Nelly Furtado Takes Indefinite Hiatus from Performing Live

Canadian pop singer Nelly Furtado has announced an indefinite hiatus from performing live concerts. This decision follows her recent tour, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of her debut album, “Whoa, Nelly!” In a heartfelt message to her fans, Furtado expressed her desire to pursue personal and creative projects that align with her evolving life priorities.

“I have decided to step away from performance for the foreseeable future and pursue some other creative and personal endeavors that I feel would better suit this next phase of my life,” Furtado stated. The 46-year-old artist reflected on her career, noting her enduring passion for songwriting. “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,” she added.

A Legacy of Musical Influence

Furtado, who gained international fame with hits such as “I’m Like a Bird,” “Maneater,” and “Say It Right,” shared a nostalgic photograph from her early days as a performer. The image captures her excitement before her first professional gig at the Lilith Fair. In her announcement, Furtado expressed gratitude for the ongoing appreciation of her music, particularly from a new generation of fans. “My music has reached a whole new generation of fans and I couldn’t be happier about that,” she remarked.

Reflecting on her career, Furtado noted how she had always hoped that her debut album would resonate with listeners. “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 wrote. With the rise of digital platforms, she acknowledged how her music has found new audiences in 2025.

Furtado also shared her joy in witnessing fans rediscover her work. “To have so many people rediscovering my music has been surreal and joyful. It’s been so fun embracing this opportunity, getting out on stages again, and seeing up close the true lasting power of good music. It’s made me really believe in magic,” she noted.

A Multifaceted Career

Throughout her career, Furtado has explored various musical genres, including R&B and Latin music. Her accolades include a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, a Latin Grammy Award for her Spanish language album “Mi Plan,” and 10 Juno Awards. She was also honored with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, solidifying her status as a significant figure in the music industry.

According to Rolling Stone, Furtado previously took a break from music to dedicate time to raising her three children. She made a notable return last year with her album “7,” which showcased her evolution as an artist. Furtado’s eldest daughter played a pivotal role in showing her how younger fans were engaging with her music online.

In her farewell message, Furtado expressed deep appreciation to those who supported her career. “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. I thank all my brilliant collaborators and loyal champions,” she wrote. She concluded by wishing the new generation of artists “many years of fruitful and passionate performance.”

As Nelly Furtado steps away from the stage, her legacy as a dynamic songwriter and performer remains firmly established, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape. Fans and fellow artists alike will undoubtedly continue to celebrate her contributions and look forward to her future endeavors.