Black Eyed Peas' Apl.de.ap beams with pride, speaks Filipino in American Music Awards

Filipino-American rapper Apl.de.ap proudly honored his Filipino roots during his acceptance speech at the 52nd American Music Awards after The Black Eyed Peas won Best Throwback Song for their hit, “Rock That Body.”

“Thank you to all the fans around the world who voted for this song. Maraming salamat, mahal ko kayo. Mabuhay ang Pilipino!” the 51-year-old rapper said, earning cheers from the audience and fans.

The Black Eyed Peas, made up of Apl.de.ap, will.i.am, Taboo, and Fergie, accepted the award together in Las Vegas on Monday night, May 25. Other members also spoke during the ceremony.

The reunion was especially meaningful for fans as Fergie joined the group once again at the AMAs to celebrate the win. The Black Eyed Peas later shared the moment on social media. “Still rocking after all these years!! This one belongs to all of us. Thank you, @AMAs. We feel honored to receive the award for Best Throwback Song! Shoutout to our sister @fergie! Grateful to celebrate this moment with you by our side. BIG LOVE, PEABODIES!”

“Rock That Body” was released in 2010 as part of the group’s album The E.N.D.. The Black Eyed Peas previously won Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group at the AMAs in November 2010.

Allan Pineda Lindo, better known as Apl.de.ap, is a Filipino-American rapper, producer, and founding member of the Grammy Award-winning group. He was born in Angeles City, Pampanga, home to the former US military facility Clark Air Base,  to a Filipina mother and an African-American father. At 14, he was adopted by an American family and moved to Los Angeles, where he later met will.i.am.

Apl.de.ap has long embraced his Filipino roots through music, especially in songs like “Bebot” and "The Apl Song," which feature Tagalog lyrics and themes inspired by his Filipino identity. He also served as a coach on The Voice of the Philippines and The Voice Teens.