Will.i.am Reveals Musical Inspirations Behind Black Eyed Peas’ Hit ‘I Gotta Feeling’

Will.i.am, the mastermind behind many of the Black Eyed Peas’ biggest hits, recently shared some fascinating insights into the creative process behind the group’s 2009 smash hit, “I Gotta Feeling.”

In a candid conversation during Nile Rodgers’ ‘Deep Hidden Meaning’ show on Apple Music 1, the 49-year-old hitmaker discussed how iconic music acts like U2, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Talking Heads played a pivotal role in shaping the song that dominated the charts for weeks.

Will.i.am has always believed that creating great music often requires drawing inspiration from those who have already achieved greatness. This philosophy was at the core of his approach when crafting “I Gotta Feeling,” a song that quickly became an anthem for celebration and good times. The idea for the track’s chorus originally came to Will.i.am while he was working with U2 on their 2009 album, No Line On The Horizon, at Olympic Studios in the U.K. According to Will.i.am, the song’s “chorus is like an Earth, Wind & Fire type of vibe,” capturing the essence of Maurice White, the legendary founder of the band.

During the show, Will.i.am revealed that he initially wrote the chorus with U2 in mind, influenced by their hit song “Beautiful Day.” He said, “At the time, [U2’s] ‘Beautiful Day’ was like, ‘Oh man, if they have another song like ‘Beautiful Day,’ that’d be awesome.'” This led him to pen the memorable line, “I gotta feeling that tonight’s going to be a good night,” a phrase that would resonate with millions around the world.

Adding to the eclectic mix of influences, Will.i.am also drew inspiration from Talking Heads and their song “Psycho Killer.” The iconic “woo-hoo” line in “I Gotta Feeling” was inspired by Bono of U2, with Will.i.am saying it was “very Bono, U2.” He explained how he borrowed the “Psycho Killer” math to infuse a unique blend of styles into the song.

David Guetta, the renowned French DJ and producer, also played a significant role in the song’s creation. Will.i.am recalled how Guetta sent him a remix of the song “Love Is Gone,” which eventually became the beat for “I Gotta Feeling.” This collaboration marked a fusion of electronic beats with the diverse musical influences that Will.i.am had in mind, resulting in a track that was both fresh and timeless.

“I Gotta Feeling” was not just a commercial success; it became a cultural phenomenon. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009, where it remained for an impressive 14 weeks, and spent a full year on the song chart. The track earned a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year and won the award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Before the release of “I Gotta Feeling,” Will.i.am shared with Marie Claire that the song was dedicated to all the “party people” who just wanted to have a good time. He emphasized that the Black Eyed Peas’ album The E.N.D., which featured other hits like “Boom Boom Pow” and “Imma Be,” was intentionally crafted to reflect the group’s vibrant party life.

“It was a conscious decision to make this type of record,” Will.i.am explained. “Times are really hard for a lot of people, and you want to give them an escape, and you want to make them feel good about life, especially at these low points.” This approach not only resonated with fans but also cemented the Black Eyed Peas as a group that could deliver both infectious beats and a sense of optimism, even during challenging times.

Will.i.am’s ability to draw from a diverse array of musical influences, combined with his knack for creating catchy and uplifting anthems, is what made “I Gotta Feeling” a timeless hit. The song’s success is a testament to the power of blending different styles and paying homage to the greats while crafting something uniquely new and unforgettable.