Grammy-winning artist Nelly Furtado has announced she is stepping away from live performances to focus on other creative and personal pursuits. The decision comes 25 years after the release of her debut album, "Whoa, Nelly!", and during a period of renewed popularity for her classic hits among a new generation of fans.
In a detailed social media post, the Canadian singer expressed immense gratitude for her career and the recent resurgence of her music, but confirmed she will be moving into a new phase of her life away from the stage, clarifying that she will continue to write music.
Key Takeaways
- Nelly Furtado announced she is stepping away from performing for the "foreseeable future."
- The announcement coincided with the 25th anniversary of her debut album, "Whoa, Nelly!".
- She confirmed she will continue to work as a songwriter, calling it a hobby she was lucky to make into a career.
- The decision follows a recent career resurgence, including a new album in 2023 and viral popularity on social media.
A New Chapter After a Quarter Century
Nelly Furtado marked a significant career milestone with a surprising announcement for her fans. On the 25th anniversary of her first album, the pop icon revealed her decision to cease performing live. She shared the news through an emotional and reflective Instagram post, looking back at her journey from a 20-year-old artist playing her first professional show to a global star.
"25 years ago today my first album Whoa, Nelly! was released," she wrote, recalling her performance at Lilith Fair. She described how the rediscovery of her work by younger listeners has been both "surreal and joyful."
Despite this recent wave of appreciation, Furtado explained her need for a change.
"All this aside, I have decided to step away from (performing) for the foreseeable future and pursue some other creative and personal endeavours that I feel would better suit this next phase of my life."
She was clear, however, that this is not a complete retirement from music. "I still love writing music as I have always seen it as a hobby I was lucky enough to make into a career," she added. "I’ll identify as a songwriter forever."
Reflecting on a Hit-Making Career
Since her debut in 2000, Nelly Furtado has established herself as one of Canada's most successful musical exports. Her unique blend of pop, folk, and world music influences captured global attention and led to a string of massive hits.
Career by the Numbers
- Records Sold: Over 45 million worldwide.
- Debut Album: "Whoa, Nelly!" (2000)
- Grammy Award: Won for Best Pop Collaboration in 2007 for "Give It to Me."
- Breakout Single: "I'm Like a Bird" (2001) became an international hit.
Her first single, "I’m Like a Bird," became an anthem of the early 2000s, earning her constant radio play and heavy rotation on MTV. The song showcased her distinctive vocal style and songwriting prowess, setting the stage for a long and varied career.
Her commercial peak came with the 2006 album Loose, a collaboration with producer Timbaland that spawned global number-one hits like "Promiscuous," "Maneater," and "Say It Right." This era cemented her status as a pop superstar and led to a Grammy win in 2007 for "Give It to Me," her collaboration with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland.
The Resurgence and The Road Ahead
Furtado's announcement is particularly noteworthy as it comes during a significant career revival. In recent years, her music has found a new audience, with classic tracks becoming viral sounds on social media platforms. This renewed interest prompted a return to the public eye for the artist.
A Recent Return to the Spotlight
Before her announcement, Furtado had been increasingly active. She released her seventh studio album, titled "7," in September 2023, which was her first full-length project in seven years. She also returned to the stage, performing at major events like the Tecate Emblema music festival in Mexico City in May 2024, where she was met with an enthusiastic response.
This resurgence made her decision to step away from the stage all the more poignant for fans, old and new. She acknowledged this in her post, stating, "It’s been so fun embracing this opportunity, getting out on stages again and seeing up close, the true lasting power of good music. It made me really believe in magic."
While the stages will be quiet for now, her promise to continue songwriting leaves the door open for future projects. Fans can still look forward to new music, albeit in a different form. Furtado concluded her message with heartfelt thanks to her collaborators, fans, and the teams who helped build her career.
"Endless gratitude to anyone who has ever listened and vibrated with my music and attended any of my shows," she wrote. "I deeply thank all of those who have worked so hard to help me make my pop dreams come true."