Black Eyed Peas rapper will.i.am has become the latest star to carry the Olympic torch ahead of the London 2012 Games this summer.
The “I Gotta Feeling” hitmaker was cheered on by thousands of fans as he took part in the Olympic Torch relay, running through the English town of Taunton carrying the famed flame as part of its 70-day journey around the U.K.
Will.i.am kept fans informed of his progress by holding the torch in one hand and his cell phone in the other so he could post messages on Twitter during his run.
He posted pictures during his time on the road and wrote in a series of posts, “It’s my turn for the running the torch. … It’s nuts here in Taunton … so much excitement…”
After his run, will.i.am revealed taking part in the relay was a dream come true, saying, “That was like a surreal moment. I remember in 1984 the Olympics in Los Angeles, me being a little Will watching it on TV wishing I could be at the Olympic Games. I had that flashback when they handed me the torch to run in Taunton. … I got a little more nervous this time than all the things I have done.
“I am not holding a flame when I am performing in front of people and the last thing you want to do is make a mistake with fire in your hands. I’m a huge Olympics fan. … I just saw everyone coming out, excited that the running of the torch was here in their neighborhood, in their city and pride for the city. To see families and little kids and their parents and everyone just having a good time – I am so glad I came here. It’s great people, great energy, a great vibe.”
Soccer star David Beckham was part of the team that brought the flame from Greece to the U.K., and British rockers Muse were among the first to carry torches as the relay passed through their hometown in southwest England.
The flame will end up at London’s Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony on July 27, and it will burn until the closing ceremony on August 12.
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