After performing at the Grammy Awards with John Legend and spending months on the road, Fergie is slowing down her touring schedule, writing songs and enjoying the string of hits that has kept her debut album, "The Dutchess," selling briskly.

She's looking forward to spending more time at home with her fiancé, actor Josh Duhamel ("Las Vegas"), her two dogs, considering more film roles and promoting her line of handbags.

Question: Sales of "The Dutchess" have surpassed 7 million worldwide. Were you surprised by the amazing reaction to your first solo effort?

Answer: Yeah, because I just felt lucky that I'd finally gotten to make my full album. It had been my hugest dream, my lifetime project. And for each song to have a life of its own, it was blessing after blessing for me.

Q: As your profile has gotten higher and higher, how are you handling all the attention from the media in Los Angeles?

A: It's a necessary evil nowadays, you can't really avoid it. I can't live in a cave, but at the same time, I'm not the kind of person to want to flaunt it all over the place. You have to live your life and accept that it's there.

Q: It seems that the Black Eyed Peas are the type of group where there is no drama when you, will.i.am or others decide to pursue solo projects.

A: It's just about honesty, and we're friends. So it's about saying what we want to do and respecting each other. I'm actually here at the studio with apl.de.ap right now for his record. We're just a big family, we really love each other.

Q: What did the solo CD allow you to do that you hadn't accomplished with Black Eyed Peas.

A: Spread my wings and (write about) female empowerment. I got to say things that I really couldn't say on a Black Eyed Peas record because it wasn't appropriate. ... I could let people know who I am more, instead of just this tomboy bebopping onstage.

Q: You've done a bit of acting ("Poseidon," "Grindhouse"). Are you considering more roles?

A: Yes. I would love to do animation. When I was younger, I did "Charlie Brown" (TV specials) ... now I'm just looking for the right character to put my voice into.

Q: You've been writing more material. What's on the horizon for this year?

A: I want to be home a little bit more this year. I want to see my dogs and my fiancé and record. I've got so much in me that I've been saving up, and I just want to get it recorded.

Q: Any target date for follow-up to "The Dutchess"?

A: I have no idea. But I'm not going to release it until it's right. I'm not about trying to release records trying to make a quick buck. I want to put out something that I'll be proud of in 20 years.