 17, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Japan|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Platinum|certmonth=11|certyear=2006|relyear=2006|access-date=September 17, 2019|refname="japancert"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=New Zealand|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Platinum|date=July 23, 2007|id=2007-07-20|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|refname="nzcert"}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Poland|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Platinum|certyear=2007|relyear=2006|access-date=September 17, 2019|refname="polcert"}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Russia|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2006|relyear=2006|relmonth=8|access-date=September 17, 2019|refname="ruscert"}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Singapore|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Gold|certyear=2020|relyear=2006|access-date=November 24, 2021}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Switzerland|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Gold|certyear=2007|relyear=2006|access-date=September 17, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United Kingdom|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Platinum|relyear=2006|certyear=2013|id=10736-3251-2|date=July 22, 2013|access-date=October 13, 2020|refname="bpi"}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United States|artist=Fergie|title=The Dutchess|award=Platinum|number=5|relyear=2006|certyear=2016|date=July 20, 2016|access-date=September 17, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Bottom | streaming=true}}
==Release history==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col"| Country
! scope="col"| Date
! scope="col"| Edition
! scope="col"| Format
! scope="col"| Label
! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
! scope="row"| Japan
| September 13, 2006
| rowspan="6"| Standard
| rowspan="6"| [[Compact disc|CD]]
| [[Universal Music Group|Universal Music]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%97%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BB%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC-DUTCHESS-%E5%88%9D%E5%9B%9E%E9%99%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%B9%E5%88%A5%E4%BE%A1%E6%A0%BC-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC-%E3%83%96%E3%83%A9%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%89%E3%83%BB%E3%83%94%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA/dp/B000GUK5TK|title=プリンセス・ファーギー:THE DUTCHESS(初回限定特別価格)|access-date=24 June 2022|website=Amazon.co.jp}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| United Kingdom
| September 18, 2006
| [[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dutchess-Fergie/dp/B000HT38P8|title=The Dutchess|date=18 September 2006|website=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| Canada
| rowspan="3"| September 19, 2006
| rowspan="2"| Universal Music
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.ca/Dutchess-Fergie/dp/B000H4VV52|title=The Dutchess|date=19 September 2006|website=Amazon.ca}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| New Zealand
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wowhd.co.nz/dutchess/602517057968|title=Fergie The Dutchess [Explicit Content] on WOW HD NZ|website=Wowhd.co.nz|access-date=24 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| United States
| {{flat list|
*[[will.i.am Music Group|will.i.am]]
*[[A&M Records|A&M]]
}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Dutchess-Fergie/dp/B000H4VV52|title=The Dutchess|date=19 September 2006|website=Amazon.com}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| Germany
| September 22, 2006
| rowspan="7"| Universal Music
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.de/Dutchess-Fergie/dp/B000HWXSXC|title=The Dutchess|date=1 September 2006|website=Amazon.de}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| Brazil
| October 25, 2006
| International standard
| [[Music download|Digital download]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sonora.terra.com.br/templates/album.aspx?idAlbum=16576|title=Faça a sua trilha - Fergie / The Dutchess|website=Sonora|publisher=[[Terra (company)|Terra]]|access-date=September 30, 2022|archive-date=March 2, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302001739/http://sonora.terra.com.br/templates/album.aspx?idAlbum=16576|url-status=dead|language=pt}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2"| Japan
| March 7, 2007
| Deluxe {{small|(Limited)}}
| CD+[[DVD]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%97%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BB%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC-DUTCHESS~%E3%83%87%E3%83%A9%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A8%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3-DVD%E4%BB%98-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC-%E3%83%96%E3%83%A9%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%89%E3%83%BB%E3%83%94%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA/dp/B000M5B9T4|title=プリンセス・ファーギー:THE DUTCHESS~デラックス・エディション(DVD付)|access-date=24 June 2022|website=Amazon.co.jp}}</ref>
