Nelly Furtado steps away from performing after 25 years in music
Nelly Furtado announces she’s pausing live performances to focus on personal growth and creative projects
Pop Culture & Art |
October 26, 2025
Grammy-winning artist Nelly Furtado has announced that she’s stepping back from performing “for the foreseeable future,” 25 years after the release of her debut album Whoa, Nelly!
The 46-year-old singer shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram post on October 24, saying she plans to focus on “other creative and personal endeavours” that better suit the next phase of her life. While she didn’t specify her upcoming projects, Furtado emphasized that she will “always identify as a songwriter.”
The announcement follows her return to music after a seven-year hiatus. In September 2024, Furtado released 7, her first studio album since The Ride in 2017. She recently wrapped up her Better Than Ever festival tour, which included major performances across Europe. Speaking to Grammy.com, Furtado said she felt “called back to the industry by DJs” after hearing her music played at clubs and parties worldwide.
Furtado’s decision coincides with the 25th anniversary of her debut, which featured the chart-topping hit “I’m Like a Bird.” The song earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2002.
Earlier this year, she made headlines for addressing body shaming at Manchester Pride, where she wore an optical-illusion T-shirt that fans praised as a confident statement of self-acceptance.
Reflecting on her journey, Furtado wrote that performing again reminded her of “the true lasting power of good music.” Though she’s leaving the stage for now, her message to fans is clear — music remains at the core of who she is.
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