You are right...Fergie is cool and talented. So are John Meyer, Corrine Bailey Raye, Nora Jones, John Legend, Alicia Keys and lots others. For groups, there is Acoustic Alchamy, Huge Groove, The Roots, Maroon Five and lots more. There are always gems out there, regardless of the generation.
And, there is music of substance. That's what I enjoy. That's what it's all about.
Russ