Nelly Furtado is pressing pause — at least for now.
The Grammy-winning singer announced she’s stepping away from performing live, revealing the decision in an emotional message marking the 25th anniversary of her debut album, Whoa, Nelly!
“25 years ago today my first album Whoa, Nelly! was released,” Nelly began in her October 24 Instagram post. “In the first slide I am 20 years old, about to play my first show as a professional artist at Lilith Fair. I went down to a store called ‘Original’ on Queen West in Toronto and shopped for that pink dress and some sparkly platform shoes to perform in. It was so meaningful and my artist self felt so actualized.”
Reflecting on her milestone, the “I’m Like a Bird” singer said, “25 years later, my music has reached a whole new generation of fans and I couldn’t be happier about that. 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, so I never could have guessed that there would be so many new ways to discover ‘old’ music in 2025!”
Furtado added that watching fans rediscover her songs has been “surreal and joyful,” and getting back on stage in recent years reminded her of “the true lasting power of good music.”
But in true Nelly fashion, she’s ready for reinvention.
“All this aside, 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. “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. I’ll identify as a songwriter forever.”
The singer went on to thank fans, collaborators, and everyone who helped make her “pop dreams come true.”
“I’m grateful for all the years of fun, community and wonder. Endless gratitude to anyone who has ever listened and vibrated with my music and attended any of my shows. I love you and your open hearts,” she wrote.
As for what’s next? Nelly teased she’s embracing “other creative and personal endeavours” — hinting that while her days on tour may be over, her artistry definitely isn’t.
“The second slide is me in Berlin this summer finally understanding what receiving flowers means 🥲❤️ Thank you and goodnight!”
It might be farewell to the stage for now — but for fans, Nelly’s music and magic are here to stay.