|-
| November 7, 2007
| ''The Dutchess +3''
| rowspan="5"| CD
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%97%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BB%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC-Dutchess-3~%E6%B1%BA%E5%AE%9A%E7%9B%A4%E3%80%82-%E6%9C%9F%E9%96%93%E9%99%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%B9%E5%88%A5%E4%BE%A1%E6%A0%BC-%E3%82%A6%E3%82%A3%E3%83%AB%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A2%E3%83%A0/dp/B000WGUKCK|title=プリンセス・ファーギー:The Dutchess+3~決定盤。(期間限定特別価格)|access-date=24 June 2022|website=Amazon.co.jp}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| Denmark
| rowspan="2"| May 26, 2008
| rowspan="5"| Deluxe
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cdon.dk/musik/fergie/dutchess_-_deluxe-915919|title=Dutchess – Deluxe – Musik |website=Cdon.dk}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| Sweden
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cdon.se/musik/fergie/dutchess_-_deluxe-915919|title=Dutchess – Deluxe – Musik |website=Cdon.dk}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| Canada
| rowspan="2"| May 27, 2008
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.ca/Dutchess-Deluxe-Fergie/dp/B00181XY44|title=The Dutchess|date=27 May 2008|website=Amazon.ca}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| United States
| {{flat list|
*will.i.am
*A&M
}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Dutchess-Deluxe-Fergie/dp/B00181XY44|title=The Dutchess – Deluxe|date=27 May 2008|website=Amazon.com}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="4"| Japan
| May 31, 2008
| CD+DVD
| rowspan="4"| Universal Music
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%97%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BB%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC-DUTCHESS~%E5%AE%8C%E7%B5%90%E7%9B%A4%E3%80%82-DVD%E4%BB%98-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC-%E3%83%96%E3%83%A9%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%89%E3%83%BB%E3%83%94%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA/dp/B0015XF8UI|title=プリンセス・ファーギー:THE DUTCHESS~完結盤。(DVD付)|access-date=24 June 2022|website=Amazon.co.jp}}</ref>
|-
| March 4, 2009
| rowspan="3"| ''The Dutchess +3''
| rowspan="2"| CD
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%97%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BB%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC--DUTCHESS-3-%E6%B1%BA%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC-%E3%83%96%E3%83%A9%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%89%E3%83%BB%E3%83%94%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA/dp/B001P9KULY|title=プリンセス・ファーギー:THE-DUTCHESS+3-決定版|access-date=24 June 2022|website=Amazon.co.jp}}</ref>
|-
| August 4, 2010
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%97%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BB%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC--DUTCHESS-3-%E6%B1%BA%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC/dp/B003K3HBUQ|title=プリンセス・ファーギー:THE-DUTCHESS+3-決定版|access-date=24 June 2022|website=Amazon.co.jp}}</ref>
|-
| October 17, 2012
| SHM-CD
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%97%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BB%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC--DUTCHESS-3-%E6%B1%BA%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC-%E3%83%96%E3%83%A9%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%89%E3%83%BB%E3%83%94%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA/dp/B008E008N2|title=プリンセス・ファーギー:THE-DUTCHESS+3-決定版|access-date=24 June 2022|website=Amazon.co.jp}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| United States
| October 21, 2016
| Standard
| [[LP record|LP]]
| [[Interscope Records|Interscope]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Dutchess-2-LP-Fergie/dp/B01LSOF4TI|title=The Dutchess|date=2 December 2016|website=Amazon.com}}</ref>
|}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* ''[https://www.metacritic.com/music/the-dutchess/critic-reviews The Dutchess]'' at [[Metacritic]]
{{Fergie}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:2006 debut albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Polow da Don]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Ron Fair]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Salaam Remi]]
[[Category:Albums produced by will.i.am]]
[[Category:Interscope Geffen A&M Records albums]]
[[Category:Fergie (singer) albums]]
[[Category:Interscope Records albums]]
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