Nelly Furtado has announced she will step away from live music performances for the foreseeable future. The Canadian pop star shared this career update via an Instagram post on Friday, October 24.
Her decision comes as she reflects on 25 years since the release of her debut album, Whoa, Nelly! Furtado, 46, acknowledged the milestone in her extensive social media caption.
"Today, 25 years ago, my first album Whoa, Nelly! came out," she wrote. The post included throwback photos from her career.
Furtado noted her surprise and joy at her music reaching a new generation of fans. She had hoped a child might discover her vinyl one day, but never imagined current ways to find "old" music.
She described the widespread rediscovery of her work as "surreal and joyful." Returning to stages recently highlighted the "lasting power of good music" for her.
"It’s truly made me believe in magic," Furtado stated. She then detailed her plans to shift focus.
"I have decided to step away from performing for the foreseeable future and dedicate myself to other creative and personal pursuits," she announced. She feels these activities "better suit this new stage of my life."
Furtado emphasized her ongoing love for songwriting, which she always viewed as a fortunate hobby turned career. "I will always identify as a songwriter," she confirmed.
She concluded her message by expressing deep gratitude to her fans and collaborators. She thanked "anyone who has ever listened and vibed with my music, and attended any of my shows."
Earlier this year, Furtado publicly addressed body image pressures inherent in her profession. She shared an empowering Instagram post promoting self-love.
"This year I became aware of the aesthetic pressure of my work in a completely new way," she wrote. Concurrently, she experienced "new levels of self-love and authentic inner confidence."
Furtado clarified she has never had facial or body surgeries or augmentations. She also denied using injections or fillers, noting only recent dental veneers on her upper teeth.
Her "New Year’s message for 2025" encouraged free self-expression and celebrating individuality. She emphasized that it is "perfectly fine to be content with what you see in the mirror."
It is also "okay to want something different," Furtado added. She concluded, "We are all adorable little human beings bouncing around on earth looking for hugs."