Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado has announced that she is taking a step back from performing — a revelation that has left fans both shocked and emotional.
Marking the 25th anniversary of her debut album, Whoa, Nelly! (2000), the Canadian star took to Instagram to reflect on her career and reveal her decision to “step away from performance for the foreseeable future.”
In a heartfelt message, Furtado, 46, expressed gratitude for her musical journey, sharing how her debut project — which produced hits like I’m Like a Bird and Turn Off the Light — set her on a path she never imagined would touch generations of fans.
“25 years later, my music has reached a whole new generation of fans and I couldn’t be happier about that,” she wrote. “To have so many people rediscovering my music has been surreal and joyful. It’s made me really believe in magic.”
Furtado explained that while she still loves creating music, she feels it’s time to explore new creative and personal endeavors that align with the next phase of her life.
“I have decided to step away from performance 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 shared.
The singer also thanked her fans, collaborators, and the new generation of artists, adding that she will “always identify as a songwriter.”
“I’ve enjoyed my career immensely, and I still love writing music as I’ve always seen it as a hobby I was lucky enough to make into a career. Endless gratitude to anyone who has ever listened and vibrated with my music,” she added.
Furtado’s heartfelt post ends with a touching message of closure:
“Thank you and goodnight! Nelly :)”
Her announcement marks a bittersweet moment for fans who have followed her journey from her Whoa, Nelly! breakthrough to hits like Promiscuous, Say It Right, and Maneater. While she steps away from the stage, Nelly Furtado’s legacy as one of the defining pop voices of the 2000s remains firmly intact.
