Canadian pop singer Nelly Furtado has announced an indefinite hiatus from live performances following the conclusion of her recent tour, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of her debut album, Whoa, Nelly!. In a heartfelt message shared with her fans, Furtado expressed her desire to explore new creative and personal endeavors.
“I have decided to step away from performance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “I have enjoyed my career immensely, and I still love writing music as I have always seen it as a hobby I was lucky enough to make into a career.”
Furtado, now 46, reflected on her journey in music, sharing a nostalgic photo of herself at the age of 20, poised to perform at Lilith Fair. This iconic festival was pivotal in showcasing female artists and provided Furtado with her first significant exposure.
In her statement, she acknowledged the joy of seeing younger generations rediscover her work. “My music has reached a whole new generation of fans and I couldn’t be happier about that,” she noted. Hits such as “I’m Like a Bird,” “Maneater,” and collaborations with Timbaland like “Promiscuous” continue to resonate with audiences years after their release.
Furtado reminisced about her aspirations when she first entered the music scene. “In the year 2000, I remember feeling purpose in hoping some kid would dust off the Whoa, Nelly! vinyl one day in a record shop and think it was cool or inspiring,” she shared. “To have so many people rediscovering my music has been surreal and joyful.”
After taking a break from her music career to focus on raising her three children, Furtado returned last year with her album 7. She credited her eldest daughter for helping her understand how Gen Z fans were engaging with her music online.
“I deeply thank all of those who have worked so hard to help me make my pop dreams come true on a creative and organizational level,” Furtado expressed. “I also wish to the new generation of artists many years of fruitful and passionate performance.”
Furtado’s career has been marked by significant accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and a Latin Grammy Award for her Spanish-language album, Mi Plan. She has also received ten Juno Awards and holds a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, underscoring her impact on the music industry.
As she steps back from the stage, fans and fellow artists alike will eagerly await her future projects and contributions to music, knowing that her songwriting will remain a central part of her identity.
