Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado has announced that she is stepping away from live performances, citing a desire to pursue other creative projects. The decision follows months of speculation about online bodyshaming incidents that reportedly affected her confidence on stage. Furtado, 46, made the announcement on Instagram Friday, marking the 25th anniversary of her debut album Whoa, Nelly!. The Grammy-winning singer, best known for hits like “I’m Like a Bird” and “Maneater,” said she would “step away from performance for the foreseeable future.”
Why Nelly Furtado Is Taking a Break
Furtado’s announcement comes just weeks after she concluded her Better Than Ever summer festival tour. During her performance at Manchester Pride, she appeared to make a subtle statement against bodyshaming — wearing an oversized T-shirt with an optical illusion of an hourglass figure and the phrase “Better than ever” printed on the back.
Her stylist, Phil Gomez, later shared on Instagram that Furtado’s outfit was intended to “shut down body shamers.”
Furtado has previously spoken out about media editing practices, telling People magazine that editors used to lighten her skin and alter her body shape in photographs. Earlier this year, she publicly denied rumors about cosmetic surgery, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance.
Reactions from Industry Insiders
Fans and fellow artists have shown overwhelming support online. Music journalist Rebecca Ann Hughes, who first reported the story, described the announcement as “an important reminder of the toxic scrutiny artists face.”
Industry peers praised Furtado’s transparency. One longtime collaborator noted, “Nelly’s always been about authenticity — this isn’t a goodbye, it’s her reclaiming space.”
Social media platforms quickly filled with tributes using the hashtag #ThankYouNelly, with fans sharing memories from her early 2000s career peak.
Impact on the Music Industry
Furtado’s decision highlights the ongoing conversation about body image and mental health in entertainment. Her break comes at a time when several female artists, including Lizzo and Billie Eilish, have also spoken against bodyshaming culture.
Music analysts suggest her absence could leave a void in upcoming festival lineups, especially as she recently reemerged as a nostalgic favorite among Gen Z audiences rediscovering her early hits.
Her 2024 return had sparked renewed chart performance, including over 300 million streams for her remastered tracks on Spotify.
What’s Next for Nelly Furtado
In her statement, Furtado said she will continue writing and producing music, focusing on “creative and personal endeavors that suit this next phase.” She shared a reflective post of her 20-year-old self preparing for her first professional show, expressing gratitude for her journey.
“I’ll identify as a songwriter forever,” she wrote, thanking fans for “making my pop dreams come true.”
While no official timeline for her return to live shows has been announced, insiders believe she will continue collaborating with DJs and digital artists in 2026.
Sources
Yahoo Entertainment (Rebecca Ann Hughes, Oct 31, 2025)
People Magazine Interviews (2024)
Grammy.com — Nelly Furtado Interview (2024)
Official Instagram: @nellyfurtado
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