Nelly Furtado is one of the most beloved singers from the 2000s. This is thanks to singles such as “Say It Right” and “Maneater.” More recently, she has performed at various music festivals to critical acclaim. Now, the “I’m Like a Bird” singer has announced that she’s leaving music after 25 years.
Furtado took to her official Instagram account on October 24 to share the news. She said in the caption, “5 years ago today, my first album, Whoa, Nelly!, was released. In the first slide, I am 20 years old, about to play my first show as a professional artist at Lilith Fair.”
The singer continued, “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.”
Furtado then 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!”
Regarding stepping away from music, she continued, “All this aside, 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. 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.”
Furtado Also Had a Message for the ‘New Generation’
Furtado continued her retirement post by thanking everyone who has been involved in her career. She said, “I’m grateful for all the years of fun, community, and wonder. Endless gratitude to anyone who has ever listened to and vibrated with my music and attended any of my shows. I love you and your open hearts.”
She added, “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. I also wish to the new generation of artists, many years of fruitful and passionate performance.”
Furtado then delivered a message to other musicians. She said, “The second slide is me in Berlin this summer finally understanding what receiving flowers means 🥲❤️ Thank you and goodnight! Nelly :)”
She Released a New Album in 2024
Furtado is an icon because of songs like 2006’s “Promiscuous Girl.” However, she’s made new music in recent years, including her 2024 album, “7.” She interviewed with Stylist about the new album and what it means for her that her old music has withstood the test of time.
In terms of recording, she said, “I really embraced my ADHD in the studio. I’d write three songs at a time, go back to different beats and get the right energy in the studio by bringing in my friends.”
Regarding people discovering her old songs, Furtado said, “It’s surreal. It’s a pinch-me moment that’s taken me by surprise. Lately, I’ve been playing shows again, some in countries I haven’t been to in over a decade. Recently, when I went back to Sweden, I got on stage at a festival and the front row was all 16-year-olds.”
She added, “They all have my name written on their foreheads, and they’re singing all the songs that came out before they were born! And that part is really surreal, it feels a bit like The Matrix. Especially given I have a 20-year-old daughter.”
